Program Overview

Department of History

The Department of History at San José State University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Social Science Teacher Preparation (SSTP). This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become transformative educators committed to social justice.

BA - Social Science Teacher Preparation

The BA in Social Science Teacher Preparation is a California Commission on Teacher Preparation (CCTC) approved program. This program offers courses across various social science disciplines, including United States history, world history, economics, government, geography, and ethnic studies. Students who major in SSTP gain the breadth of knowledge needed to be prepared to enter a credential program to pursue further teacher education.

Program Description

The SSTP program is designed to provide students with the pedagogical skills to create a culturally sustaining and humanizing learning environment that will ignite a love of learning in their students. The program aims to help students develop empathy for people who came before us and for people that we live side by side with in the present day. The goal of social science education is to help us connect our past to our present and to help us better understand our world so that we can live more fulfilling lives and create a better future for the people who will follow after us.

Program Benefits

• SSTP majors earn a waiver from taking the Social Science CSET.
• The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social science disciplines.
• Students gain pedagogical skills to create a culturally sustaining and humanizing learning environment.

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of History offers various undergraduate programs, including:

• BA - History
• Minor in History
• BA - Social Science Teacher Preparation
• Jewish Studies Minor
• Undergraduate PLOs

Graduate Program

The Department of History also offers a graduate program in History, which includes:

• Admissions Procedures and Information
• History M.A. Application Deadlines
• Requirements for the M.A. Program in History
• Applying for Award of the Master's Degree
• Courses
• Filing for Candidacy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Graduate PLOs
• Language Requirement
• General Information on Plan B Exams in All Fields

Student Resources

The Department of History provides various student resources, including:

• Historical Organizations and Resources
• Scholarships & Opportunities
• Forms & Handouts
• Writing Support
• History Club & Phi Alpha Theta
• History Careers
• Single Subject Credential Program