Online Social Studies Education Programs

Online social studies education programs are ideal for pre-service and in-service teachers who want to specialize in humanities and other social sciences.

Social studies is an integrated area of study of various social sciences and humanities subjects aimed at promoting civic competence. It is the taught as a set of courses in primary and secondary schools or elementary, middle, and high schools.The field of social studies is broad, and students learn how to research and explore various topics related to the social sciences. These areas are: history, civic education and government, economics, psychology, geography, sociology, anthropology, and other humanities. In order to teach in K-12, all states require teachers to have a teaching certification or license. Most private schools also have this requirement. The aim of social studies education is to help students learn more about social, cultural, and physical world. It provides a context where students can understand the structure and processes of society.

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Selected Online Social Studies Training Programs

Grand Canyon University

• BS in Social Studies for Secondary Teachers

Walden University Online

• M. S. in Education - Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6–12)

Ashford University

• BA/Social Science - Early Childhood Education
• BA/Social Science - Education Studies

Social Studies Courses and Training

The purpose of social studies is the preparation of effective citizens both nationally and internationally. It is both a single discipline and multi-discipline, having its own research base as well as drawing from other disciplines like political science, economics, geography, history etc. Social studies majors are required to take various courses in the arts and humanities. These can be courses in political science, history, geography, religion, etc. In addition, teachers are required to take teacher education courses that include classroom management, educational research, educational psychology, pedagogical methods, etc, In addition, pre-service and in-service teachers are required to have state-issued teaching certification, which is acquired by taking a standardized exam.

Social Studies Careers

Depending on the state social studies teachers need to be certified. To teach in elementary school teachers should have at least majored in education and minored in social studies. To teach in high school teachers should have a more specific degree as well as possess teaching certification in an area such as history, political science, economics, or geography.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States Department of Labor projects that future employment prospects for licensed teachers, including those with online social studies education programs, is positive, with an anticipated job growth of about 12% over the next several year. K-12 teachers earn between $50,000 to $53,000. However, in addition to graduating from a campus on online social studies education accredited program, being certified or licensed in for all public education schools and a majority of private schools in necessary.