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Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies/Secondary Education

Students will learn to integrate what one teaches with how it is taught and will receive 1,000+ hours of experience in classrooms.
Female with flowery dress stands in front of social studies lesson on a projected screen

Do you love learning history, geography or economics? How about a desire to help young people discover the origins and complexities of world cultures? In this major, you'll learn to provide high quality instruction in the five areas of the social studies: history, geography, politics, economics and culture.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Secondary social studies education provides a unique opportunity to engage in the diverse histories of the world, support social and cultural understanding and promote civic competence and engagement.

The Social Studies/Secondary Education major at WVU is an interdisciplinary program. It provides you with a breadth of social studies content through introductory courses in history, geography, economics, political science, psychology and sociology and anthropology.

In addition, it guides you in pedagogy through advanced classes in both content areas of social studies and professional education classes with many hours in local schools, observing, tutoring and student teaching. As a result of carefully sequenced and assessed learning opportunities, you are exposed to the different methodologies of a variety of disciplines within social studies education and develop complex research and communication skills.

In four years, you’ll not only have completed the requirements for graduation, but also for teacher certification in West Virginia. Graduates with a social studies major are prepared to make an impact teaching in secondary classrooms, other educational settings or their chosen career path.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Secondary School Teachers

    Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

    Also called: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher

    Secondary School Teachers