students in classroom

Welcome to Northern Michigan University’s History/Social Studies Secondary Teaching Certification Programs homepage.

Since 1899, NMU has graduated teachers to help create an informed and active citizenry through the social studies. We are proud of our history and tradition and invite you to peruse this website. Here you can learn how to procure a secondary teaching certificate (grades 6-12) and endorsements for: History, Geography, Economics, Government, and Social Studies.

 

Required Liberal Studies Credits for Secondary Education: History Majors

Division I: Foundations of Communications

  • EN 111 College Composition (4 credits) or
  • EN 109W Intensive College composition (5 credits)

And one of the following courses

  • EN 211 College Composition II (4 cr.)
  • EN 211A Writing and Literature (4 cr.)
  • EN 211B Narrative and Descriptive Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211D Technical and Report Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211E Critical Thinking and Writing (4 cr.)

Division II: Foundations of Humanities

  • *HS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1600 (4 cr.) or
  • *HS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1600 (4 cr.)

And one of the following

  • *HS 105 World History (4 cr.) (WC)
  • *HS 234 Indigenous People of Latin America (4 cr.)
  • *HS 251 Latin American Civilization (4 cr.)
  • *HS 252 Arab-Islamic History (4 cr.)
  • *HS 254 Introduction to the History of Africa (4 cr.)
  • *HS 256 Approaching China (4 cr.)
  • *HS 259 Approaching Japan (4 cr.)

Division III: Foundation of Natural Science and Mathematics

  • *GC 100 Physical Geography and

There is a required laboratory course for all NMU Bachelor’s degree programs. Take one of the following 100 level labs.

  • AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • AS 104 Stellar/Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • BI 100 Biological Science (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 105 Chemical Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 107 Introductory Chemistry I (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 111 General Chemistry I (5 cr.) (3-1-3)
  • PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) (3-0-2)

Division IV: Foundations of Social Sciences

  • *HS 127 The United States Since 1865 (4 cr.)

and pick one of the following

  • *HS 233 Native American History (4 cr.) (WC) or
  • *HS 337 American Economic History (4 cr.)

Division V: Communications Studies

  • Three credits of either a foreign language or computer science class is required

Division VI: Foundations of Visual and Preforming Arts

  • Three credits of an art, film, or theatre class is required

Health Promotion Credits

  • HP 200 Physical Well Being and
  • A HP activity course of your choosing most are 1 or 2 credits

*Being a student at NMU, you can “double dip” classes. By taking classes in this format, you satisfy this division, as well as credits towards your major

(WC)- Marks courses that fulfill the World Cultures requirement

PLEASE NOTE: At least three credits must be from an “upper level” (300 or 400) course.

For a full list of all courses that satisfy Liberal Studies requirements, please reference the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Also, a teachable minor is required


Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: History Majors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

HS 127 The United States Since 1865  4
HS 390 The Historian's Laboratory 4
HS 490 The History Seminar 4
Choose from the following: 4
  • HS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1600 (4 cr.)  or
  • HS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1600 (4 cr.)
Choose four credits from the following (choose one of the following): 4
  • HS 105 World History (4 cr.)
  • HS 234 Indigenous People of Latin America (4 cr.)
  • HS 251 Latin American Civilization (4 cr.)
  • HS 252 Arab-Islamic History (4 cr.)
  • HS 254 Introduction to the History of Africa (4 cr.)
  • HS 256 Approaching China (4 cr.)
  • HS 259 Approaching Japan (4 cr.)
HS Electives from 200-400 levels 16
No more than four credits at the 200 level.
Minimum of four credits at the 400 level.


Required Education Courses for Secondary Education Majors

ED 201 Introduction to Education 2
ED 231 Teaching for Learning in the Secondary Classroom 4
ED 301 Dimensions of American Education 2
ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers 3
ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community 2
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education 4
ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher 2
ED 483 Educational Media Technology 2
ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School 11
ED 450 Seminar in Teaching 1


Required Courses for Secondary Education: History Minors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this minor outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

HS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1600  or
HS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1600 (4 cr.)
4
HS 105 World History  4
HS 126 The United States to 1865  4
HS 127 The United States Since 1865  4
HS Electives (No more than one course at the 200 level; at least one course at the 300-400 level) 8
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education  4

Required Courses for Secondary Education: Geography Majors and Minors Liberal Studies

Division I: Foundations of Communications

  • EN 111 College Composition (4 credits) or EN 109W Intensive College composition (5 credits).

