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Social Science Education

About the Program
Social Science Teaching Major

A Social Science degree from BHSU introduces you to the many aspects of the human experience, from history and political science to geography. Becoming a social science teacher offers a fulfilling career for those passionate about the subject. It allows you to shape young minds, foster empathy, and positively impact society. Many social science graduates teach in area middle and high schools, while others go on to specialize in one of the related disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, geography, or political science.

Teaching provides continuous opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning. The stability of the education field and the chance to inspire future generations are appealing aspects. The collaborative and diverse teaching methods make it an engaging and rewarding profession. Being a social science teacher combines a love for education with a genuine interest in the subject, creating a meaningful and satisfying career path.

Social Science Teaching Major Course Requirements

Required Core - 54 semester hours

3 GEOG 300/400 Elective
3 POLS 300/400 Elective
3 300/400 Elective: ECON, HIST, GEOG, POLS, PSYC, or SOC
3 GEOG 101 Introduction to Geography
3 GEOG 210 World Regional Geography
3 HIST 115 Survey of Non-Western Civilizations
3 HIST 121 Western Civilization I
3 HIST 122 Western Civilization II
3 HIST 151 United States History I
3 HIST 152 United States History II
3 HIST 476 History of South Dakota
3 POLS 100 American Government
3 POLS 141 Governments of the World
3 SEED 415 7-12 Social Science Methods
3 SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
3 ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics
3 ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics
3 HIST 480 Historical Methods & Historiography OR 3 SS 350 Introduction to Research Methods

Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 18 semester hours

1 EDFN 295 Practicum: Pre-Admission
2 EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education
3 EPSY 302 Educational Psychology
3 EPSY 428 Child & Adolescent Development
3 INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
3 PSYC 101 General Psychology
3 SPED 100 Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities

Professional K-12 Teaching Core - 26 semester hours

3 EDFN 365 Computer-Based Technology & Learning
1 EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration
2 MLED 480 Middle Level Methods
3 SEED 408 Planning, Managing, & Assessing the 5-12 Diverse Classroom
3 SEED 450 Reading and Content Literacy
1 SEED 440 Classroom Management
1 SEED 495 Practicum
3 EDFN 475 Human Relations
9 SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching

Gen Ed Requirements

3 ENGL 101 Composition I
3 ENGL 201 Composition II
3 CMST Gen Ed Speech
3 MATH Gen Ed Mathematics
6 Gen Ed Social Science
6 Gen Ed Arts & Humanities
6-8 Gen Ed Natural Sciences & Lab

**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**

Status Sheets

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