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.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the U.S. Department of Education for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at Appalachian at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional.
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.
Why Appalachian?
- This is one of the largest history and social studies education programs in North Carolina. Its graduates are highly regarded throughout the state.
- The Department of History offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional and world history which encourages history majors to develop a comparative approach to human problems.
- The campus library’s W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection and British Studies collection are valuable resources for history majors.
- A web-based, undergraduate journal of historical research, called History Matters, is published annually by the Department of History. It is edited by undergraduates with the help of a faculty board.
- Classes in the Department of History are small and faculty members give individualized attention to students.
- The department has more than 30 tenured faculty members, including several with experience in public school teaching and curriculum design.
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Number of Students
200+
Method of Delivery
On campus, with some online courses in the summer
Careers
- Teacher: public, private, international and U.S. Department of Defense schools
- Tutor
- Adult Education Teacher
- Curriculum Specialist
- Education Management Specialist
- Education and Training Administrator
- Educational Resource Developer
- Historic Site Educator
- History Educational Researcher
- Instructor: community college, college, and university
- Museum Education Specialist
- Research Assistant
View more career possibilities
Contacts
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of History
Dr. Rwany Sibaja
Program director
828-262-8476
sibajaro@appstate.edu
Myra Pennell
Faculty member
828-262-6002
pennellml@appstate.edu
Donna Bly
Advisor
828-262-7691
blyd@appstate.edu