Teaching Social Studies 7–12 (BS)

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Program Description

The BS program in Teaching Social Studies, Grades 7–12, prepares a new generation of middle and high school teachers who are equipped to generate real student interest in history, the social sciences, and the challenges of active citizenship. 

Since history is the core discipline in the social studies curriculum of New York and many other states, NYU’s program includes an extensive historical study to introduce students to global and US history and then enable them to develop an area of specialization, such as modern Europe, and complete advanced coursework and a research seminar (in small class settings). To build a cross-disciplinary understanding of society and civilization, students in the program take a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, world language, natural sciences, and mathematics.

The curriculum’s coursework in educational methods builds on this strong foundation in the social sciences and humanities. As a student develops expertise, for example, in American history, his or her education classes examine ways to use this knowledge to teach the subject effectively to middle and high school students. Social studies courses familiarize aspiring teachers with ways to integrate history, literature, and the arts and how to involve students in inquiry-based history workshops that engage them in analyzing historical controversies and primary sources. The program emphasizes how community studies and local history can involve students in major research projects that relate to their own lives and neighborhoods. In addition, social studies program teachers encounter the latest programs to foster political engagement via service learning and discover the most innovative methods and materials being used in social studies classes. Other education coursework instructs on managing student reading and writing problems. The curriculum ensures that graduates enters teaching with a strong grasp of the special education and educational policy issues that affect schooling.

Students graduating from the program are eligible for New York State teacher certification for grades 7–12, with an extension for grades 5-6.

Honors

  • Honors Societies: Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Lambda Theta
  • Departmental Honors:  Senior Honors Seminar for students with at least a 3.5 GPA, cumulative and major, culminating in an honors thesis based on faculty-supervised independent research

See departmental honors for additional honors information.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU.  For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.