Social Studies Education

Program Requirements

As we work to integrate program changes, please email the Office of Educator Preparation (ubedprep@buffalo.edu) or contact an advisor (716-645-2461) to confirm requirements before applying.

Our master's program in social studies education allows you to critically examine historical and contemporary issues in the field as a foundation for learning to build student-centered and inquiry-focused curriculum. You also choose whether to develop your expertise in the area of technology, literacy, content knowledge, writing or special education/gifted learners to enhance your teaching. This program is for you if you are currently teaching or intend to teach in secondary schools and want to prepare for New York State initial and/or professional certification.

Application Information

The social studies education initial-only program has reached capacity and is not accepting applications. The initial/professional and professional programs are only accepting applications for the fall 2023 term.

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Why Social Studies Education at UB?

The features of our program include:

  • Affordability – low cost, 50% less than comparable universities
  • Flexibility – online and on-campus (day and night) courses
  • Mentoring – support navigating the program and the labor market
  • Quality – rigorous preparation for the demands of today’s public schools
  • Technology – the latest digital resources and tools for teaching and learning
Prerequisite

To be eligible for this program, you must have:

1. Majored in or completed 30 credit hours in HISTORY or ONE OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (anthropology, economics, geography, political science or sociology), which includes at least 21 credits in history or geography and one economics and one political science course.

2. Met the following history/civilization distribution: 12 credits in U.S., 6 credits in Western civilization, 12 credits in world civilization.

Social Studies Education Programs

Initial Initial / Professional Professional

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS Initial Certification in Social Studies Education
Grade levels 7 to 12
Credits required for completion 33
Time to completion 3 full-time semesters (summer start)
Course delivery On campus
Career opportunities
  • Social studies teacher
  • Training/education professional
  • Tutor for youth-focused programs
Experiential contact hours
  • 115 hours of field experience
  • 1 full semester of student teaching
  • Additional clinical experience may be embedded in content coursework 
Application deadline The social studies education initial-only program has reached capacity and is not accepting applications.
Content Distribution Prerequisites

This worksheet is intended as an advising tool to assist you in your planning. Use this worksheet to help you select courses during your undergraduate studies that will fulfill the content distribution prerequisites that are required by the Graduate School of Education.

Social Studies Content Prerequisites Worksheet

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.

Questions About the Admission Process?

Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu

University Computing Standards

You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.