Best institutions to study Social Science Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach specific social science subjects and programs at various educational levels.
66 U.S. institutions graduated 498 Social Science Teacher Education students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1317, a specialization of Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.13), and leads most directly to the Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2022).
About Social Science Teacher Education programs
A program that prepares individuals to teach specific social science subjects and programs at various educational levels.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Social Science Teacher Education program is designed to prepare individuals for teaching various social science subjects at different educational levels. This program falls under the broader category of Teacher Education and Professional Development, equipping future educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage students in social studies and related fields.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics related to education and training, psychology, and philosophy, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for teaching social sciences.
Credentials awarded
What Social Science Teacher Education graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree366 graduates / yr · 60 institutions74%
- Master's degree120 graduates / yr · 8 institutions24%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.8%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.6%
Graduates over time
Social Science Teacher Education completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 795 |
| 2013 | 745 |
| 2014 | 632 |
| 2015 | 603 |
| 2016 | 560 |
| 2017 | 568 |
| 2018 | 528 |
| 2019 | 596 |
| 2020 | 522 |
| 2021 | 466 |
| 2022 | 565 |
| 2023 | 486 |
| 2024 | 536 |
| 2025 | 498 |
Top 50 institutions for Social Science Teacher Education, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 81 | 43% | $21,535 | $42,566 |
| 2 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublicBachelor's | 28 | 68% | — | $43,602 |
| 3 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 26 | 77% | — | $47,698 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WIPublicBachelor's | 26 | 51% | — | $40,005 |
| 5 | Brigham Young University Provo, UTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 24 | 81% | $13,712 | $47,153 |
| 6 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicBachelor's | 20 | 86% | — | $50,610 |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 46% | — | $44,161 |
| 8 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublicBachelor's | 16 | 48% | — | $43,585 |
| 9 | American College of Education Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitMaster's | 16 | — | — | — |
| 10 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicBachelor's | 14 | 82% | — | $44,897 |
| 11 | Montana State University Bozeman, MTPublicBachelor's | 12 | 57% | — | $38,576 |
| 12 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 11 | 68% | $28,141 | $44,068 |
| 13 | Upper Iowa University Fayette, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 34% | $22,697 | $43,739 |
| 14 | Southern Utah University Cedar City, UTPublicBachelor's | 11 | 61% | — | $45,042 |
| 15 | Winona State University Winona, MNPublicBachelor's | 10 | 57% | — | $44,002 |
| 16 | Truman State University Kirksville, MOPublicMaster's | 10 | 69% | — | — |
| 17 | Wayne State College Wayne, NEPublicBachelor's | 10 | 52% | — | $42,589 |
| 18 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicBachelor's | 8 | 55% | — | $41,530 |
| 19 | University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GAPublicMaster's | 8 | 37% | — | $42,102 |
| 20 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicBachelor's | 7 | 63% | — | $53,524 |
| 21 | Concordia University - Chicago River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 7 | 36% | $17,620 | $44,601 |
| 22 | Saint Xavier University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 57% | $12,935 | $46,835 |
| 23 | Wright State University - Main Campus Dayton, OHPublicBachelor's | 7 | 42% | — | $33,137 |
| 24 | Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion Marion, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 67% | $21,351 | $42,099 |
| 25 | Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 62% | $17,609 | $44,551 |
| 26 | Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, MSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 55% | $18,117 | $37,760 |
| 27 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WAPublicBachelor's | 5 | 65% | — | $42,795 |
| 28 | Central Methodist University - College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 0% | $14,535 | — |
| 29 | Wilmington University New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 20% | $16,588 | — |
| 30 | Lindsey Wilson University Columbia, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 44% | $14,471 | — |
| 31 | Peru State College Peru, NEPublicBachelor's | 4 | 38% | — | — |
| 32 | Great Basin College Elko, NVPublicBachelor's | 4 | 41% | — | — |
| 33 | Minot State University Minot, NDPublicBachelor's | 4 | 45% | — | $44,973 |
| 34 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 43% | $29,915 | $47,966 |
| 35 | Millikin University Decatur, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 55% | $8,373 | $43,936 |
| 36 | Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 61% | $20,903 | $44,032 |
| 37 | Evangel University Springfield, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 65% | $17,881 | $34,872 |
| 38 | Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MOPublicBachelor's | 3 | 54% | — | $37,057 |
| 39 | Chadron State College Chadron, NEPublicBachelor's | 3 | 50% | — | $46,824 |
| 40 | Dickinson State University Dickinson, NDPublicBachelor's | 3 | 51% | — | $44,841 |
| 41 | Ohio Dominican University Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 41% | $19,408 | — |
| 42 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublicBachelor's | 3 | 48% | — | $44,789 |
| 43 | Florida Southern College Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 71% | $28,325 | $46,418 |
| 44 | Elmhurst University Elmhurst, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 70% | $20,794 | $46,789 |
| 45 | Governors State University University Park, ILPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 22% | — | — |
| 46 | Monmouth College Monmouth, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 65% | $16,821 | — |
| 47 | Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 65% | $23,136 | — |
| 48 | Jackson State University Jackson, MSPublicBachelor's | 2 | 51% | — | $28,678 |
| 49 | Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 51% | $25,582 | — |
| 50 | Lincoln University Jefferson City, MOPublicBachelor's | 2 | 21% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field (CIP 13.13) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 29 states
Where Social Science Teacher Education graduates come from. Each state links to all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2022, Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Social Science Teacher Education program can pursue careers primarily as middle school teachers, with opportunities also available in secondary education and postsecondary education. The job outlook indicates a decline of 2% in this field, with approximately 40,500 annual openings and a median wage of $62,970, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1317
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educationprimary SOC 25-2022 | $64,370 | -2.0% Decline | ~40,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Social Science Teacher Education programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
Tools and technology used
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development specializations
The 37 other 6-digit CIP codes under Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.13).
