Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning

Curriculum and Instruction, MEd
Concentration in ASTL: History (AHIS)

The ASTL concentrations are for teachers and other educators with one or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in a specific concentration area, including Virginia's Standards of Learning content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, help teachers think and practice as board-certified teachers. The program develops teacher-leaders who practice reflection through action-research, problem-based learning, and self-inquiry, and teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area. Experienced teachers and other educators with or without a master's degree may apply for the full master's degree program, which includes 12 credits of core courses.

The History Concentration is designed for elementary, middle and high school teachers who want/need a foundation in the basic history courses that are taught within the public school system in Virginia. The History Concentration focuses on integrating the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) into the classroom curriculum. As part of the 30-hour ASTL degree/certificate program, 18 credits of graduate history geography courses are required for the History Concentration. Six graduate credit hours may be transferred from another institution.

Target Audience

Primary audience includes teachers who:

  • want a master's degree in education that allows them to pursue an Area of Concentration in History.
  • enter their classroom with little or no undergraduate history background.
  • are assigned to teach history courses that are outside their social studies preparation or experience.
  • desire to learn advanced/current content and approaches to the teaching of history.

Core Courses (12 credits)

Concentration Courses (18 credits)

Note: Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved history electives.

History Concentration form (.pdf)