Social Studies Education

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Program TypeMajor
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Degrees OfferedB.S.
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SchoolLiffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences
Explore how humans form groups, construct societies, and reconcile differences. Prepare for a teaching career rooted in multiple disciplines.
What You’ll Learn

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
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North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
All the University of Mary education programs are fully accredited by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board and all CAEP national standards are fully met.
Featured Faculty

Karen Hooge Michalka, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sociology, Director of Social Studies Education Program
I have a deep and longstanding curiosity about the interplay between our personal experiences and opportunities, and the broader societal contexts of our lives. This interest led me to the study of sociology, a social science that studies the interplay and interactions of people, culture, social structures, and social institutions. My research focuses on the spiritual, cultural, and political adjustments that occur in the lives of immigrants to the United States, and the receptivity of the host communities. My collaborators include Bismarck Global Neighbors, the Latino Protestant Congregations Study, and the Public Religion Research Institute.

Carmen Cain, PhD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of Secondary Education Program, Director of Licensure Track Program
Having been an educator for over 20 years now, my first priority at the University of Mary is to facilitate student learning so teacher-candidates are prepared for the joys and challenges of their own classroom. I enjoy collaborating with an excellent faculty to provide our students with the best education possible.