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
Program Format
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.

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
Coursework by Major and Concentration
- Economics (PDF)
- Geography (PDF)
- History (PDF)
- Political Science (PDF)
- Psychology (PDF)
- Sociology (PDF)
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
- Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, Social Studies Education, Grades 4-12
- Program Director, Urban Education Doctoral Program
- hawkinj@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5971
- Enderis Hall 393
Advising
- (Last names A – L) – Tammy Badura
- (Last names M – Z) – Tyree Bolden
- Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
- tlbadura@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4721
- Enderis Hall 209
- Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
- boldentc@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4721
- Enderis Hall 209