Why Study at JCSU?

All teachers must be licensed in the state where they want to teach. But what good is a North Carolina teaching license if you plan to go home after graduation and teach in California, Virginia or Georgia?

We understand that many students want to be licensed in their home state so they can begin teaching immediately after graduation.

We’ll work with you so that you can complete your full-time student teaching in the state where you want to start your career.

Internships give you relevant experience.

Our social studies education program provides you with three years of experience in the classroom to prepare you to run your own class one day.

  • Get your feet wet in your sophomore year as you observe a certified social studies teacher in the classroom.
  • From there, you’ll move up to your junior practicum. Your JCSU professor will be on site to train you as you work with students in the classroom.
  • In your senior year, you’ll participate in a yearlong student teaching program. By the time you reach your second semester, you’ll be confidentially running your own class as a full-time student-teacher.

Personalized attention gives you the tools to succeed.

Our small classes help your professors get to know you and your career goals. They’ll guide you to exciting internships and out-of-class experiences that will help you make the most of your education.

A majority of your classes will be in the history department, and you’ll find that our professors are passionate about the subjects they teach. In fact, our history professors often offer classes that students express interest in, including topics like:

  • The origins of Islam
  • The Soviet Union
  • Modern East Asia
  • Ancient Rome
  • American diplomacy

Get involved in on-campus activities and organizations.

Your education doesn’t just begin and end with coursework.

Club activities with the Phi Alpha Theta honorary history society or the History Club help you connect with other history and social studies majors and your professors outside the classroom.

As social studies education major, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). SNCAE provides students with liability insurance before they go into a classroom.

It also provides our students with workshops that focus on classroom expectations, professional attire and leadership. These workshops will help you get ready for the classroom and to be a better educator for your students.

Why choose a liberal arts education?

College graduates with a liberal arts education are vital to our country’s progress.

According to an article from CNN.com, “Why liberal arts matter,” students who graduate from liberal arts universities have a distinct advantage. They will be able to look at any problem and find a creative solution, as well as new opportunities. Rather than a technical degree that focuses on one area, a liberal arts education combines the study of science and math with the arts and humanities.

At JCSU, we emphasize learning new technologies, in addition to different world views and cultures. We teach our students to ask “why?” and to look at any situation from a variety of angles.

Employees who think creatively and communicate well will always be in high demand. As a JCSU student, you’ll improve these skills with every course you take.