Major Requirements

Social Studies Education offers a master’s degree program for applicants with a social science and history background who wish to work toward New York State initial certification in social studies education grades 7-12. Master’s students in social studies education take courses in the social sciences and interdisciplinary programs of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in addition to studying learning, teaching, and curriculum development. This program offers teacher candidates:

• The opportunity for those holding a bachelor’s degree with the appropriate social science and other liberal arts prerequisites, but no prior coursework in teaching, to prepare for New York State initial adolescent certification as social studies teachers (grades 7-12) while earning a master’s degree.
• A 40-credit hour program that exposes students to cutting-edge ideas in education courses taught by faculty specialists, and an opportunity to take advantage of courses offered by other Syracuse University schools, such as the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
• Special emphasis on working with struggling students, serving diverse student populations, using technology to promote active learning, and teachers as researchers of professional practice and builders of practical theory.
• 5 field placements allowing each candidate to learn from a variety of urban and suburban school settings, teachers, and youth with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• A 16-month full-time program or the opportunity to begin part-time (if available at necessary times), culminating in a 9-credit spring semester followed by a 9-credit fall semester.
• Sharing professional development with a cohort of students in social studies education, and in other secondary programs, through several common core courses.
• Participation in the Academy of Social Studies Education 7-12 teachers. Syracuse University faculty and staff, and students meet a few times a year to share professional and program development ideas.

This program is awaiting approval of proposed revisions which are currently under review at the time of publication of this catalog. If approved, the revisions will begin Summer 2015, and will reduce time to completion and credit hours, as well as change some of the current coursework. If and when changes are approved, they will be posted on our website: soe.syr.edu.

A concentration in social studies education is also available for doctoral students in the teaching and curriculum program.