History and Social Studies Education, B.S.

Visit the History and Political Science Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The History and Social Studies Education, B.S. prepares students to teach history and the social sciences in grades 7–12 in Utah public and private schools. Through rigorous interdisciplinary coursework and field-based learning experiences, students develop deep content knowledge in U.S. and world history, geography, government, economics, and the behavioral sciences. The program emphasizes pedagogical theory and practice, including learner development, instructional design, classroom management, and effective teaching strategies aligned with professional and state standards. Graduates are equipped to engage diverse learners in historical inquiry and civic understanding while demonstrating professional responsibility, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Matriculation Requirements

1. ENGL and MATH QL courses must have a grade C or higher

2. GPA of 3.0 or higher with no grade lower than a C in content area courses.  

3. Completion of all General Education requirements and 70% of content area courses.  

4. Pass LiveScan Criminal Background Check.  

Program Requirements

 Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester credits, with a minimum of 40 upper-division credits.
2. Overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or above with no grade lower than a C in major required content courses and no grade lower than a B- in Licensure and Methods courses. (Departments may require a higher GPA.)
3. Residency hours -- minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
4. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
5. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
6. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched courses.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Design standards-based lesson plans that align with the Utah Core standards and incorporate appropriate historical and social science content to support student learning and development.
2. Apply methods from history and the social sciences to facilitate inquiry-based instruction that develops students’ analytical thinking, evidence-based writing, and civic knowledge.
3. Implement instructional strategies that vary content, process, and product to address differences in student readiness, learning preferences, and academic needs in secondary classrooms.
4. Analyze formative and summative assessment data to track student progress, inform instructional decisions, and provide targeted feedback to enhance learning outcomes.