History Teaching Emphasis Requirements

History Teaching Emphasis requires 36 credits in history (HIST) and completion of the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP).

Minimum GPA for Admissions: 3.0, Major; 3.0 Cumulative

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 3.0, Major; 2.0, USU

Number of Required Credits: 36, plus the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP)

History Teaching Emphasis Majors must complete at least three introductory survey courses, two required methods courses, and a number of upper-division electives. Students may count up to 12 credits of lower-division coursework in history toward the major. Additionally, students must complete the STEP program and graduate with a 3.0 overall GPA for licensure recommendation to be made by USU to the Utah State Board of Education. Major requirements may not be taken for a pass/fail grade except for those STEP courses that are only taught pass/fail.

History Teaching Emphasis Lower-Division Requirements

Complete the following lower-division course requirements in sections A, B and C with a grade of C or better in each class, for a total of 9 credits.

History Required Methods Courses

After satisfying the lower-division requirements, students will complete two required methods courses (HIST 3000  and HIST 4990 ), and they must earn a C+ grade or better in each class to earn credit toward the major.

• HIST 3000 - History Research Methods 3 credit(s)

• Prerequisite: Two HIST courses with a grade of C or better. NOTE: HIST 1700  does not count toward the prerequisite.

• HIST 4990 - Undergraduate Research Capstone (CI) 3 credit(s)

• Prerequisite: HIST 3000  with a grade of C+ or better is required as well as senior standing.

Upper-Division Course Electives

Students take their remaining 21 credits in 3000- and 4000-level history courses (with a grade of C or better in each class). The upper-division classes provide a more focused, detailed and rigorous examination of historical periods and times.

Any course with a HIST prefix at the 3000 level or above is acceptable as an elective. No more than 3 credits of HIST 4930  may be applied toward the major.

Bachelor of Arts Language Track

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in history requires a minimum of proficiency in a foreign language. This proficiency may be established in one of the following ways:

1. 16 credits in a single language; or
2. Documentation of a proficiency level the equivalent of 2020 or better through an examination administrated by the USU Department of Languages, Philosophy, and Speech Communication; or
3. Completion of any upper-division foreign language course constituting a third-year course of study with a grade of C or better.

For non-native English-speaking students only, the following options are available:

1. Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students; or
2. TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

Note: Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language will not meet the foreign language requirement for the BA degree in History.

Requirement for a Teaching Minor

Since the teaching of history requires an understanding of many fields of human behavior, students must select a teaching minor for teacher licensure.

Required Courses for the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)

To begin the admission process to the STEP, students should see their advisor at least two semesters before they begin Level I coursework. STEP admission deadlines are March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Please contact the College of Education for minimum grade requirements.

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure and was designed to meet licensing qualifications in the state of Utah. If students wish to work in another state within the United States, they should review the qualifications for that state and the Education Licensure Compliance Table provided by School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

For more information, please contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at https://cehs.usu.edu/teal/