Social studies education is an interdisciplinary integration of several social sciences including economics, government and citizenship, historical perspectives, psychology, and sociology.

Two key themes (social justice and diversity, and K-12 STEM education) and four key strands (innovation, collaboration, advancement, and leadership) run through and guide the program.  Students who successfully complete all requirements of a teacher preparation program that is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Indiana Department of Education are eligible for licensure in the state of Indiana.

Once licensed, a social studies education graduate is qualified to teach social studies related subjects (i.e., economics, history, government, and citizenship) to secondary students in a public, private, or independent school. With 43 interstate licensing agreements, graduates will be able to teach almost anywhere in the country.

Careers in Social Studies Education

  • Camp counselor
  • Community services
  • Graduate or professional school (e.g., child psychologist, education administrator, lawyer, school counselor)
  • Historian
  • Teacher