Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Social studies involves a mix of topics, including history, political science, and humanities. People who teach social studies teach learners how societies in the world function and how people relate with one another across cultures. These educators also help students make sense of current events.

Entry-level teaching roles only require a bachelor’s degree that includes student teaching experience. However, some states require a master’s in social studies to teach the subject, and the advanced degree may prepare learners to earn high-paying teaching roles.

For example, high school teachers in some states only need a bachelor’s degree to practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they earned a median annual income of $61,820 in May 2021. However, postsecondary teachers need at least a master’s degree to practice. In May 2021, they earned a yearly median income of $79,640.

It normally takes full-time students two years to finish a master’s in social studies teacher education program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students spent an average of $19,792 on tuition and fees for the 2019-20 school year.

However, factors like school type and credit requirements impact the true cost. Students can pay for their graduate studies by using payment plans, loans, grants, and scholarships.

Keep reading to learn more about the top in-person and online master’s in social studies teacher education programs.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Yes. People with a personal interest in social studies and a passion for explaining things may find this degree worth the effort. Additionally, some school districts limit how much a teacher can earn with just a bachelor’s degree. So, a master’s degree may pay for itself in raises.

Teachers also benefit from summers off, and their work schedules often align with family time. Additionally, the BLS projects the need for educators to increase by 10% between 2020-2030.

Thanks to online learning opportunities and summer programs, current teachers can keep their full-time jobs while completing their degrees.

A master’s in social studies teacher education program primarily prepares graduates for advanced teaching roles. Graduates commonly teach history, political science, geography, or social studies.

They may work for middle schools or high schools. Some colleges allow people to teach with just a master’s degree. However, certain universities prefer to hire people with a doctorate. So, some graduates continue their education further.

Some people with this degree choose a different professional route. They may work as researchers, writers, archivists, or museum curators.

Educators who want to earn raises or work in higher education may pursue a doctorate in social studies. However, people who do not want to commit to another degree can pursue continuing education in other ways. For example, they can earn a certificate in a niche historical period from a college or university.

Professional organizations often offer continuing education opportunities, too. For example, the National Council for the Social Studies hosts informative webinars and conferences. Some school districts host professional development sessions as well.

Earning potential varies based on the school type, years of experience, and location. For example, high school teachers at local schools earned a median wage of $62,420 in May 2021, as per the BLS. At the same time, teachers at private schools earned a median wage of $56,510.

Some states pay teachers more than others. For example, Texan teachers earned a mean annual wage of $60,470 in May 2021, according to the BLS. Californian teachers earned a mean wage of $94,600 per year in May 2021.

In general, teachers with more years of experience earn more than entry-level ones. Many districts offer annual pay increases.

While some colleges require full-time faculty to hold a doctorate, some institutions hire professors with only a master’s degree. Postsecondary teachers earn some of the highest wages. According to Payscale July 2022 data, professors earned an average of about $87,870 per year.

Graduates with a master’s in social studies teacher education don’t always work in teaching roles. For example, historians are also among some of the highest earners. In May 2021, they earned a median income of $63,940, according to BLS data.

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