The secondary education program is for students who wish to teach 9th through 12th grade social science subjects, which includes history, political science, sociology/anthropology, economics, psychology, and geography. UIS offers three routes to this teaching license. 

  • The first option is majoring in History and minoring in the Secondary Teacher Education program offered by the School of Education. Students complete the curriculum for both a B.A. in History and a Minor in Secondary Education.
  • The second option is majoring in Secondary Education History, a B.A. degree program offered by the School of Education. Students complete the curriculum for B.A. Secondary Education History.
  • The third option is for those students who hold a bachelor’s already; they may enroll in the non-degree licensure only program for the Secondary Education History license or subsequent endorsement. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree complete the curriculum for a Secondary Education History Endorsement.

All options have similar coursework from the School of Education and all result in state licensure. For degree seeking students, the Secondary Education History degree is more streamlined, requiring fewer courses. The streamlined format enables students to graduate more quickly, but with less disciplinary training, fewer elective options, and a different major. Consequently, students pursuing licensure should think carefully about which option is most beneficial to them. Interested students should consult with a faculty member in both the Department of History and the School of Education prior to selecting an option. Students selecting the  B.A. in History with a minor in Secondary Education will have a faculty advisor in both departments. Students electing to major in Secondary Education History will be assigned an academic advisor with the School of Education. 

Elementary and Middle Grades Secondary Education

Emphasis in History Teacher Education Programs

The elementary education program is for students who wish to teach elementary students. History majors can obtain elementary education certification by completing both a B.A. in History and the Elementary Education degree offered by the Department of Education. The Middle Grades Social Science degree is for students who wish to teach 5th through 8th grade Social Sciences. UIS students may also choose to add Middle Grades Social Science as an additional endorsement.

  • The first option is the B.A. in Middle Grades Education offered by the School of Education. Students complete the curriculum for a  B.A. Middle Grades Education. 
  • The second option is adding a second endorsement to an existing major that leads to initial licensure. Students seeking to add a second endorsement complete the 5th-8th grade Social Science Endorsement.
  • The third option is for those students who hold a bachelor’s already; they may enroll in the non-degree licensure only program for the Middle Grades Education license or subsequent endorsement. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree complete the curriculum for a 5th-8th grade Social Science Endorsement