White female teacher in front of the classroom speaking with a teenage female student.

Education: Social Studies Education, Grades 4-12
BS

Do you want to teach social studies to students in grades 4 through 12? UWM’s bachelor’s degree program in social studies offers hands-on learning from expert educators.

Our social studies education program is perfect for a diverse array of students — from traditional undergrads and transfer students to career changers and master’s degree candidates seeking a teaching license.

Program Type

Major

Program Format

On Campus
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Why Choose Social Studies Education at UWM?

  • Excellent Academics: A current teacher education curriculum taught by experienced social studies educators.
  • Hands-On: Quality field experience supervisors and exceptional cooperating teachers.
  • Flexibility: Accessible course offerings, including evening, hybrid and fully online.
  • Career Readiness: Rigorous preparation for working with diverse groups of students in a variety of settings.
A teacher (african american woman) guiding her students through the school hallway

Students pursuing the bachelor’s in social studies education get ongoing hands-on learning experiences. These include classroom-based field work in urban 4-12 settings and student teaching in urban high schools. Graduating students meet the Wisconsin teacher certification requirements for grades 4 through 12.

Ranked #6 in Best Online Master’s in Social Studies degree programs of 2023 by Intelligent.com.

Research

Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins’ scholarly research includes a line of inquiry that reviews culturally responsive curriculum materials via content analysis academic research in addition to observing culturally sustaining teacher preparation and practices in the P-20 classroom via practitioner research.

Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC)

The MLC Resource Library provides interdisciplinary teaching materials for education students. Those seeking instructional materials for student teaching, field placement or course assignments can access this library. Available teaching resources include picture books, chapter books, activity sets and more.

For more information, visit Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC).

Program Requirements

View Requirements

Coursework by Major and Concentration

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our social studies education degree program. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous coursework can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate students only)

Graduate Program

Teacher educators who already hold a certification/license in Social Studies should apply to the MS in Curriculum & Instruction program. Please contact Program Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins for more information.

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Students

  • 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
  • 2.75 grade point average in all social studies content courses.
  • Additional undergraduate requirements for admission; see academic advisor.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

  • 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
  • 2.75 grade point average in all social studies content courses.
  • Additional undergraduate requirements for admission; see academic advisor.
  • Applications must be received by Sept. 30 for the post-baccalaureate program.

Application Process

Undergraduate Program

Applications for the spring 2024 cohort must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply.

Undergraduate Admission Application

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Applications for the spring 2024 cohort must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission Application

Graduate Program

Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins, Program Chair and Associate Professor for more information. See C&I Master’s degree program. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the semester in which you wish to begin.

Faculty

Jeffrey Hawkins (white man), Associate Professor in Teaching and Learning
Jeffrey Hawkins, EdD
  • Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
  • Program Director, Social Studies Education, Grades 4-12
  • Program Director, Urban Education Doctoral Program

Advising

  • (Last names A – L) – Tammy Badura
  • (Last names M – Z) – Tyree Bolden
Tammy Badura (white woman), Senior Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services
Tamara Badura
  • Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
Tyree Bolden (black man), Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services
Tyree Bolden
  • Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
Academic Catalog
Schedule of Classes
Important Dates
Program Information Session
Thursday, Nov. 2, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
More Information and Registration

Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Deadline
Sept. 29
Take a Virtual Tour of the School of Education
Contact
Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins
Associate Professor and Program Director
hawkinj@uwm.edu
414-229-5971

For information or questions about admissions, contact:

Maggie Kaczmarek
Undergraduate Admissions Manager
kaczmarm@uwm.edu

To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:

Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721

Academic Advising
(Last names A – L) – Tammy Badura
(Last names M – Z) – Tyree Bolden