Education: Secondary Humanities/Social Studies Education Option

The Education curriculum prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate degree-granting institutions by introducing them to the field of education while guiding them through a coherent sequence of liberal arts and sciences courses. By doing this, they prepare for careers in the field of education. After successful completion of this curriculum, students receive an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree.

The Education: Secondary Humanities/Social Studies Education Option is appropriate for students who plan to pursue careers teaching humanities (such as English and foreign languages) or social studies education (including such subjects as history, government and political science) in secondary schools. This option emphasizes humanities and social science courses which students select according to their field of interest.

The Education curriculum has many transfer agreements with baccalaureate degree-granting institutions in the region. Because transfer institutions require specific courses to be taken prior to entry, it is highly recommended that students consult catalogues of schools to which they might transfer, as well as their advisors, in order to make appropriate selections for their elective courses. According to Pennsylvania mandates under Chapter 354, students will need a 3.0 G.P.A. for entry into teacher certification courses. In addition, they must pass the Pre-Professional Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) before entry into upper level teacher certification courses at the transfer institution.

Careers

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Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School– est. salary $37,724
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School– est. salary $109,421
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education– est. salary $64,815*

 

**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.


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Transfer Opportunities

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Education: Secondary Humanities/Social Studies Education Option degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ENGL 101 - English Composition I 3 credits   ENGL 101
MATH 150 - Introductory Data Analysis or Higher or
MATH 161 - Precalculus I		 3 credits  FNMT 118 with a grade of "C" or better or MATH 161 (or higher) placement Mathematics
BIOL 106 - General Biology I 4 credits   Natural Science
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology 3 credits    Social Sciences
CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology 3 credits Students with computer skills may apply for credit by exam through the Computer Technologies Department Tech Comp
  • This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after earning their associate’s degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits   ENGL 102, Info Lit
MATH 151 - Linear Mathematics or
MATH 162 - Precalculus II		 3 credits For MATH 1512: FNMT 118 with a grade of "C" or better or MATH 161 (or higher) placement
For MATH 162: MATH 161 with a grade of "C" or better		 Major Course
BIOL 107 - General Biology II or
EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation		 3 credits For BIOL 107: BIOL 106 with a C or better Major Course
HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era 3 credits   Humanities, Am/Global Diversity Interpretive Studies
ED 201 - Foundations of Education for Middle and Secondary Years 3 credits Students in ED 201 will complete a 20-hour observation in a secondary social studies or humanities classroom setting. Students will complete their required clearances, health assessment, and mandated reporter certificate. All clearances must be maintained and be current within 12 months. Major Course

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions 3 credits   Directed Elective
ED 214 - Cognition and Learning in the Classroom 3 credits Students in ED 214 will complete a 10-hour observation in a secondary social studies or humanities classroom setting. Students will complete their required clearances, health assessment, and mandated reporter certificate. Once approved, the students will upload them onto the digital repository, Castlebranch. All clearances must be maintained and be current within 12 months. Major Course
PSYC 209 - Adolescent Psychology 3 credits   Major Course
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking 3 credits   Major Course
Content Elective  3 credits See Content Electives chart below. Directed Elective
Content Elective  3 credits  See Content Electives chart below. Directed Elective

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ED 265 - Introduction to Special Education and Inclusive Practices 3 credits Students in ED 265 will complete a 10-hour observation in a secondary special education classroom setting. Students will complete their required clearances, health assessment, and mandated reporter certificate. All clearances must be maintained and be current within 12 months. Major Course
ART 103 - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance or
ART 104 - History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern or
MUS 103 - Introduction to Music or
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy or		 3 credits   Directed Elective
Content Elective 3 credits See Content Electives chart below Directed Elective
Content Elective 3 credits See Content Electives chart below Directed Elective
Content Elective 3 credits See Content Electives chart below Directed Elective

Content Electives

Students should choose five content electives based on the subject they plan to teach as illustrated below

English Five courses in literature, creative writing, or other humanities
Foreign Languages Recommended minimum of two semesters in the language they plan to teach and three humanities electives. (Students who are already fluent in the language they intend to teach should take five humanities electives instead.)
Social Studies Choose any five:
POLS 111
ECON 181 or 182
HIST 101, 102, 1032, 121, 122, 220, 221
GEOG 101, 103, 180, 222
SOC 101, 233
ANTH 112
Art ART 103, 104, 105, 109, 115 

Students who intend to teach art at the secondary level should also prepare a portfolio.
Music Five music courses are required. MUS 105 and 106 are particularly recommended. MUS 116, 118, 120 and 121 are also recommended. 
Most baccalaureate programs in music education require testing and/or auditions for incoming transfer students. CCP students who intend to teach music should contact their intended transfer institutions for details.
  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.

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Featured Career

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Median Salary
$64,815

Number of Jobs
7,041
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+2.1%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students

How well does it pay?

New workers generally start around $43,159. Normal pay for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education is $64,815 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $95,120.

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Program Information

Education: Secondary Humanities/Social Studies Education Option

Degree Type:

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

64

Online Learning Availability:

90% or Greater

Related Programs: