The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
by TBS Staff
Updated September 29, 2022
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If you are a secondary school educator interested in advancing into leadership roles specializing in teaching social studies, pursuing a master’s in social studies education is a sensible choice. Social studies is among the most competitive of endorsement areas for teachers; obtaining a graduate degree in the field can improve your career prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected job growth for high school and middle school teachers is 8% through 2026. Furthermore, graduates who hold master’s degrees may also become eligible for state–issued permanent or professional social studies teaching certification for grades seven through 12.
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The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Degree Programs
#1 The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
4 years
Campus
The master's in social studies education at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, located in University Park, uses a flexible distance learning format. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing students for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career.
The curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in social studies. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused careers. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in social studies or a related field.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help students expand their professional connections.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 76%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program Name: Master's in social studies education
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,960
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $37,694
Average Tuition
In-state
$17,416
Out-of-state
$34,480
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
91,427
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in social studies education can earn their degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. The program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. With a master's degree, candidates can also pursue new career opportunities.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in social studies or a related field.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
University of Missouri-Columbia at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 81%
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Program Name: Master's in social studies education
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,264
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,363
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$26,991
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
30,014
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
New York-based University at Buffalo offers a flexible online master's in social studies education. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new careers.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social studies education. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants without a background in social studies education may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
University at Buffalo at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 61%
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: Master's in social studies education
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,310
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
31,923
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
SUNY College at Brockport
Brockport, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
SUNY College at Brockport enrolls master's students in its online master's in social studies education program. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in social studies may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
SUNY College at Brockport at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 55%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Master's in social studies education
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,310
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
7,924
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
A master’s in social studies integrates pedagogical and content coursework from many disciplines, and provides a strong foundation for career advancement. Sample core coursework for a social studies degree includes global citizenship, history and sociology of American education, gender and ethnicity in education, and technology to advance learning. Pedagogical coursework also includes techniques in social studies, materials and methods in social studies, theories of teaching and learning, contemporary educational thought, social studies lab work, social justice, critical pedagogy, media and popular culture, and educational research methods.
Programs are typically 30 credits including a capstone, take two years to complete, and give equal emphasis to subject matter and pedagogical methods. Many programs allow for six to nine elective credits, allowing you to select courses to suit your interests. Graduation requirements for most programs include a portfolio, a thesis defense, and an applied experience requirement in which students demonstrate effective teaching practices. If you have a background or a certificate in museum studies, transfer credits may also be applied toward a master’s degree program in social studies education. To help you gain a competitive advantage in the job market, you may also consider obtaining a teaching endorsement in another area, such as language arts.
While most graduates of online social science master’s degree programs teach in secondary schools, alternative career paths include educator roles in museums, educational consulting, tutoring for individuals or businesses, and creating curricular materials for organizations. Some teachers at the master’s level also pursue program facilitation and educational administration roles.
Middle school teachers instruct students at the secondary level , which usually means grades six through eight, but sometimes includes fifth or ninth grade. They teach lessons and supervise activities that build on earlier foundations and prepare students for high school. Bachelor's degrees and state licensing are required for teachers in public middle schools.
High school teachers instruct secondary students in ninth through twelfth grades, building on the lessons learned in middle school and preparing students for college and employment. They plan and teach lessons, supervise activities, conduct assessments, and grade assignments. Some teachers, particularly at the master's level, advance into educational administration.
Museum workers and educators plan, research, design, build, and maintain museum exhibits and collections. They also develop and administer community outreach programs, lead events, present at conferences, conduct tours and gallery talks, train tour guides, organize interactive workshops for guests,and oversee and coordinate production of educational program materials, including training manuals.
