
If you hold a law degree and are interested in becoming a history teacher, you may be able to transfer your degree, but you will need to take additional credits to fulfill history-specific requirements. The requirements to become a history teacher vary depending on the level and location of the teaching position. For instance, to teach history at a high school level, a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history or social science is required. However, for community colleges and universities, a master's or doctoral degree may be preferred.
Can I become a history teacher with a law degree?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History degree required? | A history degree is the minimum requirement to teach history at the middle or high school level. However, some sources suggest that it may be possible to become a history teacher with a degree in another field, such as law, but it may be difficult to get a job as many schools prefer applicants with a history degree. |
| Additional requirements | A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to teach in public schools in the US. Additional requirements may include a teaching license, a master's degree, and/or a Ph.D., depending on the level and location of teaching. |
| Job prospects | History teaching at the secondary level is reportedly very competitive. Most schools prefer to hire teachers with experience, making it challenging for new graduates to get a job. |
| Advice | It is recommended to gain experience through internships or working as a paraprofessional. Volunteering at a school can also help determine if teaching is the right career choice. |
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What You'll Learn
- Teaching history with a law degree is possible, but you may need to take on additional history and teacher-training courses
- To teach history at a high school level, a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history is required
- If you want to teach history at a community college, a master's degree is recommended
- To teach history at a university, a master's degree or Ph.D. is required
- History teaching is a competitive field, and schools may ignore applicants without a history degree

Teaching history with a law degree is possible, but you may need to take on additional history and teacher-training courses
If you have a law degree, it is possible to become a history teacher, but you may need to take on additional history and teacher-training courses. The requirements to become a history teacher vary depending on the level and location of the teaching position.
To teach history at the secondary school level, a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history or social science is typically required. If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, such as law, you may still be able to transfer your credits and become a history teacher. However, you may need to complete additional coursework to fulfill the history-specific requirements. This could include taking classes in history and education to meet the state's teaching requirements. Some states may also require you to earn a master's degree in education or complete continuing education courses to maintain your certification.
It is worth noting that history teaching at the secondary level is highly competitive, and some schools may prefer to hire candidates with a history degree. To increase your chances of employment, consider completing a teacher preparation program, gaining teaching experience, and obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses required by your state.
Additionally, if you are planning to teach at the community college or university level, you will likely need to further your education by earning a master's degree or a Ph.D. in a history-related field.
While it is possible to become a history teacher with a law degree, it is important to research the specific requirements of your desired teaching position and take the necessary steps to fulfill those requirements. This may include additional history and teacher-training courses to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach history.
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To teach history at a high school level, a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history is required
If you want to teach history at a high school level, you will need a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history. This is the minimum requirement to teach at a middle or high school level.
In the US, all teachers in public schools must hold a bachelor's degree as a minimum. This will typically take four years to complete. You will also need to complete a teacher preparation program to ensure you have covered the proper materials needed to become a teacher. This will involve gaining practical experience through an internship. Once you have completed all the necessary requirements, you can take certification tests specific to the state you want to teach in.
Each state has its own teacher certification guidelines, but teaching history in middle or high school always begins with a four-year degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another subject, you will need to take additional history and teacher-training courses to meet your state's teaching requirements. This will likely involve taking the required amount of credits to fulfill history-specific requirements. In some states, you may need to earn a master's degree in education to teach.
It is important to note that history teaching is a competitive field, and many schools will ignore applicants who do not have a history degree. However, some universities will accept applicants with a non-history degree onto a PGCE course, and you can ask to teach some history during your training. Once qualified, you can teach whatever the school wants you to, and you will not be limited to teaching only the subject you qualify in.
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If you want to teach history at a community college, a master's degree is recommended
If you have a law degree and want to teach history at a secondary school, you may be able to get on a PGCE course, but it could be difficult to get a job as many schools will ignore applicants without a history degree. History is a competitive subject, and some schools will require you to have studied it at A-level. However, you could gain some experience by volunteering at a school or working as a teaching assistant.
Additionally, having a PhD can be advantageous when applying for part-time teaching positions at community colleges, especially if the course is at a high academic level. However, this may depend on the specific community college and department. Some departments may prefer candidates with master's degrees, as they may be more likely to accept a full-time position, while others may prioritize teaching experience over a PhD.
