Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Social Studies Education

The Master’s in Secondary Social Studies Education at UNC Greensboro combines specialized social studies pedagogy, hands-on classroom experience, and preparation for a variety of learning environments. Unlike broader teacher licensure programs, the curriculum is specifically designed for future high school social studies educators, helping candidates develop expertise in civic education, historical inquiry, and student engagement. The program combines strong content knowledge with extensive classroom-based teacher preparation. This program leads to both initial teacher licensure and a master’s degree. It is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree, but did not pursue teacher education or licensure as an undergraduate.

Master’s in SECONDARY SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

Unlike many alternative licensure programs that serve multiple subject areas through a common curriculum, the Secondary Social Studies Education program is tailored for students with backgrounds in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, or sociology who want to teach social studies at the high school level.

The program is led by faculty whose scholarship focuses on civic education, political learning, and social studies teaching, giving students access to current research and best practices in the field.

The SECONDARY SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION Student Experience

Throughout this 33-credit hour program, students complete specialized coursework focused on teaching social studies, helping them learn how to engage students in historical inquiry, civic reasoning, analysis of current issues, and evidence-based discussion. The program includes both internship and student teaching experiences in local schools, allowing candidates to build classroom experience and professional connections before entering the workforce.

Coursework includes classes such as Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Literacy in the Content Area, and Teaching Practices and Curriculum in Social Studies.

Prepare Students to Understand the Past and Shape the Future

Students in the Secondary Social Studies Education leave ready to lead dynamic classrooms where students explore history, government, economics, and contemporary issues. Through specialized coursework and extensive field experiences, future teachers develop the skills to create engaging learning environments that encourage critical thinking, civic responsibility, and informed decision-making. Whether teaching U.S. history, civics, world history, or economics, graduates are prepared to help the next generation become knowledgeable, engaged citizens.

UNCG School of Education Scholarships

Each year, the School of Education awards over $1 million in scholarships and graduate assistantships to students.

The Haggai Academy is a scholarship program that provides scholarships of up to $8,000 per year, as well as a wide range of additional enrichment opportunities, for non-traditional students (24 years of age or older) pursuing an initial teacher license.

Upon GraduatiNG WITH YOUR MAster’s in SECONDARY SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

Graduates of UNCG’s MAT in Secondary Social Studies Education are prepared to teach social studies in grades 9–12 while helping students develop the critical thinking, civic awareness, and analytical skills needed to understand an increasingly complex world. They will be able to design engaging, standards-aligned instruction that leads to discussion and real-world application of social studies concepts. Graduates will be prepared to further pursue leadership opportunities within schools, school districts, or other educational organizations.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Licensure Reciprocity Information