Social Studies Education

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

Social studies education is no longer accepting initial-only or initial/professional applications for the 2025 academic year.

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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

New Application Process for Spring 2025 Admission

If you are looking to complete a GSE program that leads to professional-only certification (see professional tracks)—or looking to complete a master’s degree in English education studies, math education studies or music education studies—apply to our Education Studies EdM program.

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Master of Education (EdM)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS Professional Certification in Social Studies Education
Grade levels 7 to 12 with 5 to 6 extension
Credits required for completion 33
Time to completion 2 to 3 full-time semesters
Course delivery On campus
Experiential contact hours Additional clinical experience may be embedded in content coursework 
Application deadline Fall: Nov. 5, then rolling until July 15

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Questions

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?

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