About
Do you want to teach social studies to students in grades 6 through 12 (Early Adolescence through Adolescence, also known as EAA)? Then this is your program.
Social Studies program candidates participate in hands-on classroom-based field work with urban middle schools and year-round student teaching in urban high schools. Candidates who satisfactorily complete the program requirements meet the Wisconsin teacher certification requirements for grades 6 through 12 (EAA).
Ranked #6 in Best Online Master’s in Social Studies degree programs of 2022 by Intelligent.com
Why EAA Social Studies Education?
- The Social Studies Education program has a 100% pass rate for edTPA, which is required for licensure in Wisconsin.
- The most current teacher education curriculum taught by expert, experienced Social Studies educators.
- Quality field experience supervisors and exceptional cooperating teachers.
- Flexible and accessible course offerings, including evening, hybrid, and/or fully online.
- Rigorous preparation for future employment in a variety of settings working with diverse groups of students.
- Perfect for a diverse array of students at different points in their careers: traditional undergraduates, transfer students, career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree candidates seeking a license to teach.
Research
Dr. 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 teacher candidates, practicing teachers, graduate students, and faculty of the School of Education who are MLC related. Those seeking instructional materials for student teachings, field placements, or course assignments, are able to access this library.
For more information, visit the Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC) webpage.
Curriculum
Undergraduate Program
Requirements
Early Adolescence-Adolescence: Social Studies Education Academic Catalog Undergraduate Requirements
Academic Catalog Requirements Sheet
- Visit the Academic Catalog webpage linked above, then click on the Print Options link in the lower right hand column
- Click the Download Page (PDF) link
- Print or save the condensed program requirements document
Coursework by Major and Concentration
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Explore the Program Further!
Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing the EAA-SS post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our program. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous course work can be used to fulfill certification requirements.
Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate students only)
Graduate Program
Those seeing a certification/license in Social Studies should read above (Explore the Program Further!) and apply to the EAA-SS post-baccalaureate program. Teacher educators who already hold a certification/license in Social Studies should apply to the Curriculum & Instruction Master’s degree, see below:
Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins, Program Chair and Associate Professor for more information. See C&I Master’s degree program.
Admission
Program Admission Criteria
- 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 September 30 for the Post-Baccalaureate program
How to Apply
Undergraduate Program
Follow the steps listed in the Social Studies Education Undergraduate Program Application (PDF).
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Follow the steps listed in the Social Studies Education Post-Baccalaureate Program Application (PDF). Applications must be received by September 30 for the Post-Baccalaureate program
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins, Program Chair and Associate Professor for more information. See C&I Master’s degree program.
Faculty

Contact
Program Information
For general information or questions about the program, contact:
Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins
Social Studies Education Program Director
(414) 229-5971
hawkinj@uwm.edu
Admissions Information
For information or questions about admissions, contact:
Maggie Kaczmarek
Undergraduate Admissions Manager
kaczmarm@uwm.edu
Advising
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Office of Student Services Advising
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu
Academic Advising
(Last names A – L) – Tammy Badura
(Last names M – Z) – Tyree Bolden