Build your knowledge of global and US histories and acquire pedagogical strategies that engage students beyond textbooks and multiple choice tests. You’ll gain classroom experience through supervised student teaching placements in New York City schools and teaching a daily middle school social studies class by the start of your senior year. You'll graduate eligible for initial teaching certification in New York.
Degree Details
Official Degree Title
Bachelor of Science in Teaching Social Studies, Grades 7–12, Initial Certification
Licensure or Certification
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
128
Start Date
Fall
Application Deadlines
Early Decision 1
Early Decision 2
Regular Decision
Internal Transfer Applications
Transfer Applications
Our nationally recognized faculty members are at the forefront of social studies curriculum reform and are leading efforts in teacher development and teaching through technology. You will work closely with them to learn:
- A strong mastery of US and global histories and an area of specialization
- Approaches, theories, and practical strategies for teaching middle and high school students
- How to implement curricula for teaching social studies in multicultural and multiethnic schools
- How to integrate history, literature, and the arts into your curriculum and create inquiry-based workshops
- Teaching methods for students at different reading and writing levels
A Strong Liberal Arts Education
You’ll combine a broad liberal arts education – taking a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences – with specialized course work in history, politics, economics, and pedagogy to develop an interdisciplinary approach to social studies.
A History-Centered Curriculum
Like New York State's social studies curriculum, our program features a thorough study of history. You will gain an understanding of global and US histories and choose an area of specialization, then complete advanced course work and a research seminar.
Fieldwork and Student Teaching
You will complete two semesters of classroom observation and student teaching in New York City public schools, honing your own teaching techniques and instructional plans under the close supervision of an experienced teacher. You will also have opportunities to design curricula for city schools.
This degree leads to eligibility for New York State initial teaching certification, as well as permits you to teach social studies in grades 5 and 6. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to pursue a number of careers in the field, including:
- Secondary school social studies education in the US or abroad
- Curriculum development and consulting
- Textbook editing and publishing
- Domestic or international business or governmental work
- Roles in nonprofit international agencies
Learn more about teacher certification and our degree's accreditation.
Questions
If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact Diana Turk, Program Director at diana.turk@nyu.edu.
Scholarships for Graduate Study
If you’re interested in graduate study, we offer generous scholarships for advanced study to graduating seniors who want to continue on for a master's degree in NYU Steinhardt's Teaching and Learning Department.