History Education Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Cultures – History Education Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history education or a related field leading to teacher certification.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in U.S. and world history while developing critical thinking, research, and analytical writing skills. Students examine historical events, political systems, social movements, and cultural developments across diverse societies and time periods. Emphasis is placed on understanding how historical context shapes civic life and informed citizenship—essential preparation for future educators.
The program combines a broad liberal arts education with intentional preparation for transfer into secondary education programs in history or social studies.
Transfer Information
The History Education concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in history education and related teacher preparation pathways. Students intending to pursue teacher certification should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework meets transfer and certification requirements at their intended institution.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because teacher preparation programs often have specific GPA standards, prerequisite courses, and admission requirements, early and intentional academic planning is strongly recommended. The State of New Jersey requires a 3.0 Grade Point Average for any certification candidate.
Career Information
The A.A. in Humanities and Cultures – History Education Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required to become a certified history or social studies teacher.
With a bachelor’s degree and certification, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Middle School Social Studies Teacher
- High School History Teacher
- Civics or Government Teacher
- Curriculum or Instructional Support Specialist
- Educational Program Coordinator
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to map out transfer requirements and certification pathways. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to explore career options connected to education and the humanities.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MATH 151 or MATH 156 | A Survey of Mathematics or Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| HIST 173 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| CSIT 110 or CSIT 123 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications or Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| HIST 174 | United States History from 1877 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| History of New Jersey (Recommended) | ||
| EDUC 178 | Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Students | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| HIST 171 or HIST 181 | Western Civilization to 1650 or World Civilization to 1660 | 3 |
| HIST 191 or SOCI 238 | African-American History or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| GEOG 162 | Human Geography | 3 |
| EDUC 261 | Development of the Learner | 3 |
| HIST 172 or HIST 182 | Western Civilization from 1650 or World Civilization From 1660 | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art From Prehistory to Middle Ages | ||
| Art From Renaissance to Modern World | ||
| Introduction to Music Appreciation | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Recommended: HIST 191, 230, 269, 272, or 280.
- 2
Recommended: HIST 230, HIST 269, HIST 272, or HIST 280.