Social Studies and History for K-12 Education

Since its creation as the Michigan State Normal School in 1849, Eastern Michigan University has been committed to preparing primary and secondary teachers.  That commitment remains alive in the History Section’s Social Studies and History for K-12 education programs, which prepare teachers for employment in the State of Michigan and around the country.  Students of this program have traditionally been highly successful at attaining Michigan teacher certification.  For example, in the 2008 state teaching certification exam for social studies, 92% of EMU students passed, compared to 80% statewide. Similarly, 92% of our students passed the exam for history, in contrast to 76% statewide.

We offer the following undergraduate programs for future teachers:

• Social Studies Group Major (with a Minor in Economics, Geography, History or Political Science)
• History Major-Secondary Teacher Certification
• History Minor-Secondary, K-12 and Special Education-Secondary Teacher Certification
• Social Studies for Secondary Teacher Certification / History Double Major

Program Strengths

Reputation.  Our program is one of the largest in the state of Michigan, and draws from both traditional age students and older, returning students. The Michigan Department of Education has given EMU's teacher preparation programs a rating of "Exemplary," the highest possible score.

Student Satisfaction.  Comments from former students about EMU’s History/Social Studies for K-12 Education Programs include: “Professor Olwell’s class [HIST 481] was excellent. We explored standards, talked with guest speakers in the field, and were encouraged to design creative and challenging lesson plans.”  Another student said, “the instructors have been or are teachers and information is always very relevant and immediately useful.”  One student appreciated the “availability of professors to sit down and talk to during their office hours.” Another noted: “I liked the diversity of programs offered by the social studies department at EMU. I also like that most of the classes were small in size and that the professors took an interest in their students.”

Accessibility.  We have sought to maximize the program's accessibility to students. The required course, History 481, is offered at least three times per term, including one evening section.  It is also offered in either Spring or Summer term.

Advising checklists (pdf format):

• History for Teaching Major
• History for Teaching Minor
• Social Studies for Teaching Major with Economics Minor
• Social Studies for Teaching Major with Geography Minor
• Social Studies for Teaching Major with History Minor
• Social Studies for Teaching Major with Political Science Minor
• Social Studies for Teaching / History Double Major