Mercy College

What you'll study

This blended programme couples a history major with teacher preparation courses tailored for adolescents in grades 7–12. Core history work typically includes survey and advanced courses in American history, European and world history, historiography, historical methods, and topical seminars (for example, modern US politics, revolutions, or global migration). Content courses emphasise critical reading of primary sources, historical inquiry and the development of disciplinary thinking.

Education-focused coursework covers adolescent development and psychology, pedagogy for secondary social studies, curriculum design, assessment and literacy strategies for content-area teaching. Practical and professional elements include classroom management, instructional technology for teaching history, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching.

A significant component is professional experience in partner schools: early field observations, supervised methods practicums, and a semester-long student teaching placement in grades 7–12. Students also prepare the materials and documentation required for state teacher certification and complete reflective portfolios that demonstrate subject mastery and teaching competency.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet Mercy College’s general undergraduate admission standards. Successful candidates typically present a solid academic record with coursework in history, English and social studies; colleges may consider the strength of the applicant’s writing and analytical skills.

Standardised test scores may be considered according to Mercy College’s admissions policy; applicants should check the current guidance on test submission. Prospective transfer students will need to provide transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions.

Because the programme leads to K–12 certification, candidates must be able to meet state-mandated requirements for classroom placement, which commonly include background checks, health clearances and any necessary immunisations. Certification candidates will also complete the programme’s professional disposition assessments and the required student teaching prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to seek certification and employment as middle and high school teachers of history and social studies. Many start careers in public and private secondary schools in urban, suburban and rural districts. The programme also prepares graduates for related roles such as curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, museum or historical-interpretation educator, community education specialist, and education policy or advocacy positions.

Alumni commonly pursue further study in education, history, public history, library/information science or educational leadership, which can open pathways into administration, university teaching, or specialised museum and archival careers.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers small classes and faculty who combine academic expertise in history with practical experience in K–12 teaching. The college maintains partnerships with area school districts, providing regular placement opportunities in Westchester County and neighbouring communities for observation, practicum and student teaching.

Students benefit from tailored certification support, practicum coordination, and career services that help with job placement in the region. On campus, resources such as academic advising, a teacher preparation office, and workshops on classroom technology and assessment help students transition from study to professional teaching.

The programme balances rigorous subject knowledge with hands-on preparation for the realities of adolescent classrooms, making it a practical choice for those committed to teaching history to students in grades 7–12.