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History Education (Grades 6–12)

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Degree Type:
Undergraduate
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Lead Students Through History with TROY's History Education Degree

Are you passionate about understanding history's impact on the present and sharing that knowledge with others? ߲ݴý University's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Grades 6–12) with the history education concentration gives you the knowledge and experience to bring that understanding to your own classroom. As a history education major, you'll study U.S. and world history, government, geography and social sciences, while also exploring museum studies, historical records and archives. You'll complete field experience in a local secondary school and develop a formal research paper, all while learning how to become a history teacher who makes the past relevant for today's students.

Hawkins Hall on the ߲ݴý, Alabama campus
“During my time in the History Education Program, 2016-2020, I was given every possible resource needed to be successful in both the classroom and in the community as an educator and leader. In this program, I learned the importance of critical thinking, diverse learning, and multi-tier instruction. The instructors and the support staff at ߲ݴý University are excellent and have created an environment where learning, networking, engagement, and passion are the standard. I am truly thankful that I attended ߲ݴý University and was a part of the History Education Program. This institution has taught me so much and will lead to great success for any student who chooses to join the History Education Program at ߲ݴý University. Go Trojans!”
Alfonzo Johnson | 7th Grade History Teacher, Southside Middle School; Assistant Athletic Director, Tallassee City Schools; Varsity Football Offensive Coordinator, Tallassee High School | 2020 graduate, B.S. in Secondary History Education | M.S. in Secondary History Education, University of Alabama

Get Classroom-Ready with a History Teaching Degree

With the history concentration, you'll study the past and learn to teach in impactful ways. You'll gain the strategies to engage students in discussions about historical events, civic life and global perspectives. You'll also learn how to build lesson plans, manage a classroom and adapt instruction to meet different learning needs. Whether you plan to teach U.S. history, world history or social studies, TROY's history teaching degree offers the practical experience and professional preparation to support your success and prepare you for history teacher certification for grades 6–12. You'll graduate ready to help middle and high school students connect the past to the world they live in today.

A History Education Major that Fits Your Life

At TROY, you don't have to choose between quality and flexibility. Similar to a social studies education degree, the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Grades 6–12) with a concentration in history education helps you build strong subject knowledge and teaching skills in history. You can take courses on the ߲ݴý or Dothan Campus to work in person alongside faculty and classmates, or you can choose an online history degree to learn from the same expert faculty but around your schedule. Regardless of the format you choose, you'll still gain the in-person student teaching and classroom experience required for certification in Alabama.

Courses for the History Education Concentration

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:
Degree Map

Secondary Education Certification Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by taking courses online or on the ߲ݴý and Dothan Campuses. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.

How to Become a History Teacher: Start at TROY

At TROY, obtaining history teacher certification is built into the structure of the program. As a history education major, you'll meet Alabama's academic and experiential requirements for initial certification to teach grades 6–12. Field placements and a full-time teaching internship provide hands-on experience in real classrooms where you'll be guided by experienced educators who mentor and supervise your progress. Alongside your coursework in U.S. and world history, government and social sciences, you'll learn to teach according to state standards. By graduation, you'll be fully prepared to pursue certification and launch your teaching career.
Student speaking in front of a group of teachers

What Can You Do with a Master's in Secondary Education?

A master's degree in secondary education can help you advance your teaching skills or secure positions in educational leadership, instructional technology or curriculum development. You'll also be equipped to teach college courses in your discipline.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Avington Medeiros

Dr. Avington Medeiros

Dr. Avington Medeiros is a lecturer of history and the content advisor for social science and history education at TROY. She received her EdD in rural education in 2023 from the University of West Alabama and her MEd in secondary history education from Faulkner University. Dr. Medeiros is a two-time graduate of ߲ݴý University, having received her BS in history and an MS in post-secondary history education. Her areas for research include rural education, teacher preparation and history and social studies education.
Dr. Timothy Buckner

Dr. Timothy Buckner

Dr. Tim Buckner is a professor and an Associate Chair at TROY. He joined the History and Philosophy Department in 2005 and teaches courses on colonial America, the American revolution and the old South. He received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005. A co-editor and author, Dr. Buckner's book “The Barber of Nartchez Reconsidered: William Johnson and Black Masculinity in the Antebellum South” won the Jules and Frances Landry Award for 2024.
Dr. Margaret Gnoinska

Dr. Margaret Gnoinska

Dr. Margaret Gnoinska is an associate professor of history, a Fulbright Scholar and a Boren NSEP Fellow. She received her PhD and master's degree from The George Washington University, and her bachelor's from Middlebury College. Dr. Gnoinska is well-traveled and has published and presented her research around the world. She is currently revising her dissertation, “Poland and the Cold War in East and Southeast Asia 1949-1965,” into two books.

History Education Major Scholarships

TROY University offers several scholarships to students pursuing in-person or online history education degrees.
  • (߲ݴý Campus only)

FAQ About the History Education Program

Learn more about teaching history in grades 6–12 and our program.
What can I do with a history education degree?
With TROY's bachelor's degree, you'll be qualified to teach middle or high school history (grades 6–12) as well as related subjects like civics and government. It also prepares you for roles in curriculum support or civic engagement, depending on your goals in social studies education.
How do I become a history teacher in Alabama?
At TROY, one of the most important steps to becoming a history teacher is completing field placements and a full-time internship in secondary schools. These experiences help you develop the skills and confidence needed for certification in Alabama. After successfully finishing your degree and internship, you'll be eligible to apply for initial teacher certification and begin your career as a history educator.
What's the average history teacher salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, the median annual salary was $64,580 for high school teachers and $62,970 for middle school teachers.
Is a history teaching degree the same as a social studies education degree?
Not exactly. TROY's degree in history education focuses specifically on preparing you to teach U.S. and world history, while a social studies education degree typically includes broader coverage of subjects like economics, political science and sociology. Both lead to certification for teaching grades 6–12 but differ in content emphasis.
Is there a demand for history teachers?
Yes. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't report history teachers as a separate category, it projects about 41,400 openings for middle school teachers and 64,000 for high school teachers each year through 2033. Many of these are needed to replace teachers who retire or change careers. Given that history and social studies are core subjects in secondary education, it's likely that a steady portion of these openings will include positions for history teachers.
How long does it take to become a history teacher?
Most students complete history teaching degrees in four to five years. At TROY, our history education major is designed to be completed in four years (including student teaching) regardless of whether you choose an in-person or online history education degree.

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