Secondary Education, BSE - Social Studies

What you will study

In UCM’s Social Studies program, you’ll collaborate with your peers and your professor. You’ll experience learning that is differentiated in the classroom through processes, products, environment and content. You’ll also experience learning in a variety of ways, from individual feedback, supervision and personalized instruction to flipped classrooms and teacher talk that is beneficial for social studies for teachers. Individualized learning is very important for the student to flourish, so the program offers different ways to meet professors for your convenience via office hours, online meetings, individual appointments or email.

Methods for teaching you to be a social studies teacher

On your journey to completing your social science education, you’ll be under the direct supervision of UCM faculty who will guide you to becoming a social studies teacher.

Small class sizes allow for individualized learning, which UCM faculty believes is very important for you to thrive. You can be confident in having direct access to the program coordinator, who is committed to maintaining a student-centered environment and offers various ways to meet for your convenience.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in teaching social studies

As you explore topics related to social science education, you’ll collaborate with your peers and faculty and engage in hands-on learning. These UCM-provided tools, strategies and opportunities will support you along the way:

In-class experiences: Participate in microteaching in UCM’s classrooms as you take different courses in social studies and education. UCM supervisors will evaluate your performance during your 30- and 50-hour student-teaching experiences. Expect to receive feedback on your use of pedagogical content and classroom management and assessment as learned in your coursework. 

Field experience: Begin your field experience in your sophomore year by observing a seasoned social science teacher. In your junior year, you’ll begin a 30-hour observation and apply what you’ve learned in social studies literacy in an assigned high school classroom. A social studies methods course will align with a 50-hour field experience in which you’re encouraged to teach five to six times using direct and indirect instruction methods.

Instructional technology: Experience varying levels of instructional assignment based on individual ability and get access to the different types of technology used in social studies classrooms. You’ll gain experience using a Learning Management System (LMS) and will be prepared to use technology for face-to-face, hybrid or online instruction.

Other learning opportunities: Learn and network at national and state social studies conferences. In your senior year, you’ll be encouraged to present at the Missouri Council for the Social Studies and National Council for the Social Studies to build your resume for future employment.

 

What can you do with a Social Studies Teaching degree from UCM?

As a graduate of the University of Central Missouri’s Secondary Education program, you’ll be certified for high school teaching jobs in social studies. If you wish to become a coach as well, UCM faculty can assist you in applying for a teaching and coaching position. In fact, many graduates of our program are currently social studies teachers and coaches. 

Support as you navigate the teaching job market

Once you graduate and achieve social science education certification, our support doesn’t end there. UCM’s Career Services Center is available to help you with your job search to become a social studies teacher. Get a look at what opportunities lie ahead using the interactive tool below to explore employment trends for teaching jobs in social studies.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Social Studies Teaching degree

Achieving your Bachelor of Science in Education - Social Studies degree requires planning. As you research schools that offer social studies education, you may also be seeking information on how to finance your college education. The University of Central Missouri offers resources for grants, loans and work study.

Scholarships related to social studies education 

You may qualify for scholarships available through UCM or our College of Education. Some are specific to a Social Studies Teaching degree, such as the Paul Rorvig Memorial Scholarship.

Learn what scholarship opportunities await you by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.

Resources for Current and Prospective Students

Preparing students for a career in Social Studies Education takes a village.  Dr. Nance will guide students through the graduation and certification process with highly individualized advisement from freshman year to graduation, and sometimes beyond.  The advisement will include required coursework, assessments, paperwork, and certification.

Additional Resources