Online Master's in Social Studies Education Program Guide

Social studies educators combine their love of history and teaching to inspire lifelong, active citizens. In elementary, middle school, and high schools, social studies educators teach students about topics like history, political science, geography, and sociology.

This subject introduces students to democratic concepts and principles, which can help them become more civically engaged. Completing a master's in social studies education online offers current educators the flexibility to attend graduate school while remaining employed.

Social studies is not considered a "high-need teaching area" by the U.S. government. However, social studies teachers can become more marketable by becoming certified in high-need areas, such as English as a second language or special education.

Interested in teaching social studies? Use this guide to explore more about becoming a social studies educator and learn how to choose the right program for you.

Choosing the Right Online Social Studies Education Master's Program

Because every student learns differently, you should consider your needs and interests when choosing a master's in a social studies program. Consider the following factors to help narrow down your decision.

• Accreditation: Attending a school with institutional accreditation ensures that you can receive federal financial aid. Social studies programs may also hold programmatic accreditation from private agencies like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
• Cost: Private institutions often charge students more than public institutions. However, a generous financial aid package can make one college more attractive than another.
• Future Education Opportunities: If you want to earn the top degree in education, consider the availability of the school's doctoral-level programs in the field.
• Program Format: An online program can make it easier to go back to college, especially if you have work or family obligations. These programs may operate asynchronously, synchronously, and in hybrid schedules.

What to Expect From a Social Studies Education Graduate Program

Earning a master's in social studies education online can lead to state certification. Your prior education and teaching experience influence your graduation timeline. The average master's program requires two years for full-time learners and about 30-40 credits.

Coursework trains you to become an expert in social studies-related courses such as history and geography. After completing major coursework, you can engage in hands-on teaching opportunities through practicums.

Tuition and fees vary. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that in the 2021-2022 academic year, public institutions charged an average of $12,596 for a graduate degree, while private colleges charged $28,017 in tuition and fees.

Explore Popular Courses

Social studies programs include subject-specific curricula and courses that prepare educators for the classroom. Teaching experience provides hands-on practice in real-world teaching environments. Aspiring teachers practice classroom management, write lesson plans, and create differentiated instruction for inclusive learning environments. Programs typically include courses like:

• Applied history seminar
• Curriculum development
• Clinical experience
• Diversity in education
• Educational assessment and evaluation
• Introduction to special education
• Teaching concepts of geography
• Teaching social studies inclusively

Discover Degree and Specialization Options

Each college features different social studies degrees and specializations. For instance, programs may offer master of science in education, master of arts in education, or master in education degrees. Master's in teaching degrees prepare future educators to enter the classroom, while a master's in education can lead to careers in administration or curriculum development.

Programs also support diverse career goals in education with specializations, such as:

• Special Education: Teachers who focus on special education learn to teach learners with various disabilities or challenges. They create differentiated lessons for students of all levels, ultimately teaching in inclusive and/or learning support-specific classrooms.
• Social Studies, Grades 5 and 6: If you want to teach elementary and middle school, consider a focus on these primary grades.
• Adolescent Social Studies: This focus trains prospective teachers to work in grades 7-12 and pass the corresponding certifications.

Understand Certifications and Licenses

Accredited colleges can endorse students for state certification at various stages of their teaching programs. They may receive endorsements one year into two-year programs or after graduation. Because of the difficulty of passing state certification exams, colleges generally want future educators to begin the process of earning teaching credentials before graduation.

Teachers need certification to work in classrooms. Although, depending on the state demand to fill vacancies, principals often hire teachers who are in the process of completing their certifications.

How Much Will a Master's in Social Studies Education Online Cost?

Graduate school doesn't come cheap, but education degrees provide a path to a fulfilling career as a public servant. According to NCES DataLab, tuition and fees for a master's in education degree cost an annual average of $9,856 as of 2020. Attending a private or prestigious university can increase what you pay. Fortunately, teachers can receive loan forgiveness under several programs.

For teachers who made 120 payments over about 10 years, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eliminates remaining federal loan balances.

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program forgives up to $17,500 of Direct or Federal Stafford Loans if educators teach at eligible low-income schools for at least five years. Other teacher loan forgiveness programs include the Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers and state student loan programs.

What Can You Do With a Social Studies Education Degree?

A master's in social studies enables graduates to work in classrooms. Degree holders may teach middle or high schoolers. The degree can also prepare graduates to work outside of the classroom in administration or curriculum development. What you earn depends on the state and whether you work at a public or private school. Public schools pay teachers according to the union contract salary schedules.

As of May 2023, entry-level middle school teachers earned a median annual salary of $47,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of middle school teachers made more than $104,410 a year.

With additional credentials, teachers can become administrators. Elementary, middle and high school principals, who need at least a master's degree, make a median annual salary of $103,460.

Popular Questions About Master's in Social Studies Education

What is social studies education?

At any grade level, social studies is an interdisciplinary subject that combines history, geography, ethnic studies, human rights, and social justice. Students learn about human experiences by studying historical events while examining current politics and social issues.

What are the benefits of getting an M.Ed. in social studies education?

An M.Ed. in social studies education can lead to opportunities in the classroom and leadership roles. M.Ed. degree-holders may pursue work as vice principals and deans. These careers often pay more than teaching positions and do not require creating lesson plans or grading homework.

What courses can I teach with a master's in social studies education?

Social studies degree-holders have specialized training. Each school department operates differently, with some social studies teachers also working in English and language arts classrooms. Every state sets different certification requirements to become a social studies teacher.

How much money can I make with a master's in social studies education?

Salaries for social studies teachers vary depending on many factors, including the demand for teachers in that region and the local cost of living. For example, New York pays middle school teachers a mean annual salary of $95,120, according to May 2023 BLS data. Compare this figure to Michigan, where educators earn a mean wage of $65,750.

Is a master's in social studies education worth it?

If you love teaching children about historically significant events such as Pearl Harbor and landmark supreme court cases like Plessy v. Ferguson, then a social studies career may suit you well. Keep in mind that social studies teachers may not be in high demand and positions may be limited in your state and city.