* Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in history (or a related field, sometimes with a secondary education emphasis) is the minimum requirement. This takes four years.
* Teacher Certification/Licensure: After your bachelor's degree, you'll need to obtain a teaching license or certification. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program, which can take one to two years. Some programs can be completed concurrently with a bachelor's degree, shortening the overall time. Requirements vary significantly by state.
* Master's Degree: While not always required for initial licensure, many schools prefer or require teachers to have a master's degree, especially for advancement opportunities. This adds another one to two years.
Therefore, the total time commitment can range from 5 to 7 years, depending on the path you choose. If you do a concurrent bachelor's and teacher certification program, it could be as short as 5 years. Adding a master's degree extends this further.