Social Science Education

Social science involves the study of people and their interactions with each other, with their social and political institutions and with their environments. Accordingly, the social science education major includes a broad range of courses and subjects. Students are expected to demonstrate both breadth and depth of understanding in the academic disciplines that make up the social sciences.

The Program

Candidates in the social science education major are prepared to teach a diverse curriculum to a diverse student population. The major consists of groups of courses and experiences in a variety of social science disciplines. The social science education student should work closely with an adviser to be sure that the general education courses taken will provide a strong foundation for the advanced courses in the major.

Professional Education Courses

Students may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, students must complete the application for admission to the SOE, attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work, meet minimum standards in specific general education courses, satisfactorily complete an admission interview and pass the PRAXIS I test. Requirements for admission are available at www.ndsu.edu/teachered.

Early Experience

After or during an introductory course, students will have an opportunity to complete a brief exploratory experience in a secondary social science program. Students will observe and possibly assist a social science professional. This experience helps students relate course work to actual teaching situations.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culmination of the teaching program. Students have the opportunity to apply skills acquired in college courses under the supervision of an experienced social science educator.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisers who will work closely in program planning and in other ways to advise and assist them. Students are encouraged to seek their advisers' help whenever needed.

Certification

Upon completing this program, students are eligible for certification to teach social science in most states. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Career Opportunities

There has been a surplus of social science teachers across the country for the past several years. It has been predicted that the surplus will continue. Students who elect to major in social science education should consider obtaining a second major or a teachable minor to enhance their employment prospects. In addition, students in social science education are encouraged to seek volunteer and employment experiences that complement their education. Summer or after-school work with special needs students, high school or middle school student activities, or other human service activities can provide the candidate valuable experience with children and adolescents.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Teacher Education Program
North Dakota State University
Dept #2625
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-7101
Fax: (701) 231-9685
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/teachered

or

Heidi Bills, Academic Advisor
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Dept #2600
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-9849
Fax: (701) 231-7174
Email: Heidi Bills@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hde

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/prospective_students/

(02/10)