Department Information

History & Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences

​James Egge, Ph.D. | Department Head | 701 Pray-Harrold | 734.487.1018 | jegge@emich.edu

Advisor Information

Mary Strasma, Ph.D. | Associate Professor | 701 Pray-Harrold | 734.487.1018 | mstrasma@emich.edu

Teacher Certification

Successful completion of this course of study, in the context of other program requirements, qualifies the student for recommendation for the Michigan Department of Education Secondary Standard Certificate endorsed in social studies, certification code RX. This program of study meets all requirements of the National Council for the Social Studies. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) covering this field is #084, “Social Studies;” this course of study will also lead to an endorsement in history (CC) MTTC #009.

Initial Teacher Preparation Program Admission

In order to pursue the sequence of courses necessary to complete eligibility for recommendation for certification, one must apply for and be admitted to the teacher preparation program. Admission requirements are common for all teacher preparation programs, except that certain special education programs have additional requirements.

Admission to the teacher preparation program is not automatic and is a two-phase process. Only those persons who have formally applied are considered for admission. Not all persons who apply become eligible for admission.

Teaching majors and minors are unofficial until program admission. Students pursuing teacher certification should follow the catalog that exists at the time of program admission. It is important that students apply to the teacher preparation program as soon as they have earned 56 credit hours.

Admission to Phase I of the Initial Teacher Preparation Program

Students must meet all of the following requirements

• Completion of 56 credit hours
• Appropriate cumulative GPA. One of:
  • An overall EMU GPA of 2.5 or higher based on a minimum of 12 credit hours taken at EMU. An EMU GPA of 2.5 or higher in your major, based on at least one course in your major. The Elementary Education Major is comprehensive, therefore, the elementary major GPA is based on the cumulative of liberal arts curriculum and content course work.
  • Transferred 56 credits with a cumulative 3.0 GPA from all previous institutions.
• A grade of “C” or higher in the following courses (if taken):  (or ), , , One Lab Science, and all of the professional education courses
• Official scores from the general SAT (If taken after March 1, 2016) with either a math minimum sub-score of 530 or Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing minimum sub-score of 480. Scores from the MTTC Basic Skills Test, Professional Readiness Exam, ACT, or Michigan Merit Exam may be used as well. See an advisor for details. 
• ICHAT criminal background check, and Statement of Civil/Criminal Convictions. If you answered yes to any of the civil/criminal conviction questions on the application, you will need to provide:
  • A copy of the Judgment of Sentence, or Registrar of Actions, or Certification of Conviction.
  • A written explanation of the offense(s). Application of students with civil/criminal convictions will be carefully reviewed and may take longer to process.
• Attendance at Group Advising Session required. Your major may require additional advising sessions. 

Admission to Initial Teacher Preparation Program Candidacy

Students must meet all of the following requirements, and complete Phase I before starting Phase II

• A grade of “C” or higher in the following courses (courses must be completed):  and  
• Official scores from the general SAT (taken March 1, 2016 or later) with a math minimum sub-score of 530 and Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing minimum sub-score of 480. Scores from the MTTC Basic Skills Test, Professional Readiness Exam, ACT, or Michigan Merit Exam may be used as well. See an advisor for details.
• A Dispositions Review from  will be completed in LiveText. Students will be responsible for saving this as a PDF and uploading the file with their iChat form when applying to the ITTP. 

General Education Requirements:

For specific General Education requirements, click  or print a  

Major Requirements: 63 hours

Professional Secondary Education Sequence: 40 hours

Minor Requirement:

This major does not require a minor.

Program Total:

Students must earn a minimum total of 124 credits at the 100-level or above.

Beginning in Fall 2022, all baccalaureate degree programs for all undergraduates (regardless of catalog year) will require a minimum of 120 credit hours for completion.

Critical Graduation Information