Teaching Social Sciences Emphasis Track Requirements
The History, Teaching Social Sciences emphasis is designed to prepare UC Merced students for admission to teacher credential programs or to pursue graduate studies in education. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires those wanting to teach History courses at the secondary level to carry a single subject credential in “Social Sciences.” This emphasis satisfies those requirements.
The emphasis offers a direct pathway into teaching credential programs at many local institutions, including a direct pathway into the UC Merced Extension Teacher Preparation Program (TPP). At UC Merced and elsewhere in the state, graduates will be able to access grant funding and become eligible to teach full time on an interim credential while completing classes and other requirements for their full credential. The course of study also provides an exemption to standardized tests (CSET), saving further time and money.
The emphasis covers the six “domain areas” of a Social Science credential described by the CTC: 1. World History, 2. United States History, 3. California History, 4. Principles of American Democracy, 5. Principles of Economics, 6. Geography. In addition, students gain specific expertise in History to prepare them for a secondary school teaching career.
We strongly encourage Teaching Social Sciences emphasis students to pursue a Natural Sciences Education Minor . The NSED minor is affiliated with the system-wide CalTeach initiative, articulates directly to the UCM TPP post-baccalaureate teacher credentialing program, and provides coursework and classroom experience beginning at the lower division level.
Additional support and resources for students interested in teaching careers are available through the CalTeach program.
Language Recommendation
History majors are encouraged (but not required) to exceed the General Education language requirement. Advanced language skills are necessary for those interested in pursuing graduate training in History. Such students should contact the Chair or other faculty members to discuss this further. History Majors may exchange up to 8 units of advanced language classes (at UC Merced or approved courses offered elsewhere including in summer language institutes) for their Additional History Courses Requirement with consent of Chair.
History Honors Program
UCM History majors may petition to join the Honors Program, which will have additional requirements beyond the standard History major. Undergraduate majors who are accepted and successfully complete the Honors Program will receive a notation to that effect upon their diploma at graduation.
To be eligible for the Honors Program, a History major must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the major and a minimum grade of B+ in HIST 100: The Historian’s Craft . Applications from qualified students will be considered by the History Honors Committee (composed of Academic Senate faculty in History).
Applications require a proposal and letter of support from a faculty member. The letter of support requirement serves two critical functions: 1) it encourages students to speak with faculty mentors about their research interests, allowing them the opportunity to develop their communication skills; 2) it also allows faculty mentors the chance to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the student’s ability and potential for completing an honors thesis. Please contact SSHA Academic Advising for more information.
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