Secondary Education Social Studies

Social Studies Education Degree Requirements

Taught by expert faculty, the B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies degree program challenges students through instruction in concepts and contexts important to social studies education, including history, political science, geography, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Hands-on components and coursework in the 120-credit Secondary Education Social Studies program include:

• HIS 200: Methods and Theory in History
• HIS 485: Capstone Research Seminar
• SE 352: Middle and Secondary Social Studies Pedagogies
• SE 495: Student Teaching

General education, field experience, and student teaching round out the curriculum, preparing graduates to take on their social studies classroom at the middle- or high-school levels.

Program Admissions

To become a Secondary Education Social Studies major, students must apply to York College as undergraduates. After securing college admission, students can focus on completing initial education-related courses.

This foundational stage is a crucial requirement for full admission into the social studies education degree program and participation in advanced studies, including student teaching experiences.

Visit our undergraduate admissions page for information on the admissions process for York College.

Earn a B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies at York College of Pennsylvania

Embark on your journey to become a skilled social studies educator and apply to the social studies education major program at York College.

Eager to turn your interest in history and culture into a rewarding teaching career? Request more information or visit our scenic campus to explore your next steps.

Become a Social Studies Teacher in Pennsylvania

Graduates of the B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies program can pursue teacher certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our students have gone on to work for the Chicago Committee for Binghamton University, Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, Temple University, and York College itself, as well as at public, private, and charter schools in the area.

Equipped with a deep understanding of teaching methods and social studies subjects like history, geography, political science, and economics, York College graduates become educators in various areas of social studies education. They have the foundation to teach diverse subjects such as world history, American government, and cultural studies.

The Career Development Center at York College provides comprehensive support to social studies education majors, from guiding them through the teacher certification process to offering personalized help with résumé preparation and job placement.

Salary and Outlook for Middle -and High- School Social Studies Teachers 

Graduates of the Social Studies Education program at York College are equipped to make significant contributions in both public and private educational settings, as well as in fields like educational technology and consultancy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 average annual salary for teachers certified in adolescent education was approximately $62,360.

The income for middle and high-school social studies teachers varies based on factors such as location, type of school, educational qualifications, certification status, and professional experience. Career advancement opportunities can enhance earning potential in this field, such as gaining work experience, obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees, or moving into administrative roles.

Field Experience and Student Teaching

The Secondary Education (7-12) Social Studies program blends hands-on teaching experiences with field opportunities to prepare students for successful careers and fulfill PDE professional teaching certification requirements.

Students in Secondary Education Social Studies gradually participate in both classroom and field-based teaching activities, building up to their final student teaching semester:

• Early field experience
• Advanced field experience
• Professional semester (seminar and classroom teaching)

These practical teaching experiences are essential for meeting Pennsylvania teacher certification requirements—a necessary credential for teaching in the state's public school system.

Learn more about the student teaching and field experience opportunities.

Learn From Experts in Education

The dedicated professors at York College and the experienced clinical supervisors you meet during your student teaching semester are pivotal in your journey as a Secondary Education Social Studies major. These professionals impart knowledge and offer mentorship throughout your coursework and field experiences.

Connect With Local Schools and Organizations

York College of Pennsylvania maintains strong connections within the educational landscape, encompassing a broad spectrum of schools, including public, charter, and various educational organizations dedicated to community outreach and technology.

This network benefits current students and alums of the B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies degree program, providing invaluable links to educational institutions in the area. These connections are a solid foundation for student teaching roles, career opportunities, and academic pursuits.

Clubs and Professional Organizations

At York, Secondary Education Social Studies majors can enhance their educational experience by joining clubs, including Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society for future educators. These groups cover various subjects, from history and political science to cultural studies, offering opportunities for leadership growth and exploring additional interests.

Explore the over student-run organizations at York College.

Skills for Teaching Social Studies

Develop essential skills for social studies lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom leadership. Graduates of the B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies degree program:

• Gain in-depth knowledge in social studies areas such as history, geography, political science, and economics for secondary-level teaching
• Learn and apply effective teaching techniques to convey complex social studies concepts to students
• Acquire the ability to manage diverse classroom settings while promoting an inclusive and engaging learning atmosphere
• Become adept at integrating modern technology and digital resources into social studies education
• Practice assessment methods to evaluate and support student learning and progress
• Design and implement comprehensive social studies curricula that include interactive discussions, critical analyses, and project-based learning

Other York College Teaching Certification Majors

Within the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, York College presents a diverse range of undergraduate majors, each designed to align with certification requirements for teaching various subjects and grade levels. Our programs include: 

• Secondary Education (7-12), English
• Secondary Education (7-12), General Science
• Secondary Education (7-12), Mathematics
• Middle Level Education

In addition to these undergraduate offerings, York College also provides various certificate programs and master's and doctoral degrees in education.

To become a social studies teacher, you need at least a bachelor's degree in social studies education or a related field. This degree equips you with both the subject knowledge and the teaching skills necessary for certification. Most states, including Pennsylvania, require this degree and additional teacher certification to teach in public schools. It’s the first step toward launching a rewarding career in social studies education.

A degree in social studies education opens up various career opportunities. While becoming a middle- or high-school social studies teacher is the most common path, graduates can also explore roles in educational policy, curriculum development, and educational consulting. Additionally, the skills acquired through this degree program — like critical thinking and effective communication — are highly valued in public service, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions.

Typically, completing a bachelor’s degree in social studies education takes about four years, which is the fundamental requirement for becoming a teacher. After obtaining your degree, you must also complete a teacher certification program, which can vary in length depending on the state and the program's specific requirements. Some students pursue additional qualifications like a master's degree, which can add one to two years to the timeline.

Social studies teachers are in demand, especially in specific regions and school districts. The call for teachers can vary based on geographic location, school budgets, and government policies. However, social studies education is a vital component of the school curriculum, ensuring a steady need for qualified teachers in the field. Additionally, as veteran teachers retire, new opportunities continually emerge for the next generation of educators.