Best Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
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A bachelor's in social studies teacher education program prepares students to teach at a middle or high school. Degree-seekers perform student teaching and pass exams to earn an initial teaching license.
Most top programs require learners to take all coursework on campus and complete student teaching at schools in the surrounding area.
Some colleges and universities offer a hybrid social studies teacher education program. These programs let learners take some classes online during the summer. Online classes may feature an asynchronous curriculum, a benefit for degree-seekers working while in school.
An on-campus or hybrid bachelor's in social studies teacher education program takes four years to complete for learners without prior college experience. Students in a hybrid program can calculate the total cost of attendance by researching tuition, fees, and other online learning expenses.
The average middle or high school teacher earns a median salary higher than the typical U.S. worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects steady growth for both professions.
Clarks Summit University — Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Why It's #1: Clarks Summit University (CSU) is the No. 1-ranked school on our Best Social Studies Teaching Education Programs list. CSU features an 88% graduation rate and a low 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The university also admits 87% of applicants and requires only a short admissions form. Although learners pay more at this private institution than degree-seekers at some public schools on our list, 95% of full-time CSU students receive at least one institutional scholarship.
Popular Online Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Bachelor's in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Clarks Summit University
South Abington Township, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $990 per credit
Out of State | $990 per credit
Credits to Graduate
126
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Pennsylvania Department of Education
CSU's bachelor's in secondary education — social studies prepares students for an initial Pennsylvania teaching license in just four years. The Christian-centered curriculum requires classes in world religions and theological distinctives. Degree-seekers enjoy a low 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
CSU encourages prospective first-year students to speak with an admissions counselor before applying. The application takes only 15-20 minutes to complete. Applicants must submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results and official high school or undergraduate transcripts, as well.
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY - 4 years
- Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $305 per credit
Out of State | $620 per credit
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Aspiring New York state public school teachers choose Hunter's adolescent social studies (BA) program. Students customize the degree by choosing education electives that include adolescent development and building the foundations of literacy. Learners remain in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Aspiring first-year students apply for the spring or fall semester. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and an essay demonstrating curiosity and leadership potential. Hunter recommends but does not require recommendation letters.
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $348 per credit
Out of State | $948 per credit
Credits to Graduate
129
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Degree-seekers in Purdue's bachelor's in social studies education program train for a teaching career by taking classes in multiculturalism, community issues and applications, and learning and motivation. Opportunities for clinical practice and student teaching exist through the Indianapolis Public School Urban Experience. Graduates qualify for an Indiana teaching license.
First-year applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Other admission requirements include ACT or SAT scores. Applicants using the Common Application must also submit an essay.
Providence College
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Year
In State | $57,790 per year
Out of State | $57,790 per year
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
The bachelor's in social science teacher education program at Providence College (PC) lets students create a unique history concentration. Learners do so by selecting seven major electives.
Required classes include Colonial North America, creating a nation, and the American century. Learners may substitute some requirements by earning a 4-5 score on an Advanced Placement exam.
PC accepts the Common Application and requires high school transcripts, a personal statement, and recommendation letters. Applicants submit ACT or SAT scores, as well.
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $305 per credit
Out of State | $620 per credit
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Brooklyn College's social studies teacher (7-12) program features nine concentrations that include anthropology, economics, and political science. Students also select from dozens of education electives, such as critical issues in U.S. education and teaching adolescents in content areas. Learners maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Prospective first-year students apply with the City University of New York (CUNY) Application. Application materials include high school transcripts, SAT scores, and a fee.
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $614 per credit
Out of State | $614 per credit
Credits to Graduate
130
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Mississippi College's social studies education program offers students a Christian education with coursework in the American economic system, adolescent psychology, and interpersonal communication. Coursework also trains learners in classroom management and assessment. Required courses and student teaching qualify graduates for a Mississippi teaching license.
Applicants submit high school transcripts or a GED certificate. Standard admission requirements include a minimum 18 ACT or 940 ACT score, as well. Homeschooled students may apply by submitting additional materials.
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI - 4 years
- Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Year
In State | $38,370 per year
Out of State | $38,370 per year
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Michigan residents preparing for a career as a secondary social studies teacher enroll in Calvin's teacher-preparation program. Learners concentrate in general history, economics, geography, or political science. Required major classes include societal structures, methods of pedagogies, and principles of microeconomics.
Calvin accepts new degree-seekers in the spring and fall semesters. First-year applicants may submit the Common Application or the university application. Other requirements include ACT or SAT scores.
