Shape young minds—and the future of our communities
As a History Secondary Education major with a concentration in Social Studies at Presbyterian College, you’ll combine your passion for the past with practical training to become a certified high-school teacher of history and social studies. You’ll learn educational, curriculum-design, and classroom management techniques while also learning engaging content about U.S., European, global, and regional history that you’ll teach at the secondary level.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Learn how historical events, movements, and ideas have shaped today’s society—and how you can inspire the next generation to think critically about their world. - Broaden your knowledge.
Build expertise in research methods, lesson planning, assessment strategies, and educational technology so that you graduate ready to lead a classroom from day one. - Solidify your skill set.
Put theory into practice through school-based field experiences, student teaching, and service learning that deepen your understanding of diverse learners. - Become a critical thinker.
Analyze teaching challenges, adapt evidence-based strategies, and develop lessons that empower all students to succeed.
82 Hours
Required for History Secondary Education major coursework
Senior Capstone
To demonstrate your skills in research, writing, and presentation
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll Study
For the History Secondary Education major, your curriculum creates a balance between historical content and essential education coursework. You’ll explore comprehensive U.S. History surveys and seminars alongside studies in World Civilizations and global perspectives. Your coursework delves into European History and historiography, regional and South Carolina history, and historical research methods while simultaneously developing your teaching expertise. The education components include foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum design and assessment, classroom management and diversity, and educational technology integration. During your junior and senior years, you’ll progress through specialized methods courses and gain increasing exposure to local high-school classrooms, ultimately culminating in an immersive student-teaching experience that prepares you thoroughly for the responsibilities of leading your own classroom.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for History Education through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in History Secondary Education
The History Secondary Education major with a concentration in Social Studies prepares students for the vital role of teaching history and social sciences in secondary schools. Graduates become educators who inspire critical thinking about past events and their impact on current society, which requires completing teacher certification and state licensure requirements.
Presbyterian College History Secondary Education majors typically secure teaching positions in public and private high schools across the country. These educators play a crucial role in developing students’ understanding of civics, economics, geography, and history. They help young people become informed citizens who can analyze complex issues and recognize patterns throughout history. The work that high school history teachers do creates the next generation of leaders and engaged community members with skills essential for meaningful participation in democratic processes.
Career Professions
High School History Teacher
History Department Head
History Curriculum Developer
Educational Consultant
History Instructional Coach
School Administrator (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal)
Educational Program Coordinator
College or University Professor (with additional degree)
Social Studies Teacher
Archivist
Educational Researcher
Museum Educator
Public Historian
Historical Interpreter
History Textbook Writer/Editor
Test Development Specialist (History)
Education Policy Analyst
Online History Instructor
Educational Content Developer
History Content Specialist (for educational platforms)
Educational Advisor (Specializing in History Programs)
Acquired Skills
Classroom management & student engagement
Culturally responsive teaching
Oral presentation & public speaking
Community partnership development
Problem-solving & critical thinking
Educational technology integration
Peer mentoring & collaboration
Curriculum design & lesson planning
Organizational & time-management
Lesson differentiation & adaptation
Reflective practice & self-evaluation
Data-driven instructional assessment
Student motivation & rapport building
Research methods & archival inquiry
Teamwork & interdisciplinary collaboration
Written communication & technical writing
Historical research & analysis
Quick Stats
$65,220
Average Median Salary
Graduates with a History Secondary Education degree can expect a median annual salary of around $65,220 as high school teachers. For those pursuing advanced degrees and teaching at the postsecondary level, the median annual salary increases to approximately $93,120. Salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, level of education, and years of experience.
64,000 Openings
Annual Job Opportunities
Approximately 64,000 job openings for high school teachers are expected each year through 2033. These openings will primarily come from the need to replace teachers who transfer to other occupations or exit the workforce due to retirement, creating steady demand for qualified history educators entering the profession.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
A degree in History Secondary Education offers high career versatility, with opportunities in various sectors including public and private schools, tutoring centers, educational publishing, and educational administration. The broad skill set acquired—encompassing historical knowledge, pedagogy, and communication—equips individuals to adapt and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
