Study the past — and educate the future —  with a bachelor's degree in teaching - social studies, history emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Graduates of the program earn the licensure necessary to teach all areas of social studies, including history, political science, economics, psychology, sociology and geography to grades 4-12. Courses explore topics ranging from American women's history to race and ethnicity in the U.S. to social class and inequality. This interdisciplinary approach makes our graduates extremely knowledgeable — and marketable.

While pursuing the major, you'll learn what it takes to be a confident, approachable and inclusive teacher. Through projects, labs and fieldwork, you'll gain the tools and skills needed to develop successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.

Many UWEC education majors choose to take their learning a step further by studying abroad, enrolling in cultural immersion programming or participating in the National Student Exchange program. These experiences allow you to explore history, traditions and educational practices across the globe and help you to become an informed, culturally competent educator.

While at UW-Eau Claire, you'll quickly find that you earn so much more than just a degree. You'll use your knowledge and passion for social studies to inspire and educate the next generation, shaping them into curious and capable students and citizens along the way.  

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

UW-Eau Claire's teaching - social studies, history emphasis major is competitive, rigorous and known for producing top-notch history teachers. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any social studies course in grades 4-12 — with special expertise and in-depth knowledge of history specifically. Our alumni go on to teach at schools throughout Wisconsin and nationwide, making a positive impact wherever they go. 

Where are teaching - social studies, history emphasis alumni now?

• Teacher, School District of Cadott Community, Wisconsin
• Social studies teacher, Green Bay West, Wisconsin
• Social studies teacher, Osseo Area School District, Wisconsin
• Teacher, Port Washington School District, Wisconsin
• Social studies teacher, Lake Holcomb School District, Wisconsin 

With a teaching - social studies, history emphasis bachelor's degree, you will learn how to become a confident instructor, prepared to teach social studies and history to a variety of ages. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, a semester of student teaching provides real-world learning and opportunities to make valuable professional connections.

What classes do teaching - social studies, history emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• American women’s history 
• Human geography 
• Native geographies 
• Race and ethnicity in the U.S. 
• Survey of U.S. constitutional principles 
• American national politics
• Psychology
• World history 

Learn more about the teaching - social studies, history emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in history education? Here are a few other programs you might be interested in exploring.