Best Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Many teachers earn more than the U.S. median salary. Learn how a bachelor’s in social studies teacher education program trains people for this career.Why Trust BestColleges
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A bachelor’s in social studies teacher education program prepares students to teach at a middle or high school. Degree-seekers perform student teaching and pass exams to earn an initial teaching license.
Most top programs require learners to take all coursework on campus and complete student teaching at schools in the surrounding area.
Some colleges and universities offer a hybrid social studies teacher education program. These programs let learners take some classes online during the summer. Online classes may feature an asynchronous curriculum, a benefit for degree-seekers working while in school.
An on-campus or hybrid bachelor’s in social studies teacher education program takes four years to complete for learners without prior college experience. Students in a hybrid program can calculate the total cost of attendance by researching tuition, fees, and other online learning expenses.
The average middle or high school teacher earns a median salary higher than the typical U.S. worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects steady growth for both professions.
Our Top Pick
Clarks Summit University — Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Why It’s #1: Clarks Summit University (CSU) is the No. 1-ranked school on our Best Social Studies Teaching Education Programs list. CSU features an 88% graduation rate and a low 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The university also admits 87% of applicants and requires only a short admissions form. Although learners pay more at this private institution than degree-seekers at some public schools on our list, 95% of full-time CSU students receive at least one institutional scholarship.
Popular Online Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Bachelor’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Clarks Summit University
South Abington Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,082
$26,082
41%
64%
$8,160
$8,160
78%
771
Private
Yes
$26,082
$26,082
South Abington Township, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,082
$26,082
41%
64%
$8,160
$8,160
78%
771
Private
Yes
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY4 yearCampus
$6,930
$14,880
35%
7%
$11,090
$20,520
81%
23,193
Public
Yes
$6,930
$14,880
New York, NY4 yearCampus
$6,930
$14,880
35%
7%
$11,090
$20,520
81%
23,193
Public
Yes
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
60%
22%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
45,500
Public
Yes
$9,208
$28,010
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
60%
22%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
45,500
Public
Yes
Providence College
Providence, RI4 yearCampus
$51,490
$51,490
47%
2%
$9,660
$9,660
91%
4,618
Private
Yes
$51,490
$51,490
Providence, RI4 yearCampus
$51,490
$51,490
47%
2%
$9,660
$9,660
91%
4,618
Private
Yes
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$6,930
$14,880
45%
7%
$11,090
$20,520
80%
17,811
Public
Yes
$6,930
$14,880
Brooklyn, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$6,930
$14,880
45%
7%
$11,090
$20,520
80%
17,811
Public
Yes
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$17,550
$17,550
42%
56%
$11,250
$11,250
76%
4,733
Private
Yes
$17,550
$17,550
Clinton, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$17,550
$17,550
42%
56%
$11,250
$11,250
76%
4,733
Private
Yes
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus
$36,100
$36,100
77%
2%
$28,228
$28,228
85%
3,570
Private
Yes
$36,100
$36,100
Grand Rapids, MI4 yearCampus
$36,100
$36,100
77%
2%
$28,228
$28,228
85%
3,570
Private
Yes
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$31,122
$31,122
79%
36%
$9,065
$9,065
85%
4,302
Private
Yes
$31,122
$31,122
Cedarville, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$31,122
$31,122
79%
36%
$9,065
$9,065
85%
4,302
Private
Yes
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$35,280
$35,280
76%
15%
$12,420
$12,420
89%
3,374
Private
Yes
$35,280
$35,280
Mechanicsburg, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$35,280
$35,280
76%
15%
$12,420
$12,420
89%
3,374
Private
Yes
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$30,520
$30,520
45%
60%
$18,618
$18,618
76%
3,150
Private
Yes
$30,520
$30,520
Longview, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$30,520
$30,520
45%
60%
$18,618
$18,618
76%
3,150
Private
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Studies Teacher Education Programs
Is a bachelor’s in social studies teacher education worth it?
A social studies teacher education program offers many advantages. The BLS projects the number of jobs for middle school teachers to grow by 7% between 2020-2030. The BLS projects an 8% growth in jobs for high school teachers during the same timeframe.
A career in education also presents opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming an administrator or instructional coordinator. Other professionals use what they learn as a teacher to pursue jobs in another field.
Prospective students starting their journey should consider an online education’s benefits. Online learners receive the same rigorous educational experience as their on-campus peers. Other advantages may include an asynchronous curriculum.
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