Social Studies Education

Master’s Program

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Social Studies Education focuses on research, theory and teacher preparation. Our students and faculty explore the contextual and contested meanings of “history” and “citizenship” in U.S. public schools. Students engage in coursework and research that explore topics such as social studies curriculum, multicultural education, and improving literacy through social studies.

The Department of Curriculum & Instruction offers three options for a master’s degree Social Studies Education:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) with Thesis (30 Credit Hours)
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) with Report (33 Credit Hours)
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) (36 Credit Hours)

The MA requires an independent report or thesis, while the M.Ed. requires additional elective course work.

Our degree programs focus on teaching and learning in urban contexts and thus require that candidates have or are in the process of acquiring three years of teaching experience. The degree is designed to help practicing social studies teachers extend their understanding of the importance of linguistically and culturally diverse learning communities in constructing ideals of participatory citizenship education. Students learn skills that help them become passionate teachers and prepare engaging curriculum for children.

All programs must include at least six semester hours outside the department. Up to nine hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework may be counted toward the M.Ed. (distributed as follows: six hours in Curriculum and Instruction and three hours outside C&I, or three hours in C&I and six hours outside C&I). Up to six hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework may be counted toward the M.A.

Faculty

Master of Arts with Thesis

Master of Arts with Report

Master of Education

At a Glance

  • Program Starts: Fall
  • Deadline to Apply:
    December 31
  • Credit Hours Required:
    M.A. with Thesis: 30 hours
    M.A. with Report: 33 hours
    M.Ed.: 36 hours
  • Schedule: Flexible
  • Program Location: On Campus
  • GRE Required? No
Photo of Katherine Payne

Program Area Coordinator, Advisor
Katherina Payne

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