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History Education (Grades 6–12)

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Degree Type:
Graduate
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Teach History in Grades 6–12 with TROY's Master's in History Education

Looking for a practical path to becoming a certified history teacher? Troy University's Master of Science in Education - Secondary History Education (Grades 6–12) equips you with the knowledge and classroom skills to teach history effectively in middle and high schools. With this master's in history education, you'll deepen your understanding of historical content while learning how to apply educational psychology, instructional technology and proven teaching methods to reach diverse learners. TROY's program also prepares you for career advancement, including leadership roles within your school or district.

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Level Up with TROY's History Education Degree

Build a strong foundation in advanced teaching methods, classroom management, instructional decision-making and educational technology. The master's in history education prepares you to design and deliver engaging social studies lessons, foster an inclusive learning environment and collaborate with students, families and fellow educators. You'll also develop skills in reflective practice, self-assessment and cultural responsiveness. Together, these strengths support your growth as an educator and enhance your impact with a secondary education history degree.

How to Become a High School History Teacher

Strengthen your expertise in history and choose the track that fits your background and goals. If you hold a history education teaching certificate, you'll choose the Traditional Track to expand your knowledge and instructional practice. If you're not certified, hold a bachelor's in a non-education field or want certification in a new subject, you'll choose the Alternative-A Track for a direct path to licensure. Coursework for both tracks is on the offered on the Troy Campus and fully online, and the Alternative-A track includes an internship in a secondary history classroom in your local community to meet certification requirements.

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Master's in History Education Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your secondary education history degree coursework may include:

History Teaching Degree Program Locations

Earn your master's in history education online, with a local internship required only for certification, or on the Troy Campus. For more information about program availability and delivery, call 1-800-414-5756.

Gain the Skills and Credentials to Teach History

TROY's secondary education history degree equips you with the tools, knowledge and experience to succeed in today's classrooms. You'll strengthen your historical content expertise, explore the latest instructional technology for social studies and work alongside mentor teachers to apply what you learn in real classrooms. Whether you're earning initial licensure or pursuing National Board certification, this program supports your goals while preparing you to lead and grow as a history educator in grades 6–12.

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Careers with a TROY Master's in History Education

If you're exploring how to become a history teacher for middle or high school students, this program offers a clear path to the classroom and beyond. Graduates of TROY's M.S.Ed. in secondary history education are prepared for teaching roles in grades 6–12 as well as careers in curriculum development, museum education, education policy or nonprofit work. Some also continue on to doctoral study in education or history-related fields.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Avington Medeiros

Dr. Avington Medeiros

Dr. Avington Medeiros is a lecturer of history and the content advisor for social science and history education at TROY. She received her Ed.D. in Rural Education in 2023 from the University of West Alabama and her M.Ed. in Secondary History Education from Faulkner University. Dr. Medeiros is a two-time graduate of Troy University, having received her BS in History and an MS in Post-Secondary History Education. Her areas for research include rural education, teacher preparation and History and Social Studies education.
Dr. Karen Ross

Dr. Karen Ross

Dr. Karen Ross is an associate professor at TROY. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and her bachelor's in history and biochemistry from the University of Texas. Her research centers on the development of medical research in the United States in the early twentieth century, particularly at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, and the laboratory as a center of knowledge production. Currently, Dr. Ross is working on a book that analyzes how medical scientists in the United States responded to antivivisection campaigns in the 1920s and '30s.
Dr. Adam Hoose

Dr. Adam Hoose

Dr. Adam Hoose is a lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy at TROY. He holds a B.A. from Roberts Wesleyan College, an M.A. from Saint Louis University and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. Dr. Hoose has held a Mellon Fellowship at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies and has published several articles, as well as presented at various conferences. His research interests include medieval heresy, the Inquisition, the history of Christianity, pre-modern history and gender history

Teaching Fields

Beyond the history concentration, TROY's master's in secondary education degree offers additional subject-area options that may better fit your background, interests or teaching goals. Each concentration prepares you to teach grades 6–12 and supports your entry or advancement in the classroom. Choose the traditional track if you already hold a teaching certificate, or the Alternative-A Track if you're pursuing initial licensure and want to gain experience through a supervised internship.
Biology

If you want to help students explore the life sciences, the biology concentration prepares you to teach biology in grades 6–12 and support science learning across your school.

English Language Arts

If you enjoy literature and writing, the English language arts concentration prepares you to teach English in grades 6–12 and explore related areas like journalism or drama.

Mathematics

If you want to help students build problem-solving, logical reasoning and analytical skills, the mathematics concentration prepares you for careers as a math teacher, department leader or instructional coach.

Social Science

If you're drawn to subjects like history, geography and human societies, the social science concentration prepares you for roles in classroom teaching, instructional coaching and departmental leadership.

FAQ About TROY's History Education Degree

Learn more about the field of history education and our program.
How to become a history teacher?

To become a history teacher in grades 6–12, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, participate in a state-approved teacher preparation program and earn certification. If you're wondering how to become a high school history teacher or want to teach in middle school, TROY's Alternative‑A track offers a path to licensure while earning a master's degree in history education.

What degree do you need to teach history?

Most states require at least a bachelor's degree in education or history to teach at the secondary level. If you're entering the profession or changing careers, a history teaching degree like TROY's Alternative‑A program can help you meet certification requirements and gain classroom experience.


How long does it take to become a history teacher?

You can become a history teacher with a bachelor's degree and state certification, which typically takes about four years. If you already hold a bachelor's in a related field, TROY's M.S.Ed. in secondary history education (Grades 6–12) can be completed in about two years and helps you earn certification while building deeper content knowledge and teaching skills.

Can you earn a master's in history education online?

Yes. TROY offers a master's in history education online, with tracks for both certified teachers and those seeking initial licensure. How long does it take to become a history teacher? This flexible program can typically be completed in about two years — ideal for working professionals or career changers.

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