Social Studies Education
How are cultures and civilizations formed? How did we get where we are today? Why do people fight? How do we think? Humans are fascinating, complex animals. There are a million questions you can use to ignite your students’ curiosity, help them become better citizens and share your love of social studies.
The School of Education and Human Development Impact
At the School of Education and Human Development, you have the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty at one of the best graduate schools in the country. We offer several avenues for you to either teach social studies or create the best course materials and curriculum to reach students.
““Educating the American youth to become active, informed, and responsible citizens is very important. A Ph.D. in Social Studies Education provides me with the best teaching practices and research skills to become an effective educator for the 21st century.”
– John Broome, Ph.D. Candidate, Social Studies Education
Careers
Students earning a PGMT degree who intend to become middle or high school social studies teachers can expect to have several job opportunities as School of Education and Human Development teacher education graduates enjoy an excellent job placement rate. Our Curriculum & Instruction graduates also have several options. They have become instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists, gone into government to improve educational policy, pursued careers in academia and research, and joined museums. A Ph.D. will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor or as a researcher in research organizations.
Explore Our Degrees
Choosing the right degree within our program is important to ensuring that you achieve an outcome that supports your career goals. Let us help guide you through your choices.
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Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Learn MoreEarning a three-year Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction prepares you for employment as a curriculum specialist, faculty member, or educational consultant to develop policies related to curriculum and the education of professionals. You can select Social Studies Education as your area of emphasis. Part-time students must complete at least one academic semester registered as a full-time graduate student (12 hours).
By the Numbers
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15 th
Best Graduate School of Education - U.S. News & World Report
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6 th
Best Secondary Teacher Education Program - U.S. News & World Report
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1 st
Charlottesville Ranked Happiest City in America in 2014 by Harvard Gazette
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Stephanie D. van Hover Professor of Education, Dept. Chair, Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education