Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Tessa Cooper
By
Updated on December 7, 2022
Edited by
Learn more about our editorial process
Social studies encompasses a mix of topics like history and political science. Discover the top 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.

badge-check Our Top Pick

Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island

Why It’s #1: Brown University ranks number one for a few reasons. For starters, this school boasts a high graduation rate of 96%. Gaining acceptance is very competitive since the school only has an admission rate of 7%. However, this leads to small class sizes. Brown has a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Additionally, over half of Brown students receive financial aid.

Best Accredited Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

#1 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Brown University

  • Location-markerProvidence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$57,112
  • Out-of-state$57,112
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$57,112
  • Out-of-state$57,112
  • Retention Rate98%
  • Acceptance Rate7%
  • Students Enrolled10,333
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

University of Florida

  • Location-markerGainesville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,477
  • Out-of-state$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,770
  • Out-of-state$27,335
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate37%
  • Students Enrolled52,407
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,684
  • Out-of-state$50,684
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$33,408
  • Out-of-state$33,408
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled52,885
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Boston University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,720
  • Out-of-state$54,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$54,720
  • Out-of-state$54,720
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate19%
  • Students Enrolled33,720
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Location-markerChampaign, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,188
  • Out-of-state$33,127
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,997
  • Out-of-state$28,404
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled51,605
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,616
  • Out-of-state$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,880
  • Out-of-state$38,880
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled22,850
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

CUNY Hunter College

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,930
  • Out-of-state$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,090
  • Out-of-state$20,520
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate35%
  • Students Enrolled23,193
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment7%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Stony Brook University

  • Location-markerStony Brook, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$23,100
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled26,814
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Rutgers University

  • Location-markerNew Brunswick, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,230
  • Out-of-state$29,012
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,736
  • Out-of-state$30,144
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate61%
  • Students Enrolled50,173
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment24%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

CUNY City College

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,930
  • Out-of-state$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,090
  • Out-of-state$20,520
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate46%
  • Students Enrolled15,816
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment1%
  • AccreditationYes

Featured Online Programs

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

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

How We Rank Schools

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Social Studies Teacher Education ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 86 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

  • Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
  • Must offer a master’s degree program in the given subject.
  • Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

BestColleges’ Ranking Factors

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Studies Teacher Education Programs

Is a master’s in social studies teacher education worth it?

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.

What can I do with a master’s in social studies teacher education?

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.

What continuing education is available for social studies teacher education graduates?

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.

How much money can I make with a master’s in social studies teacher education?

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.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master’s in social studies teacher education?

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.

Feature Image: JohnnyGreig / E+ / Getty Images

Explore More College Resources

10 Tips for Effective Online Teaching

10 Tips for Effective Online Teaching

Ready to teach online? We offer 10 tips for successful online teaching.

Heather Mullinix

by Heather Mullinix

Updated May 23, 2023

7 Education Books All Future Teachers Should Read This Summer

7 Education Books All Future Teachers Should Read This Summer

Summer is a great time to get caught up on reading, especially for aspiring teachers. Explore one professor’s picks for must-read education books.

Samantha Fecich, Ph.D.

by Samantha Fecich, Ph.D.

Updated February 20, 2024

Going Back to College for a Teaching Degree

Going Back to College for a Teaching Degree

What degree does a teacher need? Keep reading to learn about the education you’ll need to enter the teaching profession.

Liz Simmons

by Liz Simmons

Updated January 30, 2024