About

Appalachian State University was founded as a teachers college and continues to have one of the largest teacher education programs in North Carolina.  School systems in all 100 North Carolina counties employ at least one Appalachian graduate.

The History, Social Studies Education (BS) degree is Appalachian‘s second largest teacher education program. Students enjoy a variety of training and experiences focused on historical thinking, inquiry and teaching, as well as digital competency and global learning. Graduates are licensed to teach history and social studies in grades 9-12. NC teaching licenses are easily transferred to other states through reciprocal agreements.

Classes in Appalachian’s Department of History are taught by well-published professional historians who are dedicated to preparing students for life and careers in the 21st century. They encourage students to conduct research, attend or present at conferences, and learn from their various internship opportunities with public schools.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates of the program are employed all over the country, and some have international teaching jobs. Many of them have obtained National Board Certification and pursued careers in curriculum development and higher education.

Graduate School: Alumni have continued their studies by seeking graduate degrees in History or Social Studies Education.

Career Exploration Website

People

• 

  Alumna Profile: Carmen Scism ’11

  A former N.C. Teaching Fellow, Scism teaches at Kings Mountain High School and credits Appalachian faculty as “extremely knowledgeable” and “always willing to go the extra mile.”

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Rwany Sibaja

  “Our goal is to produce graduates who are confident in their knowledge of the past, skilled at teaching history, and ready to incorporate digital tools and a global focus in the classroom.”

  – Dr. Rwany Sibaja, program director

  Meet more faculty

• 

  Alumnus Profile: Adam Moore '18

  Moore begins his teaching career at his alma mater, East Forsyth High School, after receiving the College of Arts and Sciences' Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year for 2017–18.

Related Programs

• History (BA)
• History (BS) - Applied and Public History
• History (BS) - Multidisciplinary

Minors

A minor is optional.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

History Club – This student club stimulates interest in history, promotes a closer association of students and faculty, and provides a common meeting ground for all those interested in history.

Phi Alpha Theta – An honors society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas.

North Carolina Council for the Social Studies - A member-supported organization of K-12 educators and administrators, pre-service and retired teachers, college faculty and educators from non-profit organizations committed to supporting social studies education in NC. Its annual conference promotes quality curriculum resources, best instructional practices, legislative advocacy and professional collaboration

National Council for the Social Studies - Founded in 1921, it has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of History offers three regularly scheduled faculty-led, short-term summer study abroad programs:

• Ireland/Spain - “Religious and Ethnic Conflict in Western Europe: Ireland and Spain,” every other year
• Germany, Poland or Israel - “The Holocaust: History, Memory and the Politics of Representation,” every other year with support from the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
• United Kingdom - “Postindustrial Wales,” on demand

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required. The Department of History details the process here. The Reich College of Education also provides information here.