Academic Programs - Social Studies Education


The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education, Grades 6-12 – B.S.Ed.

  1. What is the purpose of the B.S.Ed. program?
    The Social Studies Education B.S.Ed. program is designed for students who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree seeking initial certification for grades 6-12 in the social studies education fields of history, political science, economics and geography.
  2. Who can apply / How do I apply?
    Anyone who meets the minimum eligibility requirements is invited to submit an application. Applicants must submit the B.S.Ed. application form, GACE scores, and their Application Written Essay Responses. You can read more about admissions here.
  3. When do I apply?
    Candidates are admitted to the B.S.Ed. program every fall semester. Applications are due on December 1st each year. You can read more about B.S.Ed. admissions, including deadlines, here. Candidates may apply more than once.
  4. How many applicants are accepted into the B.S.Ed. program each semester?
    Depending upon the availability of departmental resources, approximately twenty-five candidates will be admitted each fall. You can read more about admissions, including what to do if you are reapplying, here.
  5. What is the application process for transfer students?
    Transfer students interested in the B.S.Ed. program must apply to both the B.S.Ed. program and the University of Georgia. You can learn more about the University of Georgia admissions process here.
  6. What are the costs associated with the program?
    In addition to University of Georgia tuition and student fees, please keep the following expenses in mind as you plan to apply to the Social Studies Education B.S.Ed. program:
    • StudentCheck Background Check
    • Tort Liability Insurance
    • Official UGA Name Tag ($14)
    • FolioTek Subscription ($59 for two years)
  1. How long will it take to complete the program?
    The B.S.Ed. program will take two to four semesters to complete. In addition to eight courses in an emphasis area, each admitted student must complete a semester of coursework in social studies education / related practicum and a semester of student teaching. You can view the entire program of study here.
  2. What courses are required for the B.S.Ed. program?
    All students must complete Areas I-VI of the UGA General Education Core in addition to major coursework. Please see the SSE B.S.Ed. Program of Study for more information and a list of specific, required courses.  Please note that the major requires completion of a foreign language study through the 2000 level.
  3. What career opportunities exist for those with a degree in social studies education?
    Social studies teaching positions become available every year. Population growth in Georgia is above the national average. Job opportunities are related to the record of accomplishment candidates bring to potential employers, teacher candidates’ willingness to move where there are job openings, how systematically candidates conduct job searches. The number and location of teaching positions available also depend on factors beyond the control of those seeking position, such as demographic shifts, economic climate, and educational policies. Most of our graduates who want to teach social studies after graduation find positions.
  4.  Can I obtain any endorsements while working on the B.S.Ed. in Social Studies?
    The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) endorsement is available to B.S.Ed. candidates; however, the required coursework may not fit into the 123 hour B.S.Ed. program of study. You can read more about endorsements here.
  5.  Is the HOPE scholarship available? Do I have enough HOPE hours left to complete the program?
    The HOPE scholarship is available to eligible students. In order to ensure confidentiality of student financial aid information, all financial aid questions need to be directed to the Office of Financial Aid; this office can be reached at 706.542.6147. College of Education staff cannot give you information about your financial aid.
  6. Are there scholarships for College of Education students?
    Yes! There are scholarships open to all COE students, including scholarships specifically for student teaching. You can read more about available scholarships here.
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