Social Studies Teacher Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
This program is designed for social studies educators with teaching experience, including those currently teaching, who want to deepen their instructional expertise and expand their impact in the classroom.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to enhance their teaching practice through advanced curriculum design, critical inquiry and research-based strategies. The program also supports those interested in leadership roles, curriculum development or pursuing further graduate study in education.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 15
Length of Program: 24 months
Schedule: Flexible
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Advancing Social Studies Teaching Through Research and Practice
The Social Studies Education (SSE) master’s programs examine how history, citizenship and civic engagement are taught and understood in U.S. public schools. Through focused coursework and research, students explore curriculum development, literacy in social studies and innovative approaches to teaching. The program emphasizes critical thinking and prepares educators to design engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences that resonate in today’s classrooms.
SSE offers three master’s degree options:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) with a thesis
- M.A. with a report
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) with additional coursework
All degree options include interdisciplinary coursework, with opportunities to apply select upper-division undergraduate credits toward degree requirements. Graduates leave the program with the knowledge and skills to create impactful curriculum and strengthen student engagement in social studies classrooms.
Prospective students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming certified secondary social studies teachers are encouraged to explore our Urban Teachers program.
Program Area Coordinator, Advisor
Katherina Payne
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Program Requirements
Which Degree Fits My Goals?
Choose the M.A. with Thesis if you
- Want to conduct independent research.
- Plan to pursue doctoral study or research‑focused roles.
- Prefer a program with a formal thesis (EDC 698A & 698B).
Choose the M.A. with Report if you
- Want a research experience without a full thesis.
- Prefer a shorter applied research project (EDC 398R).
- Are interested in practice‑based or instructional roles.
Choose the M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only) if you
- Prefer a flexible, practice‑focused program.
- Do not want to complete a thesis or report.
- Want additional elective coursework aligned to your goals
Program Structure
M.A. with Thesis – 30 Credit Hours
- 24 hours of coursework
- EDC 698A & 698B Thesis (6 credit hours)
M.A. with Report – 33 Credit Hours
- 30 hours of coursework
- EDC 398R Report (3 credit hours)
M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only) – 36 Credit Hours
- 36 hours of coursework
- Includes additional elective hours (12 credit hours)
- No thesis or report
Course Requirements
Basic Course Requirements – 9 Credit Hours (All Options)
Foundations and Curriculum Studies (6 Credit Hours)
Select from advisor‑approved courses such as:
- EDC 383F Curriculum Theory
- EDC 385G Historical Perspectives on Curriculum
- EDC 384P Multicultural Education
- EDC 385G Advanced Multicultural Curriculum
- EDC 385G Cultural Knowledge of Teachers and Teaching
- EDC 385G Foundations of Curriculum
Research Methods (3 Credit Hours)
- EDC 380R Educational Research and Design
Specialization Courses: Social Studies – Minimum 9 Credit Hours (All Options)
Select from advisor‑approved courses such as:
- EDC 382E Teaching Elementary School Subjects: Social Studies
- EDC 382S Teaching Secondary School Subjects: Social Studies
- EDC 385G Current Issues in Teaching the Social Studies
- EDC 385G History of the Social Studies
- EDC 390T Humanities and Literacy in Social Education
- EDC 390T Improving Social Studies Education
- EDC 390T Critical Issues in Social Education
- EDC 396 Seminar: Social Studies Education
- EDC 384 Research in Elementary Social Studies
- EDC 385G Perspectives on Democratic and Citizenship Education
- EDC 382E Social Studies Education: Issues and Research in the Field
Courses Outside the Department – Minimum 6 Credit Hours (All Options)
Select coursework outside Curriculum & Instruction (non‑EDC prefix).
Courses may come from:
- Other departments within the College of Education
- Or other colleges across the university
With advisor approval, coursework from other C&I program areas may fulfill this requirement.
Electives
- Thesis Option: Typically included within 24 hours of coursework
- Report Option: Minimum 6 credit hours
- M.Ed.: Minimum 12 credit hours
Electives are selected with advisor approval based on your academic background and professional goals.
Culminating Requirement
- M.A. with Thesis: EDC 698A & 698B Thesis (6 credit hours)
- M.A. with Report: EDC 398R Report (3 credit hours)
- M.Ed.: No thesis or report required
Faculty
Focuses on historical and contemporary issues and discourses concerning African American students in schools and society.
Accepting new students
Researches civic education, early childhood/elementary education, and teacher education to examine the role of relationships, community, and justice to make classrooms democratic and equitable spaces.
Dr. Salinas is a member of the Social Studies Education program area and is an affiliate faculty member in the Bilingual/Bicultural and the Cultural Studies in Education program areas. Her focus in the social studies includes critical historical inqu...
Additional Information
The application opens in early August. Apply and check MyStatus for updates.
