History Social-Studies Teaching

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Bradley’s History/Social-Studies Teaching program prepares you to inspire the next generation by connecting the past to the present. From your first year, you’ll gain hands-on classroom experience, progressing from early fieldwork to a full student-teaching placement in your senior year.

With guidance from expert faculty and mentor teachers, you’ll build a strong foundation in history, social sciences, economics, and politics. Through extensive fieldwork, student organizations, and mentorship, you’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in education.

Experiential Learning

Bradley’s History/Social-Studies Teaching program offers extensive hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring you graduate fully prepared to lead in the classroom.

Four years of classroom experience, including student teaching
Close mentorship from Bradley faculty and local high school teachers
Opportunities for practice teaching in local schools before student teaching
Engagement in professional and social organizations, including:
History Club
Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)
Pi Gamma Mu (Social Sciences Honor Society)
Accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Program Details

Required courses in History and Social Studies – 57 hrs.

World History (100-200): HIS 205, 206, 207, or 208 (3 hrs.)
World History and Geography (300-400): HIS 336 and 337 (6 hrs.)
Western Civilization (100-200): CIV 100, 101, 102, 111, 112, 113, or 114 (3 hrs.)
European History (300-400): HIS 320, 321, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 338, 340, 341, 342, 343, 345, 346, 375, or 382 (3 hrs.)
History of Science and Technology (300-400): HIS 385 (3 hrs.)
U.S. History (100-200): HIS 203 and 204 (6 hrs.)
U.S. History (300-400): HIS 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 315, 316, or 317 (3 hrs.)
Historical Methods: HIS 350, 351, or 352 (3 hrs.)
Historical Research Seminar: HIS 450, 451, or 452 (3 hrs.)
Political Science: PLS 105 (3 hrs.)
Political Science: PLS 311, 312, 314, 315, 360, 459, 460 (3 hrs.)
Economics: ECO 221 and 222 (6 hrs.)
Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology: ANT 101, PSY 101, or SOC 100 (3 hrs.)
Social Studies Elective: one additional Social Science course in AAS, ANT, IS, PLS, PSY, RLS, SOC, or WGS (3 hrs.)

Career Opportunities

History education teachers are in high demand, with strong job placement rates and opportunities for further education.

High Success Rate –100% pass rate on Illinois licensure tests, including the national edTPA portfolio evaluation
Strong Job Placement – Most graduates secure teaching positions within six months of graduation
Employment opportunities – Many alumni teach in school districts across central Illinois and Chicago
Pathways for Advancement – Graduates can pursue further studies in curriculum and instruction or other related fields

Minors

Explore the past to better understand the present! This minor covers U.S., European, and global history, preparing you for careers in law, business, government, or museum work. It’s also great for grad school prep!

Examine how gender shapes society, culture, and identity. This interdisciplinary minor dives into gender roles, intersectionality, and social change, culminating in a research-focused capstone seminar.

Dive into the history, culture, and contributions of Black communities in the U.S. and beyond. This interdisciplinary minor explores politics, literature, social movements, and intellectual traditions, centering race alongside other identities like gender, class, and nationality.

Choose between a research-focused track or a hands-on community engagement path to connect your studies with real-world impact.

Gain a global perspective with this interdisciplinary minor covering the history, politics, and cultures of East, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Asian diaspora.

Expand your global awareness by studying European history, culture, and politics. Perfect for students interested in international business, diplomacy, law, or the arts. Study abroad courses can count toward the minor!