School of Social Sciences

Department of Social Studies

If you have a passion for the study of history, geography, political science or economics, and wish to share this interest with young people, you can prepare for a career teaching at the elementary, middle school, or secondary school level through taking a major in social studies. Basic knowledge in each of these four areas, plus more extensive study in two or more of these areas, is required for this major.

If you are preparing for elementary school teaching, you will complete course work in the areas of language arts, mathematics and natural sciences as well as courses in teacher education. You will also complete courses to meet the general education requirements for graduation. In the fifth year of your program of study, you will complete a teaching internship.

Preparation for teaching at the secondary level includes completing the social studies major and also a minor program of study in one of many teaching areas. In the secondary education program, you will complete the sequence of teacher education courses and spend the fifth year in a student internship. You will also complete courses to meet the general education requirements for graduation. After successfully completing the first two years of the Teacher Education Program, you will apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. There are a number of requirements for admission of juniors to the Teacher Education Program. These are designed to assure that students who wish to become teachers have an intellectually and professionally sound preparation. Among these requirements is an overall grade point average of 2.70.

Upon completion of the program of study, you will be well prepared for a satisfying and demanding career nurturing the intellectual growth and development of young people while you continue to expand your own knowledge and skills.