Inspire a Love for History
History and Social Studies Education Major
Train to teach history and social studies in schools.
Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies Education
The history and social studies education major at Lynchburg prepares students to teach history, government, economics, and geography to students in pre-K through 12th grade. There are courses in each of these subjects, along with the option of taking special topics courses. For example, you could take a course on archaeology or museum studies.
Students can also choose to take on a minor in many different fields. You could study archaeology, classical studies, gender studies, international relations, Latin American studies, medieval and Renaissance studies, museum studies, or political science to enhance your major.
The history and social studies education degree leads to licensure, which is a requirement to teach in Virginia, with an endorsement in history and social studies.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
Program requirements for the following can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
- Actuarial Science (BS)
What Jobs Can I Get With a History and Social Studies Education Major Degree?
The University of Lynchburg's School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling has obtained full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This accreditation signifies that the college meets the comprehensive standards for educator preparation.
The accreditation process evaluates several aspects of an educational institution, including the effectiveness of its teaching programs, the preparation of its students for careers in education, and the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and current educational practices.
As a CAEP-accredited institution, the college has demonstrated its ability to prepare its students for teaching roles in pre-K to 12th-grade education. This achievement reflects the college's ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards and adapting to the evolving requirements of teacher education.
This accreditation is an important milestone for the School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling, and it ensures that the college continues to provide quality education to its students.
CAEP Accountability Measures
- Measure 1: Completer Impact and Effectiveness
- Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement
- Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Program Completion
- Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Been Prepared
Title II Report Cards
- 2022-2023 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2021-2022 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2020-2021 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2019-2020 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2018-2019 Title II Program Report [PDF]
Licensure and Certification
Per federal regulations from the U.S. Department of Education and CAEP, we must disclose whether our educational programs are eligible for state credentialing such as certification or licensure. The University of Lynchburg has been approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education to offer 11 initial licensure programs at the undergraduate level. If you gain licensure in Virginia, it can lead to reciprocal licensure in other states and jurisdictions. The teacher education program at the University of Lynchburg can assist you in obtaining the following types of licenses:- Elementary Education (PreK – 6th grade): Elementary Education (BS)
- Secondary Education (6th – 12th grades): English Education (BA), History and Social Studies Education (BA), Mathematics Education (BS), Biology Education (BS), Chemistry Education (BA), Earth Science Education (BA)
- Designated Discipline Education (PreK–12th grade): Health and Physical Education (BS)
Reciprocal Licensure and Other State Requirements
Educators who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for reciprocal licensure in more than 45 states across the U.S. However, it is important to note that some states may require additional temporary, testing, or other requirements that educators must meet before teaching in that jurisdiction. To determine the necessary steps for teaching outside of Virginia, refer to the state reciprocity information or contact the Department of Education in each state.
As a Lynchburg history and social studies education student, you'll:
Have the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics based on your interests.
Gain flexibility in your future career choices with minor programs.
Get licensure to teach history and social studies in Virginia.
Recognized for Excellence by CAEP
The University of Lynchburg meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement.
"At [Lynchburg], I can work directly with professors and work so closely with history... I really like being able to touch history like this and have the hands-on experience that not a lot of other colleges offer."
- Harry H. ’22
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