Education & Teaching
History Education with Political Science
This dual-focus program prepares educators to teach both history and political science. It combines deep historical knowledge and research methods with a strong understanding of political systems, governance, and civic education.
Program objectives
- 01Master historical research methods and core political theories.
- 02Develop strategies for teaching controversial or complex historical events objectively.
- 03Foster civic responsibility, democratic values, and critical thinking in students.
- 04Integrate primary sources and current political events into engaging lessons.
Why choose this program
Shapes informed citizens
Equips students with the critical thinking skills needed to understand current events and participate actively in society.
High demand for social studies teachers
Qualified educators who can handle both history and civics are highly sought after in secondary schools.
Develops strong analytical skills
The rigorous analysis of historical texts and political systems builds exceptional debate and research skills.
Skills you'll build
- Historical research and primary source analysis
- Civic education pedagogy
- Curriculum design for social sciences
- Classroom debate moderation and facilitation
- Objectivity and impartiality
- Critical thinking
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Strong verbal communication and conflict resolution
Tools & software
- Digital archives and primary source databases
- Interactive timeline creation tools
- Classroom polling and discussion apps
- Presentation and multimedia software
Challenges to expect
Academic
- Navigating biased historical narratives and ensuring factual, multi-perspective accuracy in teaching.
Technical
- Facilitating respectful, productive classroom discussions on sensitive, polarizing, or contemporary political topics.
Financial
- Modest starting salaries in public education compared to private sector policy or research roles.
Personal
- Managing the emotional weight and potential classroom tension when teaching difficult historical events like conflicts or injustices.
Tips from the field
- Use diverse primary sources to present multiple perspectives and avoid a single, biased narrative.
- Establish clear, firm ground rules for respectful classroom debate early in the academic year.
- Connect historical events to current news stories to maintain student engagement and demonstrate relevance.
Career paths
- History teacher
- Political science or civics teacher
- Civic education coordinator
- Museum educator
- Curriculum developer
Where you can study this
| Name | Latest cutoff | Tuition (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Business and Integrated Development StudiesBEd | — | — |
| University of Education, WinnebaBA | — | GHS 2,951–19,544 |
FAQs
Do I have to teach both subjects, or can I specialize?+
In many schools, especially at the junior high level, these subjects are integrated into 'Social Studies'. At the senior high level, you may be able to specialize in one, but qualification in both makes you highly employable.
How do you remain neutral when teaching controversial political topics?+
The program trains you in facilitation techniques that focus on presenting multiple verified perspectives, encouraging evidence-based argumentation, and avoiding the imposition of personal political beliefs.
Is this degree useful for a career in law or politics?+
Yes, the strong foundation in research, argumentation, and understanding of governance is excellent preparation for law school or political campaigning, though you would need to pursue those specific professional paths separately.
Will I learn how to use historical archives?+
Yes, a key component is learning how to find, evaluate, and teach students how to use primary sources and digital historical archives.
What is the biggest challenge in teaching this subject?+
Overcoming student perception that history is just 'memorizing dates' by making it dynamic, relevant, and focused on cause, effect, and human stories.
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