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Social Studies Education

Social studies teacher in front of class teaching high school students
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.S.
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences
Undergraduate Programs

Explore how humans form groups, construct societies, and reconcile differences. Prepare for a teaching career rooted in multiple disciplines.

What You’ll Learn

Colleges of Distinction Education Seal

You’ll be introduced to a wide range of areas, including history, economics, political science, geography, anthropology, sociology, and psychology, to prepare for teaching social studies to students in grades five to twelve. Explore the concepts of critical teacher preparation and develop classroom skills through a curriculum that combines theoretical and practical approaches to social studies education.

Enhance Your Leadership Skills

Participate in an educational leadership conference and the Emerging Leaders Academy, a four-year program in educational leadership.

Engage in Collaborative Research

Take part in mentoring and collaborative research activities with full-time faculty with K-12 teaching experience.

Gain Practical Classroom Experience

Program majors work in a social studies classroom under the supervision of an assigned teacher. The experience includes observation, teaching, and the performance of teacher-related responsibilities.

Become Licensure Eligible

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible for North Dakota licensure for middle and high school teaching in your subject area.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Accreditations

Assistant Professor and Social Studies Education Chair Karen Hooge Michalka shares what it’s like to study in Mary’s social studies education program.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for middle school and high school teacher employment through 2032. Areas where middle school populations increase will experience greater demand. 

Career Paths

  • High School Social Science Teacher
  • Middle School Social Science Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist 
  • Private Tutor
  • Researcher
  • School Administrator  

I’ve gotten to be pretty good friends with a lot of the professors because of the small classes. I’m able to go talk with them in their offices any time and go beyond the material we’re learning in class and really get to know them.

Stephanie Hauf, ’21

Featured Faculty

Alexander Mains, MEd

Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education

As the director of the secondary education program, I have the opportunity to work with prospective middle school and high school educators to help them grow in their skills and develop a love of learning for their future students. I work within eight different subject areas for my program, teaching various methods courses and education courses and visiting practicum schools where my future educators observe classroom teachers and practice teaching their lessons to real students.

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Take Your Next Step in Social Studies Education