History Teacher Education Bachelor's at Ferris State

Ferris State University offers a History Teacher Education Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years in-person, that prepares students to become certified secondary social studies teachers. If you are drawn to the past and want to help teenagers understand it, this program combines deep history coursework with the teaching methods you need to run a real classroom. The degree is designed for students who want a clear path to certification, not a vague liberal arts experience. Ferris State is located in Big Rapids, Michigan, and its education programs are known for hands-on training and strong partnerships with local schools. This article explains how the program works, what you study, what it costs, and how to decide if it fits your goals.

What the History Teacher Education Bachelor's Degree Covers

The History Teacher Education Bachelor's degree at Ferris State is a four-year, in-person program. It blends two major areas: history content and teacher preparation. You will take courses in American history, world history, European history, and historical methods. At the same time, you will complete education courses in educational psychology, classroom management, assessment, and literacy across the content areas. The goal is to produce teachers who know their subject deeply and can explain it clearly to middle and high school students.

Because the program is in-person, you get face-to-face interaction with professors and peers. That matters in teacher education. You practice teaching in front of real people, receive immediate feedback, and build a professional network before you graduate. Ferris State also requires clinical experiences in local schools, so you spend time observing and teaching in actual classrooms long before your final semester.

The degree typically leads to Michigan secondary teaching certification in social studies with a history endorsement. Certification requirements vary by state, so if you plan to teach outside Michigan, you should confirm reciprocity rules with that state's department of education. Ferris State's program is designed to meet Michigan standards, and many graduates transfer their credentials to other states after meeting additional requirements.

Admission Requirements and How to Apply

Admission to Ferris State for this program is straightforward for most first-year students. You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a competitive GPA, and satisfactory ACT or SAT scores (though test-optional policies may apply). The university also looks at your coursework in social studies, English, and mathematics. Because the program leads to teacher certification, you will eventually need to pass a criminal background check before entering schools for clinical placements.

Transfer students can also apply. If you have completed an associate degree or general education credits at a community college, those credits may count toward the bachelor's degree. Ferris State has transfer guides to help you map your previous coursework. Adult learners and career changers are welcome, but you should be prepared for a full-time, in-person schedule during the final two years because of the clinical requirements.

Here are the main steps to apply:

1. Complete the Ferris State undergraduate application online.
2. Submit official high school transcripts and any college transcripts.
3. Provide ACT or SAT scores if required (check current admissions policy).
4. Apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA.
5. Once admitted, attend orientation and meet with your education advisor.

After you are admitted, you will be assigned an advisor who helps you sequence your courses. Teacher education programs have strict prerequisites, so falling behind in one semester can delay your clinical placement. Meet with your advisor every semester and follow the program plan closely.

Coursework and Clinical Experience

The first two years focus on general education and foundational history courses. You will take classes like United States History, World Civilizations, and Introduction to Education. You will also complete courses in English composition, mathematics, and natural sciences to meet university requirements. During this time, you can explore whether teaching is truly right for you by taking an introductory education course that includes classroom observation.

The final two years are more specialized. You will take advanced history courses such as Modern Europe, History of the Americas, and Historical Research Methods. On the education side, you will study how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and assess student learning. You will also complete a course on teaching social studies, which focuses on methods specific to history, geography, civics, and economics.

Clinical experience is embedded throughout the program. Early field experiences may involve 20 to 30 hours of observation in a local school. Later, you will complete a pre-student teaching practicum where you teach several lessons under the supervision of a mentor teacher. The final semester is full-time student teaching, usually 12 to 16 weeks in a middle or high school classroom. During student teaching, you gradually take over all teaching responsibilities, from planning units to grading assignments.

This hands-on approach is one of the strengths of the program. By the time you graduate, you will have spent hundreds of hours in real classrooms. That experience makes you more competitive when you apply for teaching jobs and more confident when you step into your first classroom as a licensed teacher.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Ferris State University is a public university, so tuition is lower for Michigan residents than for out-of-state students. For the 2025-2026 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $13,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $19,000. These figures do not include room and board, books, or fees. You should check the Ferris State website for the most current tuition rates.

Financial aid is available through federal and state programs. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible to qualify for grants, work-study, and student loans. Michigan residents may also qualify for the Michigan Tuition Grant and other state scholarships. Ferris State offers its own scholarships for education majors, including awards for academic merit and diversity. You can also look for outside scholarships from community organizations, professional associations, and teaching unions.

If you are comparing programs, remember that the total cost of a History Teacher Education Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years in-person at Ferris State University, includes more than tuition. Budget for housing, meals, transportation for clinical placements, and certification exam fees. Some students reduce costs by living at home or choosing a roommate. Working part-time is possible during the first two years, but student teaching usually requires a full-time commitment, so plan your finances accordingly.

Career Outcomes and Certification

Graduates of the History Teacher Education program at Ferris State pursue careers as middle school or high school social studies teachers. Some also work in museums, historical societies, or educational nonprofits. The demand for social studies teachers varies by region, but schools always need qualified instructors who can teach history, government, and economics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of high school teachers is projected to grow about 1 percent from 2023 to 2033, with many openings coming from retirements.

To become a certified teacher in Michigan, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program, pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in your subject area, and complete a background check. Ferris State's program is designed to meet these requirements. Once certified, you can apply for teaching positions in public and private schools. Some graduates continue to a master's degree in education or history to increase their earning potential or move into administration.

If you are exploring other teaching fields, you might also consider a Mathematics Teacher Education Bachelor's at Dakota Wesleyan, which follows a similar structure but focuses on math content. Comparing programs can help you choose the subject area that best fits your strengths and interests.

For students who want to explore a wider range of education programs, TopStudents is a college matching site that helps prospective students browse online and on-campus degree programs by subject or state. It is not a college or university, but it connects people with participating schools and allows them to request information without obligation. This can be useful if you are still deciding between Ferris State and other options.

Is This Program Right for You?

The History Teacher Education Bachelor's degree at Ferris State is a good fit if you love history, enjoy working with young people, and want a structured path to certification. The in-person format builds strong relationships with professors and classmates, and the clinical placements give you real classroom experience. However, it requires a four-year commitment and a willingness to complete student teaching, which is essentially a full-time unpaid job. If you need to work full-time while earning your degree, an online program might be a better fit, but you would miss the face-to-face practice that Ferris State emphasizes.

You should also consider the cost. While Ferris State is affordable compared to private colleges, you will still need to budget for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Financial aid and scholarships can help, but you should plan carefully. If you are a career changer with a bachelor's degree in history already, you might look into a post-baccalaureate certification program instead, which can be faster and cheaper. But for traditional students and those who want the full college experience, the Ferris State program offers a comprehensive, well-regarded route to becoming a history teacher.

Before you apply, visit campus if you can. Meet with an education advisor, sit in on a class, and talk to current students. Ask about the pass rate on certification exams, the job placement rate for graduates, and the support services available for student teaching. These details will help you decide if Ferris State is the right place to launch your teaching career.

Becoming a history teacher is a meaningful way to shape how the next generation understands the world. A History Teacher Education Bachelor's degree, usually 4 years in-person at Ferris State University, gives you the content knowledge and teaching skills to do that job well. If you are ready to commit to the classroom, this program is worth a close look.