The 10 Best Online Master's in Social Studies Programs

1. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Penn State graduates are employed in some of the country’s best school districts, educational organizations, and leading corporations, and for good reason: a master’s from the Penn State College of Education builds expertise in K–12 school subject areas and enhances professional development. The university’s master’s of education in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in social studies is designed to give learners a well–rounded education while allowing them to pursue a specialized degree.

Penn State’s online program incorporates instructor commentary, assigned reading, audio–visual media clips, and interactive activities. Courses cover subjects such as public history and heritage studies, sustainability and ecology issues, and community engagement and student voice. While earning an online master’s in social studies education from Penn State, students have the option of specializing in other related subjects, from media to literacy and the study of cultures and identity. The 30–credit online master’s in social studies education consists of ten courses, and most students earn their degree in two years. However, some may finish the program in as little as 15 months.

Earning an online master’s in social studies education opens avenues for educators interested in research careers, postsecondary institutions, and government facilities. On average, applicants have at least one year of teaching experience before entering the program, although experience is not required. Prospective students must provide GRE and MAT scores, in addition to a resume, writing sample, and statement of purpose.

2. University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

Through research and professional development, University of Missouri–Columbia’s College of Education has been improving educators’ and students’ quality of life since 1867. Mizzou’s master’s in social studies education is specifically designed to advance the knowledge and practice of teaching social studies through its rigorous, comprehensive curriculum. Serving over 1,300 graduate students in the past year, social studies education at Mizzou remains at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of teachers and scholars.

Consisting of 32 credit hours, the master’s in social studies education online curriculum explores instructional methods and curriculum development through the lens of social science instruction. Electives address the effect of contemporary issues such as poverty, immigration, and youth culture in the classroom. A 3.0 grade point average is required in the last 60 hours of the appropriate preliminary degree, as well as evidence of at least two years of successful experience in an appropriate field. To be considered for the online social studies education program, applicants must submit GRE scores.

3. Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a private, non–profit institution dedicated to educating future leaders and global professionals through its wide variety of progressive academic programs. Nova’s master’s of science in education with a specialization in middle grades or secondary social studies education is presented in a high–quality online format that promotes critical analysis of educational responsibilities. The curriculum for Nova Southeastern’s online master’s in social studies education provides educators with the skills, knowledge, and techniques to become effective instructors and develop engaging lesson plans.

Courses in the 37–credit program are research–based, and examine sociological perspectives in our multicultural society, contemporary social issues, and teaching methodologies. The fully–online master’s in social studies education is offered in an accelerated format using a cluster model, which groups students from various geographic locations together based on start dates. Each course is presented as an eight–week module.

Applicants to the online master’s in social studies education program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a 2.5 minimum undergraduate GPA. A valid professional teaching certificate or temporary teaching certificate, as well as passing GRE scores, are also required. Courses in the Middle Grades and Secondary Social Studies Education specializations meet the Florida State Department of Education requirements towards certification or recertification. It is the responsibility of the student to contact their state department of education regarding certification, recertification, or endorsement requirements.

4. New York University

New York, New York

New York is a city of constant growth and innovation, and its intellectually adventurous and socially conscious atmosphere makes it an ideal place to pursue a graduate degree. New York University’s online master’s of arts in teaching social studies to grades seven through 12 brings the city’s cutting–edge outlook to students nationwide, using advanced technologies and an intensive, research–based curriculum to prepare distance learners for careers in teaching.

NYU’s master’s in social studies education online requires 30 hours of coursework, which is divided into preparation, foundation, active practice, and peak teaching modules. 24 credits of active practice coursework introduce the fundamentals of curriculum planning and development, as well as comprehensive strategies for working with special needs students. Peak teaching classes detail the responsibilities associated with teaching, and how those duties influence the student–teacher relationship. Presented in a supportive cohort learning format, the program takes a year to complete. Graduates may then pursue a full–time paid residency in one of many high–need urban schools throughout the country.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0, and should have previously completed 24 semester hours of coursework covering world and American history and geography. Prospective students may submit GRE or MAT scores, although there is no mandated score required for admission. Prior teaching experience is not required.

5. University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Offering an intimate, close–knit and interactive graduate experience, the University at Buffalo’s hybrid master of education in social studies develops confident instructors who are skilled at managing dynamic learning environments and building comprehensive curricula. Intended for current or prospective teachers in New York state, the program leads to an institutional recommendation for professional certification.

Comprised of 33 credits, Buffalo’s primarily–online master’s in social studies education can be completed in four to five semesters. On–campus classes are held in both day and evening sessions. Major coursework emphasizes literacy acquisition and contemporary research in social studies, and students may fulfill the 12–credit elective requirement through classes in areas ranging from Asian studies to political science. In addition to 115 hours of field experience, degree candidates spend one full semester student teaching in a local institution.

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in history or one of the social sciences, with at least 21 completed credits of history or geography coursework, and should have completed at least one political science class and one course in economics as an undergraduate. Additional prerequisites may apply, depending on a prospective student’s academic background. Along with unofficial transcripts, applicants to the online master’s in social studies education program should submit their official GRE scores and proof of teaching certification.

