Master of Arts in Social Studies Education

Social Studies Education focuses on research, theory and teacher preparation. Our students and faculty explore the contextual and contested meanings of “history” and “citizenship” in U.S. public schools. Students engage in coursework and research that explore topics such as social studies curriculum, multicultural education, and improving literacy through social studies.Our degree programs focus on teaching and learning in urban contexts and thus require that candidates have or are in the process of acquiring three years of teaching experience. The degree is designed to help practicing social studies teachers extend their understanding of the importance of linguistically and culturally diverse learning communities in constructing ideals of participatory citizenship education. Students learn skills that help them become passionate teachers and prepare engaging curriculum for children. All programs must include at least six semester hours outside the department. Up to nine hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework may be counted toward the M.Ed. (distributed as follows: six hours in Curriculum and Instruction and three hours outside C&I, or three hours in C&I and six hours outside C&I). Up to six hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework may be counted toward the M.A.