And, one of the following:

  • EN 211 College Composition II (4 cr.)
  • EN 211A Writing and Literature (4 cr.)
  • EN 211B Narrative and Descriptive Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211D Technical and Report Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211E Critical Thinking and Writing (4 cr.)

Division II: Foundations of Humanities

  • *HS 105 World History (4 cr.) (WC)
  • And another course under the Division II requirements that is two credits or more.

Division III: Foundations of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

  • ** *GC 100 Physical Geography (4 cr.)

There is a required laboratory course for all NMU Bachelor’s degree programs. Take one of the following 100 level labs.

  • AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • AS 104 Stellar/Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • BI 100 Biological Science (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 105 Chemical Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 107 Introductory Chemistry I (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 111 General Chemistry I (5 cr.) (3-1-3)
  • PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) (3-0-2)

Division IV: Foundations of Social Sciences

Choose two of the following

  • ** *GC 164 Human Geography (4 cr.) or
  • ** *GC 360 Population Geography (4 cr.) or
  • *GC 300 Regional Studies: World Cultures (4 cr.) or
  • *HS 126 The United States to 1865 (4 cr.) or
  • *HS 127 The United States Since 1865 (4 cr.)

Division V: Communications Studies

  • Three credits of either a foreign language or computer science class is required

Division VI: Foundations of Visual and Preforming Arts

  • Three credits of an art, film, or theatre class is required

Health Promotion Credits

  • HP 200 Physical Well Being and
  • A HP activity course of your choosing most are 1 or 2 credits

*Being a student at NMU, you can “double dip” classes. By taking classes in this format, you satisfy this division, as well as credits towards your major

(WC)- Marks courses that fulfill the World Cultures requirement

PLEASE NOTE: At least three credits must be from an “upper level” (300 or 400) course.

For a full list of all courses that satisfy Liberal Studies requirements, please reference the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Also, a teachable minor is required


Other Require Courses for Secondary Education: Geography Majors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies.

GC 100 Physical Geography (4 cr.)
GC 164 Human Geography (4 cr.)
One of the following (4 credits each)
  • GC 200 North America or
  • GC 300 Regional Studies: World Cultures
GC 205 Introduction to Geographic Research (4 cr.)
One of the following (4 credits each)
  • GC 220 Economic Geography or
  • GC 310 Urban Geography or
  • GC 316 Geography of Tourism or
  • GC 360 Population Geography
GC 225 Introduction to Maps (2 cr.)
GC 235 Quantitative Methods (4 cr.)
One of the following (4 credits each)
  • GC 335 Geographic Information Systems or
  • GC 337 Computer Cartography or
  • GC 425 Remote Sensing or
  • GC 428 Spatial Analysis
GC 489 Human Impact Upon the Environment (4 cr.)
HS 105 World History (4 cr.)
HS 126 The United States to 1865 (4 cr.)
HS 127 The United States Since 1865 (4 cr.)


Required Education Courses for Secondary Education Majors

ED 201 Introduction to Education 2
ED 231 Teaching for Learning in the Secondary Classroom 4
ED 301 Dimensions of American Education 2
ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers 3
ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community 2
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education 4
ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher 2
ED 483 Educational Media Technology 2
ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School 11
ED 450 Seminar in Teaching 1


Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: Geography Minors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this minor outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

GC 100 Physical Geography (4 cr.)
GC 164 Human Geography (4 cr.)
GC 200 North America (4 cr.)
GC 220 Economic Geography (4 cr.)
GC 225 Introduction to Maps (2 cr.)
GC 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education* (4 cr.)
GC 360 Population Geography (4 cr.)

*Not required if major is economics education, history education, political science education or social studies education.

Required Liberal Studies Credits for Secondary Education: Social Studies Major

Division I: Foundations of Communications

  • EN 111 College Composition (4 credits) or
  • EN 109W Intensive College composition (5 credits)

And one of the following courses

  • EN 211 College Composition II (4 cr.)
  • EN 211A Writing and Literature (4 cr.)
  • EN 211B Narrative and Descriptive Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211D Technical and Report Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211E Critical Thinking and Writing (4 cr.)

Division II: Foundations of Humanities

  • *HS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1600 (4 cr.) or
  • *HS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1600 (4 cr.)

and

  • *HS 105 World History (WC) (4 cr.)

Division III: Foundations of Natural Science and Mathematics

  • *GC 100 Physical Geography and

There is a required laboratory course for all NMU Bachelor’s degree programs. Take one of the following 100 level labs.

  • AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • AS 104 Stellar/Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • BI 100 Biological Science (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 105 Chemical Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 107 Introductory Chemistry I (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 111 General Chemistry I (5 cr.) (3-1-3)
  • PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) (3-0-2)

Division IV: Foundations of Social Sciences

  • *HS 126 The United States to 1865 (4 cr.)
  • *HS 127 The United States Since 1865 (4 cr.)

Division V: Communications Studies

  • Three credits of either a foreign language or computer science class is required

Division VI: Foundations of Visual and Preforming Arts

  • Three credits of an art, film, or theatre class is required

Health Promotion Credits

  • HP 200 Physical Well Being and
  • A HP activity course of your choosing most are 1 or 2 credits

*Being a student at NMU, you can “double dip” classes. By taking classes in this format, you satisfy this division, as well as credits towards your major

(WC)- Marks that the course fulfills the World Cultures requirement

PLEASE NOTE: At least three credits must be from an “upper level” (300 or 400) course.

For a full list of all courses that satisfy Liberal Studies requirements, please reference the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Also, a teachable minor is required


Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: Social Studies Majors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

Economics 8
Choose two courses from the following:
EC 101 Introduction to Economics  or 4
EC 201 Microeconomic Principles or 4
EC 202 Macroeconomic Principles 4
Geography 8
ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Science 4
GC 164 Human Geography 4
History 8
HS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1600 or 4
HS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1600 4
HS 127 The United States Since 1865 4
Political Science 8
Choose two courses from the following:
PS 101 Introduction to Political Science or 4
PS 105 American Government or 4
PS 203 Comparative Government and Politics or 4
PS 309 State and Local Government or 4
EC/GC/HS/PS Electives 4
Must be a 300 level course if PS 309 is not taken above.
Other Required Courses 12
HS 105 World History 4
HS 126 The United States to 1865 4
GC 100 Physical Geography 4


Required Education Courses for Secondary Education Majors

ED 201 Introduction to Education 2
ED 231 Teaching for Learning in the Secondary Classroom 4
ED 301 Dimensions of American Education 2
ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers 3
ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community 2
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education 4
ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher 2
ED 483 Educational Media Technology 2
ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School 11
ED 450 Seminar in Teaching 1

Required Liberal Studies Courses for Secondary Education: Political Science Majors

Division I: Foundations of Communications

  • EN 111 College Composition (4 credits) or
  • EN 109W Intensive College composition (5 credits)

And one of the following courses

  • EN 211 College Composition II (4 cr.)
  • EN 211A Writing and Literature (4 cr.)
  • EN 211B Narrative and Descriptive Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211D Technical and Report Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211E Critical Thinking and Writing (4 cr.)

Division II: Foundations of Humanities

  • You need a minimum of 6 credits from 2 classes to fulfill this requirement.

Also note that there are many opportunities to fulfill the World Culture requirement in this division.

Division III: Foundations of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

  • *ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Science (4 cr.)

There is a required laboratory course for all NMU Bachelor’s degree programs. Take one of the following 100 level labs.

  • AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • AS 104 Stellar/Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • BI 100 Biological Science (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 105 Chemical Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 107 Introductory Chemistry I (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 111 General Chemistry I (5 cr.) (3-1-3)
  • PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) (3-0-2)

Division IV: Foundations of Social Sciences

  • *PS 101 Introduction to Political Science (4 cr.) and
  • *PS 105 American Government (4 cr.)

Division V: Communications Studies

  • Three credits of either a foreign language or computer science class is required

Division VI: Foundations of Visual and Preforming Arts

  • Three credits of an art, film, or theatre class is required

Health Promotion Credits

  • HP 200 Physical Well Being and
  • A HP activity course of your choosing most are 1 or 2 credits


*Being a student at NMU, you can “double dip” classes. By taking classes in this format, you satisfy this division, as well as credits towards your major

PLEASE NOTE: At least three credits must be from an “upper level” (300 or 400) course.

