This 36-credit hour degree program focuses on contemporary methods and issues in social studies education. You will take a variety of courses that explore curriculum, instruction, and research at either elementary or secondary levels, as well as classes that deepen your understanding of history, political science, sociology, and other social sciences. You will have the opportunity to complete a research thesis, a field-based practicum, or other course work to meet your individual needs and interests. It prepares students for positions in schools as professional classroom teachers, supervising teachers, and department chairpersons. Students seeking these positions must also meet the licensure requirements listed in the section titled Licensure Programs.

In consultation with a departmental advisor, the student selects courses from the following list to meet degree requirements. The student must complete 36 credit hours.

Degree Requirements

Major (18 cr.)

• J500 Instruction in the Context of Curriculum (3 cr.)
• Choose four of the following courses:
  • E514 Workshop in Elementary Social Studies (3 cr.) OR M514 Workshop in Social Studies Education (3 cr.)
  • E535 Elementary School Curriculum (3 cr.) OR S503 Secondary School Curriculum (3 cr.)
  • E547 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Social Studies in the Elementary Schoolf (3 cr.) OR S519 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Social Studies (3 cr.)
  • M590 Independent Study in Social Studies Education (3 cr.) OR M680 Internshhip, Social Studies Education (3 cr.)
• M653 The Nature of Social Studies (3 cr.)

Foundations (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:

• H504 History of American Education (3 cr.)
• H520 Education and Social Issues (3 cr.)
• H530 Philosophy of Education (3 cr.)
• H540 Sociology of Education (3 cr.)
• H560 Education and Change in Societies (3 cr.)
• P510 Psychology in Teaching (3 cr.)
• P515 Child Development (3 cr.)
• P516 Adolescent Development (3 cr.)
• P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 cr.)
• P544 Applied Cognition and Learning Strategies (3 cr.)

Electives (9 cr.)
Elective courses must complement the major, and be from the social science field in the College of Arts and Sciences (such as Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology). Elective courses must be approved by a program advisor.

Thesis, Practicum, or Other (6 cr.)

• X599 Master’s Thesis in Education (1 - 6 cr.)
• J538 M.S. Practicum/Internship (1 - 6 cr.)
• Other courses selected with the approval of your faculty advisor