6. University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Teaching and Learning is known for producing educators according to the highest professional standards. Thanks to its Pitt Online division, students all over the country can earn their MEd in one of four specialized areas without setting foot on campus. Emphasizing research skills and fundamental theory, the master’s of education with a concentration in secondary social studies education program is presented in a fully–online, self–paced format designed for working professionals who have previously earned an Instructional I teaching certificate.

The 36–credit master’s in social studies education curriculum is divided into six academic areas: social studies–specific pedagogy, psychological perspectives on education, social and cultural perspectives on education, a research seminar, research methods, and electives. The bulk of the program is spent examining topics in social studies–specific pedagogy, such as issues in history education and historiography, global citizenship, and comparative and global perspectives on education. Prior to graduation, students must pass a comprehensive written exam.

Along with a teaching certificate, applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in social studies or a related social science, or have completed a significant amount of social studies–related coursework as an undergraduate. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for acceptance, although individuals with a slightly lower GPA may be admitted on provisionary status.

7. University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

Committed to diversity, democracy, and justice, the University of Colorado Boulder strives to develop informed and innovative instructors, community leaders, researchers, and role models through its cutting–edge degree programs. Combining efficiency and experiential learning, CU’s secondary master of arts and science licensure program allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any liberal arts field to pursue a master’s in social studies education.

Requiring 44 to 45 credit hours, CU Boulder’s online master’s in social studies education addresses the nature of social studies and social studies education, adolescent psychology and development, and the effective use of subject– and age–specific methods and materials. Coursework is divided into content, cumulative, and education categories, and all content coursework must be completed prior to the start of the second fall semester. Licensure candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all three fields. The program culminates in a student teaching experience, in which learners apprentice in a local secondary school.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, prospective students must hold a valid teaching license. GRE scores are not required for the MA+ program, but applicants are expected to provide documentation of at least 25 hours spent working with young people in some capacity.

8. University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

For 125 years, the University of the Cumberlands has championed both intellectual and spiritual growth, encouraging students in the pursuit of leadership and service as well as education. Based in Williamsburg, Kentucky, this Baptist institution offers a convenient, web–based MAT in middle school and secondary education in social studies program for current and aspiring teachers nationwide. In addition to state licensure, UC’s online master’s in social studies education provides the foundational knowledge and experience required to effectively lead in the classroom.

Presented in a collaborative online environment, the program combines web–based coursework with hands–on field experience. Courses address topics in classroom management, instructional design, and current trends in special and secondary education. While distance learners may earn their master’s in social studies education from any location, the program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and students must complete a period of supervised student teaching at a local institution. On average, most students earn their master’s in social studies education in around 18 months. Graduates living in Kentucky may seek certification through the Education Professional Standards Board.

Applicants may transfer up to nine hours toward the master’s of social studies education program, and should hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.75, or 3.0 in the final 30 hours of undergraduate coursework, in addition to GRE or the Praxis CASE scores. Those specializing in secondary or all–grade instruction are required to have completed at least 30 credit hours, or a major, in their desired area of emphasis. is also required.

9. SUNY College at Brockport

Brockport, New York

Part of the renowned State University of New York system, SUNY College at Brockport offers more than 50 graduate programs, including a master of science in education: adolescence social studies that can be completed entirely online. Drawing from contemporary thought in history and anthropology as well as pedagogy, its curriculum explores the roles of diversity and democracy in education, while developing fundamental skills in research, assessment, and critical thinking.

Designed for instructors who are either pursuing or currently hold a NYS teaching certificate in social studies grades 7–12, the 30–credit program includes five major courses and four graduate–level history courses of the student’s choosing. Coursework addresses current issues in social studies, educational assessment and evaluation, and diversity in education. Prior to graduation, students must complete training mandated by the Dignity for All Students Act.

Degree candidates must be enrolled in a consistent manner, completing at least one graduate course every 12 months, and have a total of five years to earn their master’s degree in social studies education. Graduates are eligible to apply for a New York state teaching certification, and may seek assistance through Brockport’s certification office.

10. Concordia University – Portland

Portland, Oregon

The field of social studies encompasses more than just history and geography; it also creates empowered, active participants in a global community. Concordia University–Portland’s MEd in curriculum and instruction: social studies (K–14) program encourages the development of an energized classroom environment, in which instructors demonstrate the power of critical thinking in a globalized world.

Offered entirely online, with no field or practicum requirement, Concordia’s program emphasizes diversity, a clear understanding of moral leadership, the ability to identify and adjust to various classroom environments, and effective curriculum development methodologies. Over the course of 30 credit hours, students earning a master’s in social studies education explore character–building curriculum plans, contemporary educational thought, and major theories in teaching and learning. Students must take one educational research course. The program culminates in a capstone experience, which may take the form of practitioner inquiry, action research, or a written thesis.

Although the program does not lead to state certification or licensure, those who hold a master’s in social studies education may look forward to potential salary increases and more career opportunities. Graduates with an online master’s in social studies education go on to work as higher education instructors, educational program directors, and social studies division or department chairs.