Three students sitting outside studying.

Social Studies

The Social Studies Teaching program prepares students to become licensed grade 5-12 social studies teachers and works with the College of Education to promote effective teaching practice.

Careers in Social Studies

A bachelor's degree in social studies teaching prepares students to teach social studies in secondary schools.

  • Curriculum Development
  • High School Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Middle School Teacher

Potential Salary

Median Salary $64,580

The median annual wage for Social Studies teaching occupations in May 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Social Studies Teaching Degrees at MSU

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Anthropology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in anthropology.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Economics

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in economics.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Geography

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in geography.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–History

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in history.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Political Science

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in political science.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in psychology.

Social Studies Teaching, Bachelor of Science–Sociology

The Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Teaching prepares students to obtain a Minnesota teaching license and teach social studies in grades 5-12. The program prepares students to teach all of the areas of the social studies with a concentration in sociology. 

Four people walking down a hallway having a conversation.

Teacher Institutes and Professional Development Opportunities

Social Studies Education majors at Minnesota State University, Mankato are the only college students in the U.S. eligible to attend prestigious teacher institutes and professional development events, including the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute, Belfer Conference at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Fort Ticonderoga Teacher Institute, LBJ Center Teachers’ Workshop, and the St. Louis Fed Summer AP Economics Workshop.

Related Programs

a person writing on a paper

History

The History program fosters diverse communities and multicultural connections while equipping students with critical analysis, information literacy and writing skills for careers in various fields such as education, law, museums, public service and more.

professor discussing geography with student at computer

Geography

Geography explores spatial patterns and real-world problem solving through geospatial tools like GIS, GPS, and remote sensing, with options to pursue the Geospatial Science BS or add a flexible Geography minor.

Teacher smiling at front of the classroom.

K-12 Teaching Programs

In collaboration with the Department of K-12 and Secondary Programs (KSP), Minnesota State University, Mankato's teaching content areas support licensure candidates in building the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of today's diverse K-12 learners and partner school districts. 

Man in a suite sitting my his computer smiling.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies program empowers highly motivated, self-directed students to collaborate with faculty in creating a personalized undergraduate degree, allowing them to tailor their education to their unique interests and career goals.

Department of Social Studies

College of

Humanities and Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.

Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences