Teaching - Social Studies, History Emphasis
Gain historical knowledge and earn the licensure necessary to teach social studies and history to grades 4-12.
Study the Past and Educate the Future
Graduates of the program earn the licensure necessary to teach all areas of social studies, including history, political science, economics, psychology, sociology, and geography to grades 4-12. Courses explore topics ranging from American women's history to race and ethnicity in the U.S. to social class and inequality. This interdisciplinary approach makes our graduates extremely knowledgeable — and marketable.
While pursuing the major, you'll learn what it takes to be a confident, approachable and inclusive teacher. Through projects, labs, and fieldwork, you'll gain the tools and skills needed to develop successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style, and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.
Many UWEC education majors choose to take their learning a step further by studying abroad, enrolling in cultural immersion programming, or participating in the National Student Exchange program. These experiences allow you to explore history, traditions, and educational practices across the globe and help you to become an informed, culturally competent educator.
While at UW-Eau Claire, you'll quickly find that you earn so much more than just a degree. You'll use your knowledge and passion for social studies to inspire and educate the next generation, shaping them into curious and capable students and citizens along the way.
Program Details
Licensure Information
Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.
Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.
The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:
- Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
- "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
- Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
- State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).
The requirements of this program meet requirements in the following states or territories:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa
The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states or territories:
Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
UW-Eau Claire has earned national recognition for the research opportunities it provides to its students — something you'll certainly experience while part of the history department. Working alongside faculty on unique and challenging projects, you’ll build your communication, analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also have a chance to present your findings at local, state, and national research conferences. This wealth of experience will set you apart and give you a competitive edge when applying for teaching jobs.
Many education majors choose to enhance their education by engaging in cultural immersions. You may student teach in Kenai, Alaska or participate in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. These experiences often lead to new ways of thinking and a better understanding of the students in your future classrooms.
A variety of electives within the program allow you to study the areas that most interest you. Curriculum includes topics related to history, American Indian studies, economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, and women's, gender and sexuality studies. This multidisciplinary approach will surround you with different perspectives, people, and ways of thinking.
While pursuing the teaching - social studies, history emphasis major, you'll be surrounded by people who, like you, are interested in history and working with children and young adults. Expert faculty throughout the program will help you learn a variety of teaching and learning strategies as well as foundational knowledge of social sciences.
Blugold Stories
I think what binds together Blugolds is the passion to help each other. The reason that all the faculty are here on campus is to help students. Students are here on campus to learn from the faculty, grow as people, and and meet new people. Everyone on campus wants the best for everyone else and I see that every single day in our interactions between faculty, students, staff and other community members here on our campus.
Being the first in her family to obtain a four-year undergraduate degree was no easy feat, but Madalyn McCabe accomplished that and so much more in her time at UWEC. Madalyn has participated in several immersion programs, including the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, Hawaii, and central Europe. She hopes to take her global and cultural learning experiences into her future classroom after graduation.
I would say something that surprised me is how much professors want you to be involved and want to help you out. At UW-Eau Claire, the professors are always telling you when their office hours are. They're always inviting you to events. They're always wanting you to get involved with organizations on campus and events.
Justthe
facts
Where can the teaching - social studies, history emphasis program lead me after graduation?
UW-Eau Claire's teaching - social studies, history emphasis major is competitive, rigorous and known for producing top-notch history teachers. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any social studies course in grades 4-12 — with special expertise and in-depth knowledge of history specifically. Our alumni go on to teach at schools throughout Wisconsin and nationwide, making a positive impact wherever they go.
Recent Graduates
Teacher
School District of Cadott Community
Wisconsin
Social Studies Teacher
Green Bay West
Wisconsin
Social Studies Teacher
Osseo Area School District
Wisconsin
Teacher
Port Washington School District
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Social Studies Teacher
Lake Holcomb School District
Wisconsin
With a teaching - social studies, history emphasis bachelor's degree, you will learn how to become a confident instructor, prepared to teach social studies and history to a variety of ages. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, a semester of student teaching provides real-world learning and opportunities to make valuable professional connections.
Here are a few courses in Teaching - Social Studies, History Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
HIST 124
World History to 1500
How global processes such as the spread of agriculture, the growth of long-distance commerce, the rise of cities, the establishment of empires, and the development of religions shaped the lives of men and women from 10,000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E.
HIST 114
United States History to 1877
Survey from colonial settlement through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Provides a basis for better understanding of American political, institutional, economic, social, and intellectual development.
HIST 205
American Women's History
A survey of the history of women from precolumbian America to the present. Provides a basis for understanding the historical experience of women from diverse cultural origins including Native American, African American, Asian American, Latin American, and Euro American women.
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