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
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.
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
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.
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.
UWM Admission
| Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
| Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
All applicants to the 4-12 Social Studies Education program must meet the following requirements to advance to the professional program sequence.
- 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.
- 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. 27 for the post-baccalaureate program.
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Undergraduate & Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Applications for the spring 2026 cohort must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply.
Meeting with Program Director
After you have submitted your Advance to Professional Sequence application, you will need to meet with the program director, Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins, during one of the dates/times listed below. No appointment is necessary.
- Tuesday September 9, 7:30pm in NWQ #1921
- Tuesday September 16, 7:30pm in NWQ #1921
- Tuesday September 23rd, 7:30pm in NWQ #1921
- Tuesday September 30th, 7:30pm in NWQ #1921
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
Academic Resources
Sept. 27
Associate Professor and Program Director
hawkinj@uwm.edu
414-229-5971
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721