Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History
The B.A. in History can be completed through the History Liberal Arts Track or through the History Social Studies Track. Both tracks provide majors with a background in history that is both broad and deep. This, together with the skills learned in analysis, research and writing, provides an excellent foundation for global citizenship in the 21st century world, whatever a major’s future career path may be.
The History Social Studies Track is designed for students who want to teach Social Studies at the secondary level (grades 7-12). Majors in this track complete a rigorous course of study that includes multiple courses in American, European, and Non-Western history; one course each in modern (global) World History, in Science and Technology, in Geography, and in Politics; and two courses in Economics. Majors in the Social Studies track also complete the Social Studies Senior Seminar in which they write an original research paper.
Majors completing the History Social Studies Track have the option of graduating with an Adolescence Education degree in Social Studies. By gaining admission to the School of Education, completing School of Education course requirements for Adolescence Education: Social Studies, and passing New York State certification exams, students majoring in the History Social Studies Track will satisfy all requirements for New York State initial certification in Adolescence Education: Social Studies (grades 7-12).
Alternatively, majors in the History Social Studies Track can pursue state certification by enrolling in the college Social Studies M.A.T. program after graduation. The M.A.T. program involves a separate application process during a student’s senior year. The History Social Studies Track fulfills all content course requirements for admission into the M.A.T. program and provides an excellent background for the areas of teaching encountered in secondary social studies curricula. Students graduating from the M.A.T. program are fully prepared to take the statewide certification exams and enter the teaching profession with the highest degree they will need.
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