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Year
In State | $34,500 per year
Out of State | $34,500 per year
Credits to Graduate
132
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Students in Cedarville's BA in social studies education program receive a biblical education qualifying them for an Ohio teaching license. Learners concentrate in economics, geography, political science, or sociology. Degree-seekers may further customize their education by minoring in church history, criminal history, history, or international studies.
Application requirements include high school transcripts and evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Applicants need not submit ACT or SAT scores. All incoming first-year students receive some institutional financial aid.
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Year
In State | $38,550 per year
Out of State | $38,550 per year
Credits to Graduate
126-127
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Pennsylvania Department of Education
Messiah provides aspiring Pennsylvania educators with a Christ-centered social studies teacher licensure program. Education classes include introduction to special education, perspectives on education, and instructional design and assessment for middle and secondary grades. Learners may take some general education classes online.
Prospective students' application files include a personal statement and high school transcripts. Messiah recommends but does not require ACT or SAT scores. Incoming first-year degree-seekers with an excellent high school GPA receive up to $15,000 a year in automatic scholarships.
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Year
In State | $33,670 per year
Out of State | $33,670 per year
Credits to Graduate
121
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Texas State Board for Educator Certification
The bachelor's in social studies program at LeTourneau University (LETU) features two field experiences and coursework in ethical and legal topics in education, classroom management, and the history of the modern Middle East. Learners prepare for a career in education with a mix of courses and student teaching. The program also requires a class in licensure exam preparation.
LETU uses a 3.0 high school GPA cutoff and accepts standardized test scores. Applicants also submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid results.
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor's in Social Studies Teacher Education ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 225 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges' Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Is a bachelor's in social studies teacher education worth it?
Is a bachelor's in social studies teacher education worth it?
A social studies teacher education program offers many advantages. The BLS projects the number of jobs for middle school teachers to grow by 7% between 2020-2030. The BLS projects an 8% growth in jobs for high school teachers during the same timeframe.
A career in education also presents opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming an administrator or instructional coordinator. Other professionals use what they learn as a teacher to pursue jobs in another field.
Prospective students starting their journey should consider an online education's benefits. Online learners receive the same rigorous educational experience as their on-campus peers. Other advantages may include an asynchronous curriculum.
What can I do with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education?
Recent graduates with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education start their career as a middle or high school teacher. This position lets them gain experience and explore career paths within the education field.
Professionals who do not return to school to earn a master's or doctorate in education may advance their career by researching positions in another field. Former teachers may work as a social and community service manager. This role lets them use their teaching background to create programs benefiting individuals and communities.
Related positions that include health education specialist may require some additional training. However, the profession's emphasis on interpersonal and instructional skills makes it an appealing choice for former teachers.
What continuing education is available for social studies teacher education graduates?
Teachers and other education professionals take continuing education (CE) classes to keep up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices. States also require CE for licensure renewal. Tennessee educators, for example, must earn 60 CE points every renewal cycle by taking approved classes.
Other options to satisfy states' CE requirements include taking college classes, such as earning a master's or doctorate in education. Individuals with a master's may work as a principal, district administrator, or instructional coordinator. Jobs for professionals with a doctorate include college president and school superintendent.
New educators with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education work with administrators and peers to explore CE opportunities leading to career advancement.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education?
The BLS reports that middle school teachers earned a median annual salary of $61,320, as of May 2021, approximately $16,000 more than the U.S. median salary for all U.S. workers. Middle school teachers in New York, California, and Massachusetts made more than their peers. However, these states feature some of the highest cost of living rates in the country.
High school teachers with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education made a slightly higher median annual salary as of May 2021, $61,820. Those working for a public school earned approximately $7,000 more per year than their peers employed by a private school. High school teachers in California made the highest mean salary in the country, $94,600.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education?
Social and community service managers made a median annual salary of $74,000, as of May 2021, approximately $13,000 more per year than the typical middle or high school teacher.
Other lucrative opportunities for professionals with a bachelor's in social studies teacher education include intelligence analyst. These workers earn an average annual salary of $72,430, as of June 2022, according to Payscale. Some Central Intelligence Agency analyst careers requiring a bachelor's degree pay more than $100,000 a year, as of July 2022.
Students earning an online bachelor's in social studies teacher education work with a career counselor to explore lucrative positions in and outside of the education field. Doing so helps them develop a long-term career plan.
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