Requirements (101-102 units)
Total units required for graduation: 180
Students who wish to teach social science subjects in California’s secondary schools will have to be classified as "highly qualified" teachers as required by federal No Child Left Behind guidelines. In order to meet this qualification they will have to pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), which encompasses knowledge and understanding primarily of history, but also geography, economics, and political science. Passing this exam means that the prospective teacher is considered to be "highly qualified" in each of these four subject areas. One effective way to be prepared to pass the exam is to complete the B.A. in Social Sciences, Credential Track. The core discipline in the program is history, as that is the most widely taught social science subject in secondary schools. In addition to this concentration, students have options in the other three disciplines of geography, economics, or political science. Any of these options would add 32-36 units to the 101-102 units needed for the core history program.
Students in the Credential Track are encouraged to see their Social Science advisor early in their program for assistance in choosing courses. For information about the professional education component or admission to the teacher education program, contact the Credentials Office, CE-102.
