Bachelor of Arts in History (Secondary Education)
Hours: 137-140 On-Campus Online
About
The Bachelor of Arts in History (Secondary Education) at Fort Hays State University offers a solid foundation in historical knowledge combined with thorough teacher preparation. This program equips students with the necessary skills to become effective educators, capable of teaching history and social studies to grades 6-12. The curriculum encompasses general education courses, specialized history classes, additional social studies content, and education courses aligned with state certification requirements.
Graduates are well-prepared not only to enter the teaching profession but also to make a meaningful and positive impact in the field of education. The program provides flexibility through both on-campus and online options, accommodating diverse learning preferences and schedules.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History (Secondary Education) at Fort Hays State University?
The B.A. in History (Secondary Education) provides a well-rounded education that integrates in-depth historical knowledge with proven teaching methodologies. With both online and on-campus options available, the program offers the flexibility students need to pursue their degree in a format that suits their individual schedules and lifestyles. Fully aligned with the certification requirements of the Kansas State Department of Education, the program ensures that graduates are ready to enter the teaching profession immediately upon graduation.
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Through strong partnerships with local schools and districts throughout Kansas, students engage in classroom observations and student teaching placement, key components of the curriculum. This immersive approach, paired with rigorous academic training, equips graduates with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the modern classroom and thrive as effective educators.
Who is this program for?
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about history, government, and social studies, and committed to shaping the minds of future generations. It caters to a diverse group of aspiring educators, including:
- Aspiring history, government, and social studies teachers
- Individuals seeking teaching certification
- History enthusiasts wanting to share their knowledge
- Career changers looking to enter the education field
- Educators looking to specialize in history, government, and social studies
Real-World Applications
Students prepare for the practical demands of a teaching career through a comprehensive secondary education program. Through student teaching placements, participants gain hands-on experience in classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment. This immersive approach allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, helping them develop the confidence and competence needed to succeed as educators.
In addition, the program places a strong emphasis on the use of modern educational technologies and digital resources. Students learn to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices, enhancing their ability to connect with and engage today’s tech-savvy learners. Graduates are well-versed in history, government, and social studies content areas and equipped with the instructional strategies and technological skills necessary to create dynamic, student-centered learning environments.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University incorporates the latest advancements and trends in education into its curriculum. Students receive comprehensive training in online teaching strategies and the effective use of digital tools, ensuring they are well-equipped to integrate modern educational technologies into their classrooms. This forward-thinking approach prepares graduates to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and meet the diverse needs of 21st-century learners.
Additionally, the program emphasizes modern instructional strategies such as differentiated instruction and adaptive teaching practices. By incorporating these methods into the curriculum, future educators are equipped with the tools and flexibility needed to stay ahead in a dynamic and ever-changing profession.
Hands-on Activities
The hands-on activities offered in the B.A. in History (Secondary Education) program are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in observation placements and a culminating student teaching experience, where they observe veteran educators, assist with classroom instruction, and progressively assume full teaching responsibilities. This real-world experience is essential for building the skills, confidence, and classroom management abilities necessary for a successful teaching career.
In addition to classroom experience, the program encourages participation in educational workshops, history conferences, and teaching seminars. These activities provide valuable opportunities for students to connect with education professionals, stay informed about current teaching strategies, and deepen their content knowledge in history and social studies. Through these immersive and interactive experiences, students gain both practical skills and professional networks that enhance their readiness to enter the field of education.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop a strong understanding of historical events
- Gain classroom management skills
- Learn effective teaching methodologies
- Understand curriculum development
- Integrate technology into teaching
How You’ll Learn:
- Classroom observations and practice
- Collaborative group projects
- Research and analysis of historical documents
- Faculty mentorship and support
The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in both historical content and educational theory. Students complete a combination of general education requirements, specialized history courses, and education classes that address essential topics such as modern languages, historical research methods, curriculum development, and classroom management. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are thoroughly prepared to teach with both subject matter expertise and effective instructional strategies.
Key areas of study include American history, world history, and the analysis of primary and secondary sources in historical research. In addition, students explore pedagogical methods, assessment strategies, and the integration of technology into classroom instruction. The program concludes with a student teaching practicum, offering students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real classroom environment, gaining meaningful hands-on experience essential for a successful teaching career.
HIST 379: Historical Methods
This course acquaints students of history with major philosophical concepts and problems underlying their discipline and directs them through the steps of historical research methods to the final product of publication. Required of majors.
HIST 479: Methods of Teaching Social Studies
This course examines methods, materials, and problems of teaching history, sociology, political science, geography, and economics.
HIST 631: History of Kansas
A survey of the exploration, settlement, and development of Kansas.
Discover the full Bachelor of Arts in History (Secondary Education) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates enjoy a wide range of career opportunities. The comprehensive training they receive equips them with the skills necessary to succeed in diverse professional settings, both within the education sector and in related fields.
Secondary School History Teacher
Secondary school history teachers design and teach history lessons to middle and high school students, assess their progress, and inspire a passion for history. The role requires strong communication skills and adapting instruction to meet diverse needs.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers design engaging, standards-aligned history curricula for schools, collaborating with educators and administrators to meet the needs of students and teachers.
Educational Consultant
Educational consultants advise schools and districts on improving teaching practices and curricula. Graduates analyze programs, recommend enhancements, and support educators to improve education quality and student outcomes.
Historian
Historians research and analyze past events and trends. Graduates may work in museums, archives, or research institutions, producing scholarly work, curating exhibits, and preserving historical knowledge.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several related programs for students interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in history and education. These programs include:
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in English (Teaching)
- Master of Science in Education Administration
You will receive mentorship from experienced faculty members dedicated to your success. Additionally, you will have access to various educational resources and support services to help you throughout your studies.
The program offers online and on-campus courses, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your schedule and learning preferences.
The curriculum is aligned with Kansas State Department of Education requirements, including all necessary coursework and student teaching experiences required for certification.
Graduates can pursue careers as secondary school history teachers, curriculum developers, educational consultants, historians, and educational administrators.
Information about the Department of History and Philosophy
The Department of History and Philosophy at FHSU offers a comprehensive educational experience that develops students' critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
The History Programs provide in-depth coursework exploring a wide range of historical periods and cultures, preparing students for careers in education, research, public history, and related fields. The Philosophy Programs challenge students to examine fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and values, fostering strong problem-solving skills and a thoughtful, reflective approach to life.
Together, these programs deliver a well-rounded education that combines historical understanding with philosophical inquiry. Graduates are equipped with the intellectual tools to succeed in diverse career paths and to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to society.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Phi Alpha Theta – History Club: This student organization provides a dynamic environment for engaging in intellectual discussions, film analyses, and activities centered on specific historical themes. The club fosters a collaborative and enriching learning experience for students passionate about history.
- Philosophy Club: This club offers students the opportunity to engage in thoughtful philosophical discussions that span multiple disciplines and address real-world issues, fostering meaningful dialogue between peers and faculty.
- Victor E. History Podcast: Hosted by faculty member Hollie Marquess, this podcast showcases research conducted by students, faculty, and alumni within the History Programs, highlighting diverse historical topics and scholarship.
- Bachelor's
- On-Campus
- Online
