Social Studies Education
Description
Social Studies teachers instill in students the ideas of democracy, citizenship and history. Students in the nationally recognized Social Studies Education program at OU are prepared to teach a variety of the social sciences, including economics, history, geography and government, and help their students become responsible citizens. Beginning with their first Education course, students spend more than 100 hours in field experiences observing and tutoring students.
These field experiences prepare students for student-teaching internships during either the certification or graduate portion of their education. During these internships, students observe, prepare lesson plans and teach. The student teaching programs typically last 16 weeks.
The Social Studies Education curriculum is designed so that students will receive Bachelor of Science degrees in four years. If students wish to be certified to teach, they can choose to complete a semester-long certification process or they can continue their education and receive a master's degree in education. Students receive certification to become teachers in the social sciences in middle or junior highs and high schools.
Degree Options
A Social Studies Education student graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. A student could also pursue a Master of Education, a Doctor of Philosophy or a Doctor of Education degree. Students who pursue a master's degree may be certified as reading specialists.
Accreditation
The Social Studies Education program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Council for the Social Studies, a specialty organization.
In 2007, U.S. News and World Report ranked the College of Education 40th among the best graduate programs in the nation.
Notable Achievements
Social Studies Education faculty members are active in professional organizations. A faculty member in the program also serves as editor of the professional journal Action in Teacher Education, published by the Association of Teacher Educators.
Education students can participate in organizations including Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society that recognizes outstanding contributions to education, and the Student Council for Exceptional Children, which provides professional growth opportunities through field experiences.
Interests and Skills
Social Studies Education students typically have interests in history, geography and politics. Education students also enjoy working with middle and high school students. High school preparation should include tutoring or working with middle and high school students.
This page last updated: Oct 27, 2009