Social Studies Education (Grades 7-12), B.A.

The B.A. program in Social Studies Education prepares civic-minded graduates who educate and enlighten society’s youngest citizen and expand the classroom to every corner of the world.

Students get a double major from both the School of Education and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, addressing 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 New York State initial teacher certification in Social Studies (Grades 7-12).

Why Social Studies Education at Syracuse?

  • 98% of School of Education graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months, and social studies education students have a 100% pass rate on the New York State edTPA examination.
  • We develop educators committed to equitable, antiracist, and inclusive practices. Graduates are ready to work with the full range of learners in schools, including students with disabilities, students who are not native English speakers, LGBTQ youth, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • A total of 5 field placements start in your first year, including full-time student teaching experiences as a senior. Your field experiences are supported by faculty and experienced mentor teachers in a diverse range of urban, suburban, and rural settings.
  • Engage in rigorous professional preparation courses with a student cohort that progresses through the program together, providing opportunities to create lifelong colleagues.
  • Syracuse University is the pioneer of experiential learning through SIMs—clinical simulations of common interactions in classroom and school environments to help you identify your strengths and develop your professional skills.
  • Two careers for the price of one—a major in your chosen social sciences area and a major in Social Studies Education gives you a leg up in both fields, preparing you for lesson planning or project management, problem solving in the social science world or the classroom!
  • 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.
  • Continue your graduate studies at the School of Education with our SOE 50% Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Study Scholarships.

As a School of Education student, you’ll enjoy small classes, personal advising, and a close-knit community with all the benefits of attending a dynamic research institution. You’ll work closely with our faculty of nationally recognized scholars as you develop your professional identity and portfolio and receive tailored career advising.

Graduates of this program have a strong foundational knowledge of their social science area and an excellent preparation in inclusive pedagogy. Our graduates are in K-12 school, community, and other settings including:

Program Detail

As a student in the Social Studies Education program, you will combine studies in social studies secondary curriculum, social sciences, education methods, classroom practicums, and academic requirements from the liberal arts core. Your double major will include a major in a social sciences area such as:

  • African American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Policy Studies
  • Sociology

You’ll choose the classes for your social sciences major, your history courses, as well as core liberal arts courses in collaboration with your advisors, allowing you to tailor them to your personal and professional interests. Sample courses in your program may include:

  • Modern Europe: Napoleon to the Present
  • Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs
  • Human Geographies
  • Principles of Learning in Inclusive Classrooms
  • American History to 1862
  • Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction

Your first semester will include liberal arts electives, writing, statistics and an introductory history course. More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.

Want more information?

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admissions & Application