Overall, if you want to teach history at a community college, a master's degree in history or a related field is a recommended starting point. You can then consider gaining teaching experience or pursuing a PhD depending on your specific goals and the preferences of the community college you wish to teach at.
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To teach history at a university, a master's degree or Ph.D. is required
If you want to teach history at a university, you will need at least a master's degree or a Ph.D. in History. A doctoral degree allows you to conduct original research in your field and prepares you for teaching and administrative positions at the university level. It is a path that requires dedication and hard work, but it can lead to a rewarding career in education and research.
Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in History will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach at a university level. During your studies, you will delve into advanced historical topics, engage in scholarly debates, and develop your expertise in a specific area of history that interests you. This specialized knowledge will form the foundation for your teaching and will enable you to guide and mentor university students effectively.
Doctoral programs typically take between two and five years to complete and involve working closely with an advisor to prepare a dissertation on your chosen topic. This process will hone your research skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills, all of which are essential for teaching at the university level. Additionally, a doctoral degree will open up opportunities not only in teaching but also in research, analysis, and writing within your historical field of interest.
While a Ph.D. is the typical requirement for teaching at a university, some community colleges may accept a master's degree as the minimum qualification for teaching history. A master's degree can be obtained in one year if you already hold a bachelor's degree and can provide a faster route to teaching at the post-secondary level. However, it is important to note that competition for teaching positions at universities and community colleges can be intense, and additional qualifications or experience may be beneficial.
If you already have a law degree, you may be able to transition into teaching history at the university level. However, it is essential to recognize that additional education and training will likely be required. You may need to complete a master's or doctoral program in History to gain the necessary subject-specific knowledge and pedagogical skills for teaching at this level. This transition may involve additional challenges, but with dedication and a strong academic record, it is possible to forge a new career path in history education.
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History teaching is a competitive field, and schools may ignore applicants without a history degree
History teaching is a competitive field, and it may be challenging to secure a position without a history degree. While it is possible to become a history teacher with a law degree, you will likely need to undertake additional education and meet specific requirements. Here are some key considerations:
Education and Requirements:
To teach history at the secondary school level, a bachelor's degree in history or education, with a major or minor in history or social science, is typically required. If you have a law degree, you may still be able to transfer your credits and pursue a master's degree in history or education, ensuring you meet the necessary history credits. Some states may also require additional teacher training courses, a master's degree in education, or continuing education courses for certification.
Job Market Competition:
History teaching, especially at the secondary level, is highly competitive. Schools often prefer candidates with history degrees and may overlook applicants without one. However, having a law degree can be advantageous, as it demonstrates a strong academic background and critical thinking skills. Additionally, some schools may value your ability to offer law at the A-level.
Gaining Experience:
Experience is highly valued in the teaching profession. Consider gaining classroom experience through internships, paraprofessional positions, or teaching assistant roles. This will not only enhance your resume but also allow you to determine if teaching is the right career path for you. You could also explore volunteer work in schools to gain insight into the educational setting and develop relevant skills.
Certification and Licensing:
To become a certified history teacher, you will need to pass certification tests specific to the state in which you intend to teach. Ensure you research the requirements for your desired location, as they may vary. Additionally, consider pursuing a teaching license, which will enhance your credentials and increase your employment opportunities.
Exploring Alternatives:
If you are open to teaching subjects other than history, your law degree may be more easily transferable. For example, you could explore teaching law-related subjects or considering teaching at the primary level, where the subject specialization is not as specific. Discussing your options with educational institutions and exploring alternative paths can help broaden your opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to become a history teacher with a law degree. However, you may need to take additional history and teacher-training courses to meet your state's teaching requirements.
The requirements to become a history teacher vary depending on the level you want to teach. For instance, to teach at a high school level, you'll need a bachelor's degree in education with a major or minor in history or social science. If you want to teach at a community college, you should consider getting a master's degree, and if you want to teach at a university, you will likely need a Ph.D.
Obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes around four years. If you want to teach more advanced courses or at higher education levels, you may need a master's or doctoral degree, which can take an additional two to three years.











































