Social Studies Program

The Social Studies Program offers three plans leading to provisional certification as a social studies teacher in the secondary schools of New York State. Two plans require the same basic 42-credit program in social studies but differ in the choice of a minor. The first program (approved minor of 18-24 credits other than a combined minor in Social Studies) permits any approved minor offered by the University. The second program (Combined Major and Minor) permits a concentration of 18 credits in one of the Social Sciences.

The third program (a combined Major and Minor in Social Studies) requires 36 credits in history including a concentration of 18 credits at or above the 300-level in one of four areas: Asian, Ibero-American, European, or United States history; a minimum of 6 credits at the 300 level or above outside the field of concentration; 12 elective credits in history; and 24 credits of Social Studies. Alternatively in the third program, students may select World History as their area of concentration. They must complete 24 credits of course work at or above the 300 level (which may also include A His 286 and 287). Of these 24 credits, a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 9 credits are allowed from courses in United States and/or European history.

An M.A. program leading to permanent certification is available to provisionally certified teachers.

Students interested in a career in secondary school teaching must apply for and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program administered by the Department of Educational Theory and Practice before they can be officially enrolled in this major (please note, there is no general program for this major). Qualified students may apply after satisfactorily completing one year of undergraduate study and a minimum of 24 graduation credits. Admission requirements are described in this bulletin under the section headed "Department of Educational Theory and Practice." Students admitted to the program must complete the teacher education professional requirements described in this bulletin under "Undergraduate Professional Requirements" within the section headed "Department of Educational Theory and Practice." They must also complete those courses within the major and related fields which are listed in this section.

The Social Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences is administered in the History Department.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Social Studies

Teacher Education Program

B.A. Major in Social Studies plus an approved minor of 18-24 credits

42 credits including: 18 credits in history with at least 6 credits in United States history and at least 6 credits in European history, 6 credits from four of the following areas:

Within the major requirements, at least 6 credits in the social studies in one of the following culture areas must be completed: Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, or South Asia.

B.A. Combined Major and Minor in Social Studies

54 credits including: 18 credits in history with at least 6 credits in United States history and 6 credits in European history, 18 credits from one of the following areas and 6 credits from three additional areas:

Within the combined major and minor requirements, at least 6 credits in the social studies in one of the following culture areas must be completed: Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, or South Asia.

B.A.: Combined Major and Minor in Social Studies

60 credits including: 36 credits in history to include a minimum of 18 credits at or above the 300 level from course work listed under one of the designated fields of concentration: Asian, Ibero-American, European, or United States history. Alternatively, students may select World History as their area of concentration. In this concentration, students must complete 24 credits of history course work at or above the 300 level (which may also include A His 286 and 287). Of these 24 credits, a minimum of 6 credits, and a maximum of 9 credits are allowed from courses in US and/or European History.

At least 6 credits must be taken in the combined major and minor in one of the following culture areas: Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, or South Asia.

All of the above programs require 24 credits in education courses. Please refer to the requirements for Social Studies majors as they are listed under the section headed "Department of Educational Theory and Practice."

Note: All majors must include 12 credits in courses numbered 300 and above.

Note: Students interested in graduate work in history are urged to develop a competency in at least one modern foreign language.

Note: Students in social studies programs must meet a language requirement. For information on the language requirement, contact the Academy for Initial Teacher Preparation.

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