For a full list of all courses that satisfy Liberal Studies requirements, please reference the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Also, a teachable minor is required


Other Require Courses for Secondary Education: Political Science Majors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

Political Science Core 32
PS 101 Introduction to Political Science 4
PS 105 American Government 4
PS 203 Comparative Government and Politics 4
PS 206 International Relations 4
PS 303 Public Opinion and Voting Behavior or PS 406 Legislative Politics 4
PS 309 State and Local Government 4
PS 431 Civil Rights and Liberties 4
Political Science Electives 4
Other Required Courses 8
EC 101 Introduction to Economics 4
ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Science 4


Required Education Courses for Secondary Education Majors

ED 201 Introduction to Education 2
ED 231 Teaching for Learning in the Secondary Classroom 4
ED 301 Dimensions of American Education 2
ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers 3
ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community 2
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education 4
ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher 2
ED 483 Educational Media Technology 2
ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School 11
ED 450 Seminar in Teaching 1


Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: Political Science Minors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this minor outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

Total Credits Required for Minor 20-32
PS 101 Introduction to Political Science* 4
PS 105 American Government 4
PS 203 Comparative Government and Politics 4
PS 206 International Relations 4
PS 309 State and Local Government 4
PS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education** 4
EC 101 Introduction to Economics*** 4
ENV 101 Introduction to Environmental Science**** 4

*Subject to waiver with adviser’s approval.
**Not required if major is economics education, geography education, history education or social studies education.
***Not required if economic education major or minor.
****Not required if geography education major or minor.

Required Liberal Arts Credits for Secondary Education: Economics Majors

Division I: Foundations of Communications

  • EN 111 College Composition (4 credits) or EN 109W Intensive College composition (5 credits)

And one of the following courses

  • EN 211 College Composition II (4 cr.)
  • EN 211A Writing and Literature (4 cr.)
  • EN 211B Narrative and Descriptive Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211D Technical and Report Writing (4 cr.)
  • EN 211E Critical Thinking and Writing (4 cr.)

Division II: Foundations of Humanities

You need a minimum of 6 credits from 2 classes to fulfill this requirement.

Also note that there are many opportunities to fulfill the World Culture requirement in this division.

Division III: Foundations of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

You need a minimum of 6 credits from 2 classes to fulfill this requirement.

There is a required laboratory course for all NMU Bachelor’s degree programs. Take one of the following 100 level labs, along with another course in this category.

  • AS 103 Observational and Solar System Astronomy (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • AS 104 Stellar/Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology (4 cr.) (3-0-3)
  • BI 100 Biological Science (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 104 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 105 Chemical Principles (4 cr.) (3-0-2)
  • CH 107 Introductory Chemistry I (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 108 Introductory Chemistry II (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences (4 cr.) (3-1-2)
  • CH 111 General Chemistry I (5 cr.) (3-1-3)
  • PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) (3-0-2)

Division IV: Foundations of Social Sciences

  • *EC 101 Introduction to Economics (4 cr.) and
  • *EC 337 American Economic History (4 cr.)

Division V: Communications Studies

  • Three credits of either a foreign language or computer science class is required

Division VI: Foundations of Visual and Preforming Arts

  • Three credits of an art, film, or theatre class is required

Health Promotion Credits

  • HP 200 Physical Well Being and
  • A HP activity course of your choosing most are 1 or 2 credits

*Being a student at NMU, you can “double dip” classes. By taking classes in this format, you satisfy this division, as well as credits towards your major

PLEASE NOTE: At least three credits must be from an “upper level” (300 or 400) course.

For a full list of all courses that satisfy Liberal Studies requirements, please reference the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Also, a teachable minor is required

Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: Economics Majors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

Required Courses in Major 32
EC 101 Introduction to Economics  4
EC 201 Microeconomic Principles 4
EC 202 Macroeconomic Principles 4
EC 320 Money and Banking 4
EC 401 Intermediate Microeconomics 4
EC 337 American Economic History or
EC 402 Intermediate Macroeconomics (4 cr.)
4
EC Electives 8


Required Education Courses for Secondary Education Majors

ED 201 Introduction to Education 2
ED 231 Teaching for Learning in the Secondary Classroom 4
ED 301 Dimensions of American Education 2
ED 319 Teaching of Reading for Secondary Teachers 3
ED 349 Teaching for Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in the Secondary School Community 2
HS 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education 4
ED 361 Special Education and the General Classroom Teacher 2
ED 483 Educational Media Technology 2
ED 430 Teaching in the Secondary School 11
ED 450 Seminar in Teaching 1


Other Required Courses for Secondary Education: Economics Minors

Please Note that the following courses listed are all the required courses for this major outside of the education courses. The mixture of classes that you will take outside of Liberal Studies will vary depending on which classes you take to fulfill Liberal Studies

Total Credits Required for Minor 20-24
EC 101 Introduction to Economics  4
EC 201 Microeconomic Principles 4
EC 202 Macroeconomic Principles 4
EC 320 Money and Banking 4
EC 350 Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education * (4 cr.)
EC 401 Intermediate Microeconomics 4

*Not required if major is social studies education, geography education, history education or political science education.