Social Science Teaching Major, B.A./B.S.

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in social science teaching and licensure as a senior high/junior high/middle school (grades 5 through 12) social studies teacher will be advised by members of the History Department. Under the current program, which meets the State of Indiana requirements for licensure, all students will complete fields in history (which includes both U.S. and world history) and government; they will select an additional teaching field from the following: economics, psychology, and sociology. Thus, all program completers will qualify for licensure in at least three areas: history, government, and one of the following – economics, psychology, or sociology. Three components comprise each program leading to Indiana certification as a secondary teacher. These components are: University Core Curriculum (51 hours). Review requirements for the University Core Curriculum printed elsewhere in this bulletin.

Professional Education (courses taught by the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services necessary to meet state licensing requirements). Review appropriate sections elsewhere in this bulletin under the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. Academic content areas in history, government, and one of the following: economics, psychology, or sociology (60 credit hours).

Program Admission Requirements

The social science secondary education major does not provide comprehensive certification to teach social studies in Indiana. Licensing is based on teaching areas instead. After successful completion of 45 hours of course work, candidates for certification must submit an application for admission to the teacher education program. Application materials are available in the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services office. The application process includes a formal interview with faculty in teaching areas and submission of additional written materials. Admission requirements also include 1) passing scores on Praxis I, a basic skills test of reading, writing, and math; and 2) a cumulative GPA of 2.75 as well as a GPA of 2.75 in each teaching field and in education courses.

NOTE: These minimum GPA requirements also apply to admission to student teaching and program completion. Review the College of Liberal Arts Teacher Certification Policy  at the beginning of the Liberal Arts section of this bulletin for further information.