Social Studies Education, B.A.
Learn to engage students in the study of civics, economics, geography, and history, and equip students to make informed opinions that promote the common good.
About the Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education
What are the hallmarks of democracy, and what threatens it? What causes do the Great Depression and the 2008 Financial Crisis share? How will AI reshape jobs and the greater economy? These are just a few of the questions that might interest a social studies education major.
Our world grows more economically and culturally interdependent every day. A rich social studies background can help students gain a better understanding of the world, allowing past events and patterns to illuminate the present.
The B.A.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education is a minimum 122 semester hours program that includes 51 hours in history and related fields. The degree program is approved for grades 7-12 licensure in secondary social studies.
There are three phases for education majors: Phase I: Core Curriculum; Phase II: Teacher Education Program; and Phase III: Student Teaching. For more information go to the SAFE admission page.
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Program Information
Degree
B.A.Ed. in Social Studies Education
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
122
Program Type
Major
School
Duration
4 years
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Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:
- 2.5 grade point average (entry admission for transfer students and change of major)
- 2.75 grade point average (admission for Phase II: Teacher Education Program) and appropriate scores on either the ACT, SAT or Praxis CORE* (link to Phase II information is posted above under Program Description)
*Praxis Core Exemption: Students are exempt from taking the Praxis CORE exam for admission to Phase II if they:
- Provide proof of an ACT score of at least a 21 composite (or SAT equivalent; View the SAT Equivalency Scoring sheet for more information) OR
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a minimum of 60 hours of completed coursework
All teacher education candidates in the elementary, health and physical education, secondary, and special education programs are placed in one location during the senior year.
- The yearlong internship consists of senior practicum and student teaching.
- Candidates are paired with the same Clinical Instructor for the entire senior year.
All senior yearlong placements are overseen by a Uuniversity Ssupervisor and are based on the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards (InTASC) and Special Professional Association (SPA) Standards.
Candidates must take additional Praxis exams to qualify for licensure in Mississippi. Once licensed, candidates will be highly qualified to teach their emphasis subject grades 7-12.
Candidates may also qualify for additional add-on endorsements through coursework or Praxis II exams. For information on seeking licensure outside Mississippi, please review the Certification information.
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Ellen Foster
Professor of Teacher Education
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in Mississippi for licensure preparation and first-year pass rates.
undergraduate scholarships awarded each year.
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