History/Social Studies — Secondary Teacher Education Track (6-12)

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In Person

Full-time tuition

In-state: $8,910;
Out-of-state: $26,250 (30 credit hours per year). See details and other costs

Financial aid

Average offer covers a large portion of tuition & fees.
In-state: nearly 100%;
Out-of-state: nearly 70%.
May include scholarships, grants, waiver, & work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Benefit from our unique approach: We combine teacher preparation courses and student-teaching experience with courses in history.
  • Develop expertise in history and social studies and prepare to be an engaging and resourceful social studies teacher.
  • Gain more student-teaching experience than any other Maine-based teacher preparation program.
  • Excel with academic advising and professional development — from course selection to the student teaching internship.
  • Benefit from our partnerships with organizations including the Maine State Museum, Maine Historical Society, Maine Humanities Council, Greater Portland Landmarks, and Maine Women Writers Collection.
Student teacher leans over table with 5 seated elementary school students.

Extensive classroom experience

We provide practice with grades 6-12 early and often — you’ll start working with students in your first year. During your final year-long student teaching internship, you’ll gain experience in two grade levels.

A student writing on a whiteboard.

Flexible career options

Upon graduation, you’ll qualify for teacher certification in public school grades 6-12 through the Maine Department of Education. Nationally accredited, our Maine certification qualifications are transferable to many other states.

Two students looking at an old photo.

Program requirements

Share your enthusiasm for history, culture, and education — prepare to teach middle or high school. We provide a rigorous, authentic learning experience, ensuring you graduate with a solid knowledge base in the social studies classes you’ll teach.

Logo for CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation)

National accreditation & state approval

Our Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and state-approved by the Maine Department of Education.

An aerial view of the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Diverse, expert faculty

You’ll study with faculty in both Education and in History. This unique approach ensures a superior background in educator preparation and mastery of history.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

A student teacher smiles at a group of K-12 students in the classroom.

Teacher education program options

Interested in another content area or grade level? We offer 9 different tracks for teaching STEM and liberal arts to middle and high school. You can also major in general education for grades K-6, or prepare to teach world languages, visual or performing arts for PreK-12.

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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