<p>I am a freshman starting school at the end of August. I have a great love for history, so I figured I would become a history professor. Now, am I supposed to major in history or education? Do I take a double major? I actually have no idea how any of this works. I probably should have read about it a long time ago.
For example, I was thinking of throwing in a Russian class, since I also love languages. Do I need a certain number of HISTORY credits to get my degree (obviously, I guess?), or would taking the Russian class be okay because it would contribute to my credits needed for graduation IN GENERAL? Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>If you want to teach history at the middle or high school level you need a bachelor’s degree in history and then after you graduate you will need a year to get teaching credentials. Whatever the university says you need for your history degree you need to do. If you want to take Russian too, that’s fine. You don’t need to double major in education as well but you can if you want it. If anything you will probably enjoy it a lot and will get a lot out of it.</p>
<p>If by professor you mean you want to teach the college level, in general you will need to first get your bachelors degree in History and then go to grad school to get a masters degree in history. At that point you may be able to find a job as a history professor but if you want to teach at a prestigious school you will probably have to go back to school again to get a doctoral degree. </p>
<p>If you are talking about teaching in middle school or high school, you just need to enroll in the education program at your school as well as the history major. You won’t necessarily have to be in school an additional year. Many schools offer education courses concurrently with the given subject. Most schools can get you licensed to teach in your subject in 4 years.</p>
<p>Damn. I totally overlooked the fact that you said you wanted to be a PROFESSOR!</p>
<p>Ok, in that case you need either a Master or Ph.D in History depending on where you want to work.</p>
<p>To be a history Professor, definitely major in history, and plan on going for a Ph.D. There is a glut in the market of history Ph.D’s so in reality if you wish to teach at the college level, you must have a Ph.D. You may get hired as a lecturer at the CC level with only a masters, but it doesn’t usually turn into a career or pay well. Also pick a language and stick with it as many or most history Ph.D. programs require proficiency in another language. </p>
<p>You do not need to take any Education courses to become a history Professor. Education majors concentrate on teaching skills needed to teach K-12. At the graduate level, becoming a TA is very good if you can. Good Luck!</p>