Middle School-Junior High School, BSE - Social Science Concentration

What you will study

Your learning will begin with coursework on our Warrensburg campus before you start field work in your sophomore year. Whether in UCM classrooms or a middle school or junior high classroom, you’ll have the wisdom and support of our faculty, who have all worked in middle-level education. Let their experience guide you as you learn how to become a history teacher who is not only competent but also caring and reflective. 

Coursework to complete your Social Studies or History Teacher degree

The foundation for how to become a history teacher or social studies teacher starts with the subject itself. UCM’s Social Science Education program curriculum is specific to middle school and junior high students and combines history, geography and political science. In the semester prior to your student teaching, plan to take the Methods of Teaching Social Studies course. It will help you make connections between social studies content and teaching instruction to prepare you to lead your own classroom.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities for how to become a history  teacher

At the University of Central Missouri, we believe there’s more to your college experience than your time spent in our classrooms. 

Not only will you devote multiple semesters to a middle school or junior high classroom, where you’ll observe a teacher and get real-world experience, you’ll also have other exciting opportunities to learn about your field.

UCM student associations for a future social studies teacher

You may choose to participate in one or more UCM student associations, which offer opportunities to learn from guest speakers, as well as to have fun with new friends. Among your many options are:

• The Kappa Delta Pi or Phi Kappa Phi education honor societies
• The Student Missouri State Teachers Association or the Collegiate Middle Level Association

 

What can you do with a History or Social Studies Teacher degree from UCM?

Your BSE degree in Middle School-Junior High Education from the University of Central Missouri will license you to teach grades 5 through 9, which includes high school freshmen. This expands your job prospects and provides a competitive advantage in the teaching job market.

When looking for candidates, middle school and junior high principals in Missouri will often begin their search with us. UCM faculty have developed collaborative relationships with school administrators, and this helps us maintain a 99% job placement rate for our graduates. School administrators have confidence in the social studies teachers trained at UCM because our graduates are well-prepared for the job.

Where to begin your social studies teacher job search

When you choose UCM, our faculty will not only educate you but also advocate for you as you prepare to work in your own classroom. Get details on the types of career opportunities that await you when you use the interactive tool below.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your UCM Social Studies and History Teacher degree

In researching how to become a history teacher, you may also be looking for resources to help finance your education. The University of Central Missouri makes available information on grants, loans and work-study opportunities to assist you.

In addition, UCM’s College of Education has more scholarships available to its students than any other UCM college. Among them are:

• Curriculum and Instruction Retired Faculty Outstanding Student Teacher Award: Recognizes an outstanding student teacher pursuing a middle school or other education degree
• Christy Cox Whitley Memorial Education Scholarship: Available to an undergraduate student majoring in education
• Dorothy Martin Strate Scholarship: For a non-traditional undergraduate pursuing a teacher education degree

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.