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Humanities for Teaching, BA

Prepare for a career in education with our Humanities for Teaching major at Seattle University. Embark on a journey to shape your future as an educator.

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About this Program

Preparing Future Teachers Through Strong Humanities & Jesuit Approach

Students in the Matteo Ricci Institute, Humanities for Teaching degree and specialization take foundational humanities classes and specialized teaching classes, as well as classes in the discipline they want to teach. Two required internships give students real teaching experience. 

The Humanities for Teaching major is ideal for students interested in teaching secondary education, a career in education or interested in pursuing a second major. The institute’s coursework and experiences feature the best of Jesuit education through lively discussion in small classes, a curriculum centered on challenging questions and close attention to individual students.

The purpose is, above all else, to foster a life worth living through a deeper sense of oneself and connection with our global community.

Specialization in Elementary Education, Your Path to Teaching

We also offer a specialization in elementary education in partnership with Seattle University's College of Education:

  • In their Junior and Senior years, students prepare to apply for a Washington State Elementary (K-8) Teaching Credential and an English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement.
  • Once students complete their degree and specialization and earn their certificate, they are eligible to teach right away in both private and public schools.

Humanities for Teaching Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Matteo Ricci Institute will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Majoring in humanities for teaching is a transformative commitment. This specialized focus equips you to inspire students with a deep appreciation for literature, philosophy, history, and the arts. Through a humanities education, you develop critical thinking and communication skills, laying the groundwork for a meaningful career shaping the intellectual growth of future generations in diverse educational settings.

This program is ideal if you are interested in teaching for secondary education, a career in education, or interested in pursuing a second major. 

Course content includes leadership in teaching, examination of social identities, reflection on direct classroom experience, factors that influence educational practices, and more. 

Four-Year Program of Study

 

This program is ideal for students if you are interested in interested in teaching at the elementary level in the state of Washington. 

Course content includes developmental psychology and assessment practices for math, science, literacy and social studies.

Course Catalog

Four-Year Program of Study

Upon completing the core of their undergraduate studies, Matteo Ricci Institute students are able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Practice humanistic inquiry in matters of structural injustice and perennial human concern.
  • Utilize reflection consistent with Jesuit Catholic traditions in decision making.
  • Explain the impacts that social factors such as power or privilege have on their life circumstances and on those of others.
  • Contrast different conceptions of peace and justice.
  • Articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in context-appropriate speech and writing.

Upon completing their degree, Humanities graduates are able to:

  • Form connections between disparate courses and subject areas.
  • Demonstrate the relevance of Humanities concepts to contemporary issues and lived experience.

Upon completing their degree, Humanities for Teaching graduates are able to:

  • Analyze the social factors—with a focus on class, race, or other salient identities—that impact schools, children, and their families.
  • Create and execute lesson plans or other educational experiences grounded in effective pedagogy in diverse learning environments.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Support for Your Development

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The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to helping you through your lifetime journey of professional formation and discernment. We offer opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding of your professional identity.

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Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

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