- Physical Education Teaching and CoachingCIP 13.13147,066 graduates / yr415 institutions
- Reading Teacher EducationCIP 13.13156,128 graduates / yr305 institutions
- Music Teacher EducationCIP 13.13124,104 graduates / yr447 institutions
- Mathematics Teacher EducationCIP 13.13113,340 graduates / yr347 institutions
- English/CIP 13.1305
Language Arts Teacher Education 2,847 graduates / yr349 institutions - Teacher Education and Professional DevelopmentCIP 13.13992,468 graduates / yr113 institutions
- Social Studies Teacher EducationCIP 13.13181,922 graduates / yr219 institutions
- Art Teacher EducationCIP 13.13021,858 graduates / yr258 institutions
- Health Teacher EducationCIP 13.13071,475 graduates / yr75 institutions
- Agricultural Teacher EducationCIP 13.13011,051 graduates / yr68 institutions
- Science Teacher Education/CIP 13.1316
General Science Teacher Education 1,021 graduates / yr160 institutions - History Teacher EducationCIP 13.1328976 graduates / yr128 institutions
- Biology Teacher EducationCIP 13.1322702 graduates / yr145 institutions
- Trade and Industrial Teacher EducationCIP 13.1320695 graduates / yr31 institutions
- School Librarian/CIP 13.1334
School Library Media Specialist 578 graduates / yr34 institutions - Technology Teacher Education/CIP 13.1309
Industrial Arts Teacher Education 389 graduates / yr33 institutions - Technical Teacher EducationCIP 13.1319356 graduates / yr27 institutions
- Spanish Language Teacher EducationCIP 13.1330342 graduates / yr96 institutions
- Foreign Language Teacher EducationCIP 13.1306264 graduates / yr61 institutions
- Family and Consumer Sciences/CIP 13.1308
Home Economics Teacher Education 261 graduates / yr38 institutions - Drama and Dance Teacher EducationCIP 13.1324242 graduates / yr49 institutions
- Chemistry Teacher EducationCIP 13.1323209 graduates / yr63 institutions
- Computer Teacher EducationCIP 13.1321183 graduates / yr27 institutions
- Business and Innovation/CIP 13.1303
Entrepreneurship Teacher Education 165 graduates / yr38 institutions - Earth Science Teacher EducationCIP 13.1337144 graduates / yr27 institutions
- Physics Teacher EducationCIP 13.1329120 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Environmental EducationCIP 13.1338105 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Health Occupations Teacher EducationCIP 13.132789 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Speech Teacher EducationCIP 13.1331partial data60 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Driver and Safety Teacher EducationCIP 13.1304partial data40 graduates / yr4 institutions
- French Language Teacher EducationCIP 13.132526 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Communication Arts and Literature Teacher EducationCIP 13.1339partial data14 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Sales and Marketing Operations/CIP 13.1310
Marketing and Distribution Teacher Education limited data8 graduates / yr2 institutions - Latin Teacher EducationCIP 13.1333partial data7 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Psychology Teacher EducationCIP 13.1335partial data5 graduates / yr4 institutions
- German Language Teacher EducationCIP 13.1326partial data4 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Geography Teacher EducationCIP 13.1332limited data2 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs →
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in learning strategies, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a middle school teacher or in secondary and postsecondary education roles.
What is the job outlook for social science teachers?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 2%, with about 40,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Social Science Teacher Education?+
Social Science Teacher Education is CIP 13.1317 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.13). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to teach specific social science subjects and programs at various educational levels.
How many institutions offer Social Science Teacher Education programs?+
66 U.S. institutions reported Social Science Teacher Education graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 29 states, awarding 498 credentials in the year. That is 1.3% of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates.
How much do Social Science Teacher Education graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education occupation, which Social Science Teacher Education most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,370 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field report median earnings of $44,032 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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