History and Social Studies Education
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Program TypeMajor
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Degrees OfferedB.A., B.S.
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SchoolLiffrig Family School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences
Explore the past to help your students navigate current opportunities and challenges. Gain the skills you need to teach history and social studies to middle and high school students.
What You’ll Learn
History and social studies education majors learn the importance of asking questions about the past and seeing the world through the eyes of others, as well as how to pass those abilities on to their students.
- Explore history and the social sciences alongside other disciplines, including philosophy, classics, and literature.
- Learn best practices in teaching and classroom management to prepare for a successful career as a secondary school educator.
- Graduate ready to teach history, economics, political science, geography, anthropology, sociology, and psychology to middle- and high-school students.
- Develop Breadth of Understanding and Depth of Expertise
Our combined program in history and social studies education comprises a broad range of courses in history, politics, economics, geography, and psychology, preparing graduates to teach across disciplines or to focus on a particular subject.
- Prepare Yourself for Classroom Success
Our students work in small classes and in close collaboration with peers and faculty from the Liffrig Family School of Education & Behavioral Sciences and the School of Arts & Sciences. You’ll gain the experience and confidence to teach courses including U.S. History, North Dakota Studies, Global Education, and more to learners in grades five through 12.
- See the World from New Perspectives
You will also develop your critical thinking and historical analysis skills while gaining deeper exposure to and understanding of cultural diversity. At the University of Mary, we promote respect for others through the lens of our Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values.
- Become Licensure Eligible
Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible for the North Dakota licensure for middle and high school teaching across a range of history and social studies subject areas. Graduates planning to teach in other states can apply for reciprocity — the North Dakota teaching license is generally accepted nationwide.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Accreditations
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![North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board logo]()
North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
All the University of Mary education programs are fully accredited by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board and all CAEP national standards are fully met.
Featured Faculty
Brendan Thorp
History Education Coordinator, Instructor of Humanities, Instructor of Catholic Studies
I attended the University of Mary as an undergrad, participating in the Rome and the Mary College at ASU programs. During the Rome program, I met my wife, Becky. We were married in December 2019 and had a son in October 2020. I studied history and Catholic studies and graduated in 2019. I then earned a Master's in Catholic Studies in 2021. I was an RD at Mary for about two years, and I served on the Rome Campus with my wife and children.
Alexander Mains, MEd
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education
As the director of the secondary education program, I have the opportunity to work with prospective middle school and high school educators to help them grow in their skills and develop a love of learning for their future students. I work within seven different subject areas for my program, teaching various methods courses and education courses, and visiting practicum schools where my future educators observe classroom teachers and practice teaching their lessons to real students.
