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Social Science Education (Grades 6–12)

Program Info

Degree Type:
Undergraduate
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(800) 414-5756
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Social Science Education: Teach About People, Places and History

Interested in history, politics and culture, and want to help share that knowledge with others? If so, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ University's BSEd in social science education prepares you to teach history, civics, geography and more to grades 6–12. In our in-person or online social science education degree program, you'll study sociology, geography, history, economics, anthropology, psychology and political science while learning how to teach social science to a variety of learners. As you build your knowledge of these subject areas, you'll practice teaching in local schools, providing you with the experience you need for social science teacher certification in Alabama.

Hawkins Hall

Study Society, History and Culture While Learning to Teach

Deepen your understanding of the subjects that interest you while developing practical teaching skills. Whether you're interested in anthropology, economics, psychology or another area of social science, as a social science education major, you'll have the opportunity to take coursework in a variety of subjects. Then, you'll explore how to make those subjects accessible and interesting to middle and high school students. From teaching how geography influences global events to exploring the economic and political systems that influence our everyday lives, you'll learn how to translate complex topics into compelling lesson plans. 

Prepare for Social Science Teacher Certification for Grades 6–12

Graduate ready to meet Alabama's teacher certification requirements for grades 6–12. As a social science education major at TROY, you'll gain classroom experience in local Alabama schools through field placements and a full-time teaching internship, receiving guidance from experienced educators along the way. In the classroom, you'll learn classroom management strategies, lesson planning and how to work with a variety of learners. By the time you graduate, you'll stand out as a competitive candidate for middle and high school social science teacher jobs.



Social Science Education Curriculum

Your courses can vary from year to year and based on your interests, but may include:
Degree Map

Social Science Education Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by taking courses in person on the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ or Dothan Campus or earn your social science teaching degree online. For more information about program availability and delivery, call 1-800-414-5756.

Inspire Critical Thinking and Civic Engagement

Why become a social science teacher? Social science teaching jobs can be very rewarding, allowing you to help middle and high schoolers understand how history, culture, economics, politics and geography contribute to the world they live in. At TROY, you'll learn how to design lessons that connect classroom topics to real-world issues, from exploring how global trade impacts local economies to examining how cultural movements influence politics. You'll learn how to help students develop the skills to think critically, ask thoughtful questions and engage meaningfully with their communities. Your work as a teacher will prepare students to become active, informed and responsible citizens who can make a difference in our society. 

Students attending a class and listening to the professor

Social Science Education Jobs

After graduation, you'll be prepared for social science teacher jobs for grades 6–12 in Alabama. You'll also be qualified to pursue teaching opportunities in other states or to explore related roles in education, curriculum development or community outreach.

Faculty Profiles

Sharon Lindhorst Everhardt, Ph.D.

Sharon Lindhorst Everhardt, Ph.D.

Dr. Sharon Lindhorst Everhardt is an associate professor of sociology and the director of the TROY — Tutwiler Garden Project. Her main research interests include race, class and gender with a focus on disenfranchised populations of women. In 2020, Dr. Everhardt earned certification as an AACS clinical sociologist who helps organizations and institutions resolve social issues related to the human condition.
Dr. Joseph Johnson

Dr. Joseph Johnson

Dr. Joseph Johnson is the chair of the Teacher Education Department at TROY. Dr. Johnson is TROY's leader for edTPA preparation and has more than 13 years of experience teaching in secondary schools and 13 more in higher education. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and teaches undergraduate and graduate student teaching seminars.

Social Science Education Scholarships

TROY offers numerous scholarships to help fund your social science education degree. Options include:
Rebecca and Earl Ingram, II Scholarship

A needs-based scholarship designed to provide funding to students pursuing majors in the Teacher Education Program.


Marjorie Holland Turner Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to students majoring in Education from Crenshaw or Pike Counties in Alabama.




Hennigan/Morris Scholarship

A scholarship for juniors or seniors majoring in Elementary or Secondary Education.




Frances Sanders Tidwell Scholarship

A scholarship for students from Pike County or Montgomery County (Alabama) who are pursuing a major in Education, Nursing or Computer Science with first preference to Education.





FAQ About the Social Science Education Degree

Learn more about how to become a social science teacher and TROY's program.
What does a social science teacher teach?
A social science teacher can teach a variety of subjects, including history, civics, geography, sociology, psychology and economics. These subjects help students understand societies, cultures and governments and prepare them to engage thoughtfully in civic life.
How can I become a social science teacher?
If you're wondering how to become a social science teacher in Alabama, the path includes earning a bachelor's degree and completing a state-approved educator preparation program. TROY's B.S.Ed. in social science education meets both requirements. You'll take courses in subjects like history, sociology and geography, gain hands-on classroom experience through field placements and an internship, and be prepared to meet the state's certification requirements for teaching grades 6–12.


What is the difference between social science and social studies education?
Social science and social studies are related but have some differences. Social science refers to the academic disciplines that study human behavior and society, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science and geography. These fields use research and analysis to understand how people interact, how societies function and how cultures evolve.

Social studies, on the other hand, is the school subject that combines aspects of the social sciences — along with history, civics and sometimes elements of the humanities — into an integrated curriculum for K–12 education. While social sciences are the individual fields of study, social studies is the discipline that draws from them to help students understand communities, cultures and citizenship.



Is a social science teacher a good career?

Yes. In addition to being a rewarding career, there is a steady demand for teachers in history, civics and other social sciences in Alabama and across the country. With teaching experience and a strong interdisciplinary curriculum, graduates of TROY's social science education program are well-positioned for fulfilling social science teacher jobs.

Is TROY's social science education degree available online?

º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½'s social science teaching degree is available online! However, student teaching and other practical courses may need to be completed in person.

News

The social sciences bachelor’s program at TROY provides training in leadership, research methods, writing and problem-solving.

What Can You Do With a Social Science Degree?

Under the umbrella of social sciences is a broad spectrum of disciplines, including anthropology, criminology, history, geography, political science, psychology and sociology.

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