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 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.
This major also prepares you in teaching methods through advanced social studies and education courses, with many hours in local schools for observing, tutoring and student teaching. As a result of carefully sequenced and assessed learning opportunities, you're exposed to different social studies teaching methods and develop complex research and communication skills.
In four years, you’ll not only complete the requirements for graduation, but also for teacher certification in West Virginia. You’ll be ready to make an impact teaching in secondary classrooms, other educational settings or your chosen career.
Our Mission
Social Studies education provides the foundation for a democratic, diverse and information-literate society. The mission of the Social Studies Secondary Education BA degree program is to prepare students for the crucial task of shaping the next generation of engaged citizens and critical thinkers. Students will explore an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges History, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology. Thus, it trains students in pedagogy and methods in their professional education courses, and they gain hands-on experience in public school classrooms. Students develop, and learn how to teach, essential skills including critical thinking, effective communication and global perspectives.
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 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.
This major also prepares you in teaching methods through advanced social studies and education courses, with many hours in local schools for observing, tutoring and student teaching. As a result of carefully sequenced and assessed learning opportunities, you're exposed to different social studies teaching methods and develop complex research and communication skills.
In four years, you’ll not only complete the requirements for graduation, but also for teacher certification in West Virginia. You’ll be ready to make an impact teaching in secondary classrooms, other educational settings or your chosen career.
Our Mission
Opportunities
Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.
Living Learning Communities
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
Student Organizations
To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.
ProfOrgs and Assistantships
Professional Organizations
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
Coursework
Explore a few of our popular courses.
Featured Courses
Capstone Projects
The capstone project for Social Studies/Secondary Education will integrate placement experience with recent research on teaching and learning, and the teaching of history more generally.
Explore Career Paths
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
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 TeachersAreas of Graduate Study
Graduates have pursued advanced degrees in:
Related Majors
Launch your career with a bachelor’s degree from WVU in one of 140+ majors. We have everything from accounting to world languages. Consider adding a second major or a minor (or two!) from these related paths.
History, Bachelor of Arts
What if there was a way to tell the story of why we are the way we are? To study human behavior as if in a lab with unlimited evidence? To preserve what makes us unique and understand what keeps us going?
History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing the skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems.
Graduates excel in careers in politics, the legal profession, business and marketing, human resources, information and library sciences, law enforcement, journalism, public relations, intelligence or security analysis, sales and recruitment, education and more.
Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
Explore the dynamics of control that shape our world, here in America and internationally. What leads people to take political action? Why do political events unfold a certain way? What are the moral and ethical questions that surround politics?
These and other vital questions are explored and explained through political theory, using scientific methods to gather evidence to test those theories and learning to create effective communication to share those results.
Our Political Science Program is a dynamic part of the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics.
As a Political Science major, you can complete the general track or specialize in a subfield that best matches your interests. Whether you choose a career in public service, criminal justice, government, business or international affairs, you'll graduate with an impressive and adaptable skillset.