TEACHING DEGREE
Social Studies Education
The social studies teaching major at Anderson University is designed for students wanting to teach social studies at the middle or high school level. Students must complete specific courses in professional education and in three teaching fields:
- Historical perspectives
- Government and citizenship
- An area chosen from sociology or economics
Tomorrow's teachers are getting prepared right here.
Prepare the next generation to contribute positively to society.
Social studies teachers play a pivotal role in shaping students’ intellectual and civic capacities by fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and civic engagement. They equip students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, encouraging informed decision-making and active participation in democratic processes. By exposing students to diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, social studies education promotes empathy, social responsibility, and a global perspective, which are crucial in our interconnected world.
The impact of social studies teachers extends beyond the classroom, preparing students for the workforce and their roles as informed voters and leaders. They help students understand historical contexts, geographical relationships, and economic principles, contributing to their overall preparedness for personal and professional success. In essence, social studies teachers cultivate well-rounded, knowledgeable, and engaged individuals who are capable of contributing positively to society.
Shape the Future, one classroom at a time.
EXPLORE Social studies EDUCATION
In preparing for careers as social studies educators, students participate in classroom observations, as well as a semester of student teaching. Students may also volunteer for organizations like College Mentors for Kids in a variety of capacities that both serve the community and broaden their experience in working with young people.
Classes
- Methods of Teaching Social Studies
- Principles of Geography
- American Civilization I
- History of World Civilization
- Introduction to Politics
- State & Local Government
View the courses required for the social studies teaching major.
Scholarships
Indiana State Grants that help fund your education as a teacher:
Careers
Our graduates find their place in K-12 schools teaching elementary or high school social studies, government, or related fields. They may also continue their studies by pursuing graduate study to teach future educators.
Programs
The major requires coursework through the College of Humanities, Education, and Social & Behavioral Science, as well as coursework through the Department of Education.
Explore TEACH Grants
Anderson University participates in the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. A TEACH grant is a non-need-based grant provided to students who intend to teach, in order to help pay for their postsecondary education.
As a condition for receiving a TEACH grant, a student must agree to teach full-time for at least four years as a highly qualified teacher in a high-need field, in a school or educational service agency (ESA) serving low-income students, within eight years of completing or otherwise ceasing to be enrolled in the program of study for which the student received the grant.
If the student does not meet the TEACH grant service obligation terms, all TEACH grant funds received will be converted to a direct unsubsidized loan that must be repaid in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH grant disbursement.
At Anderson University, TEACH grants are offered to undergraduates who meet the 3.25 GPA requirement and have been admitted into the teacher preparation program (TPP). The Department of Teacher Education director approves the TEACH grant for each year a student applies.
Meet our teacher education faculty during your campus visit.
_ Department of Teacher Education and COHEBS
Dr. Rebekah Baker
Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Brian Richard Dirck
Professor of History
Dr. Anna Epperly
Department Chair of Teacher Education
Dr. Michael Frank
Professor of Political Science
Amanda Hosier
Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Field Experiences
Dr. David Thomas Murphy
Professor of History
Courtney Porter
Administrative Lead
Dr. Jaye Lee Rogers
Chair, Department of History and Political Science; Professor of History
Dr. Katy Sample
Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Connor J. S. Sutton
Assistant Professor of International Relations and National Security
Dr. Jeffrey Trotter
Professor of Education
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.