Guide high school and middle school students to become informed and active citizens.
Social studies teachers prepare middle and high school students to become knowledgeable
and engaged participants in our civic life. At UND, you’ll learn the foundations of
how to teach political science, geography, history, and economics. Your social studies
degree will allow you to educate students about the influences shaping their world.
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125
Why earn a degree in social studies education?
Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 17
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1
The University of North Dakota offers the most comprehensive teacher education program
in the state of North Dakota. Our graduates make an impact all across the nation.
With the composite social studies education major, you'll combine courses in teaching
and learning with classes in history, economics, geography fundamentals and political
science as well as the behavioral sciences. You'll be well-rounded and conversant
in the history of Western civilization, the principles of economics and the workings
of American politics.
Our curriculum is designed to give you real-world experience in middle and secondary
school classrooms while you take courses that prepare you to teach and advocate for
a diversity of learners. Your program culminates in a student teaching assignment
where you'll have the responsibility for instruction and assessment.
CAEP Accredited Degree
Teacher Education programs at UND meet the rigorous expectations set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP). The B.S.Ed in Social Studies Education is also approved by the North Dakota Educational
Standards and Licensing Board.
Social Studies Program
On graduation, you'll work with faculty to obtain the appropriate teaching license
and/or endorsement.
Gain a global perspective on education by studying abroad. Students recently have
completed student teaching in Australia and Ireland.
Join the largest pre-professional association for students entering teaching. Student
North Dakota United (SNDU) is affiliated with the National Education Association,
the largest professional teacher organization in the U.S.
The Teacher Education Program connects you with local volunteer opportunities at area
schools, adding to your teaching experience, building your resume, and creating professional
networks.
As a student in Teacher Education, you will be eligible for scholarships through the
College of Education & Human Development.
Social Studies Teacher Job Outlook
20%
Increase in annual demand for all teachers
Learning Policy Institute
316K
Expected teacher shortage by 2025
Job prospects look favorable for graduates of the B.S.Ed. Composite Social Studies
Education Program who receive their teaching license (grades 5-12 in North Dakota).
Social studies was declared a critical shortage area by the North Dakota Department
of Public Instruction Education Standards and Practices Board.
Career opportunities in social studies are abundant in the region and in most places
of the United States. Rural school districts as well as large cities, sorely need
quality social studies teachers and you are likely to have many choices selecting
an employer that fits your geographic preference.
Social Studies Education Courses You Could Take
T&L 400. Methods and Materials. 3 Credits.
Various teaching methods and strategies and the materials used in teaching in a subject area. (Some Methods and Materials courses carry an academic department prefix and number. The number of methods courses required by a department may vary. Consult with an adviser.) Some offered F only; some F,S. See adviser. Prerequisites: T&L 250 and T&L 345, and admission to the Teacher Education program. Corequisites: T&L 486. Repeatable to 18 credits. F,S.
T&L 345. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 3 Credits.
A general curriculum development and instruction course designed for the undergraduate pre-service middle school and/or secondary teacher across all disciplines. It introduces and provides practice in planning, multiple instructional strategies, and methods of formal and informal assessment. It considers the impact of historical foundations, teaching philosophy, discipline standards, knowledge of diverse learners and special needs, and technology on curriculum development. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F,S.
T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.
A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.
T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.
This course takes an anthropological view of multicultural education. In this course, we will learn how to serve students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We will discuss how students' needs should be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity, language, and culture that students bring to class must be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. The activities and materials presented in this course will teach you how to be respectful of diversity (gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture). Through class activities, readings, discussions, guest speakers and reflection, you will better understand the needs and perspectives of culturally diverse classrooms and it prepares you to teach about cultural diversity. This class examines several cultures including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, as well as populations making up our New American community members who have arrived as refugees. It also explores diversity that exists aside from race and culture. This course will assist you in gaining deeper insight into your own backgrounds and belief systems and how it impacts your views and perspectives on working and interacting with individuals who come from a different cultural background. Note: This course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.
SOC 306. Social Change and Social Movements. 3 Credits.
The focus of this course is on social change in American society in the context of current environmental and social problems. Topics include definitions of social change, patterns and causes of social change, theoretical explanations for social change, contemporary social movements and the theoretical explanation for their origins and planned social change strategies. S.
POLS 318. American Political Thought. 3 Credits.
A historical analysis of the major thinkers and of the streams of thought which molded the political life and institutions of the United States from the Puritans to the present. F.
Leaders in Education
UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.
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