Social Studies Education (Grades 7-12), M.S.

The master’s degree in Social Studies Education prepares civic-minded graduates who educate and enlighten society’s youngest citizens and expand the classroom to every corner of the world.

FULL tuition scholarships + living expenses for diverse future teachers in this and other select master’s programs through the Baldanza Fellows Program.

This program addresses five critical areas for 21st century classrooms: social studies content knowledge, inclusive and culturally relevant pedagogy, critical reflection and explanations of practice, assessment of student learning, and professional conduct. This program meets the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State teacher certification in Social Studies (Grades 7-12).

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15 | More admissions information

Why Social Studies Education at Syracuse University?

  • Complete your degree in one year of full-time study—no teaching experience or certification needed!
  • Prepares students for teaching diverse students in 21st century classrooms. From experiences in university classrooms, online, and in schools and communities, you will learn to design inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogy for all students.
  • Faculty members of this program are specialists and are highly interested in educational theory and research in the field of teaching the social sciences education.
  • Participate in EDU Sims, which are standardized simulations of common interactions in classroom and school environments to help you identify your strengths and develop your professional skills.
  • Strong collaborative ties with the faculty in the Department of History and other social sciences departments. Students will continue to develop content knowledge while learning how to teach and work with students and communities.
  • Each semester centers on an intensive field placement in a middle or high school setting to provide rich teaching experience with youth from diverse backgrounds.
  • Take part in School of Education short-term study abroad trips or semester-long programs around the world. School of Education students are also eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.
  • Small student cohorts and a highly engaged alumni network mean you get to know your teachers and peers who will become your lifelong colleagues.

Social Studies education graduates program have a strong foundation of social studies knowledge and instructional best practices. School of Education graduates make a difference in K-12 schools and other settings, including as:

  • Social studies, history, or political science teachers
  • Teacher leaders, department chairs, or school administrators
  • Sociologists, historians, urban planners, or researchers
  • Graduates also choose further studies in educational leadership, public administration, or other areas of interest.

Interested students with existing initial certification in Social Studies (Grades 7-12) should consider the M.S. program in Teaching and Curriculum.

Program Contacts

Speranza Migliore, Graduate Academic Advisor
smiglior@syr.edu|315.443.2505
Speranza Migliore
Lauren Schmidt, Career and Certification Counselor
lcschmid@syr.edu|315.443.2956
Lauren Schmidt
Jeffery Mangram, Associate Professor
jamangra@syr.edu|315.443.3293
Jeffery Mangram