History/Social Studies (Certifiable for Secondary Education), BS

You should let your advisor know of your interest in becoming a secondary history/social studies teacher as early as possible. This degree program is specific in its courses and credits, and student teaching occurs only during the spring semester. Lack of planning can mean taking courses that you do not need, thus prolonging graduation. Our goal is to get you through your education in the most productive, efficient way possible while supporting your enrichment as a future teacher.

Even if you’re not completely sure that teaching is your ultimate goal, Central advisors can help to develop a plan of study that will prepare you for application to the Professional Program for Teacher Certification should you decide to do so at a later time. We recommend speaking to the Social Studies Coordinator to get the most recent and thorough information. The advisors and the coordinator will help you decide when to apply to the Professional Program.

Students with questions about the BSEd in history should contact the Secondary Social Studies Coordinator, Dr. Aimee Loiselle.

BSED Curriculum Sheet

The Professional Program is a formal series of courses and practicums for teacher education. Typically, undergraduate students apply to the Professional Program after completing approximately 60-70 credits (including some upper-level classes) while enrolled in HIST 301 or later. Applicants in HIST 301 receive conditional acceptance until they complete the course with a grade of B or better. The State of Connecticut requires that students start a Professional Program for Teacher Certification after they have met certain criteria. Admission to Central and pursuit of a BSEd do not guarantee acceptance into the Professional Program. Students must submit a formal application and pass an interview.

The earlier you begin, the better the chances you will meet all the deadlines. Professional Program applications are usually due September 10 and February 10. Guidance for completing the application through the Watermark online portal is available the School of Education.

Before applying, be sure that minimum requirements are met. They include, among others:

• School of Education Requirements
• 2.70 or better cumulative GPA
• 3.00 or better cumulative GPA for all of Social Science courses: Economics, Geography, History, and Political Science
• A grade of “B” or better in History 301 (Please note that a “B-“ does not count)

Once you are accepted into the Professional Program, the Social Studies Coordinator, Dr. Aimee Loiselle, officially takes over as your faculty advisor.

Students take a sequence of courses that requires no less than three semesters and includes theoretical and field experience-based courses. Student teaching practicums are offered only in the spring semesters. Important student teaching information is available here. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Connecticut law requires all students in teacher/educator certification programs to undergo state and national criminal history background checks before participating in school-based field experiences. You will be responsible for the cost of the background check and will be provided with the necessary consent forms and other documents needed to conduct it. As part of the background check, you will be fingerprinted. If you fail to pass the background check, you may be unable to complete your chosen degree program at Central Connecticut State University. The University will not be responsible for your inability to complete your chosen degree program.