Learn how to introduce students to the rich, dynamic world of social studies.

A college degree in history or social studies prepares future history and social studies teachers with the training they need to qualify for licensure and pursue teaching opportunities in high school classrooms. Coursework traditionally covers topics such as world civilization, American history, diplomacy, constitutional origins, and more. If you wish to apply that knowledge to teach in a high school classroom, you should also gain an education in what it takes to help young learners succeed. Through education-oriented classes, you'll cover how to make lesson plans, how to evaluate student progress, how to personalize instruction, and more. 

Anchor: Stats
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education (Secondary Certification)

If your career goal is to introduce students to the rich, dynamic history of the past in order to prepare them for the future, a degree in secondary education with a major in history is the first step toward making that dream a reality. With our experienced, caring faculty here to help you tailor your program of study with the courses that best fit your personal goals, you’ll have opportunities to explore subjects that range from the great cultures of ancient times to the twenty-first century and everywhere else in between. And, as you chart your way through history, you’ll be able to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for earning your social studies teaching certification for secondary education.

During your 12-week practicum, you will develop invaluable relationships that could lead to future employment. By collaborating with colleagues and supervisors you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and enhance learning communities.

Note:
42 Credit Hours in professional education required. 

In order to obtain certification to teach Social Studies in the State of Kentucky, the student must complete 37 Credit Hours in History and 24 Credit Hours in Social Studies. Each Prefix must have at least one course selected.

Course Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the School of Education is to develop entry level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers. We provide training and experiences using best practices for teacher education candidates.

Develop entry-level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers who provide for diverse learners.
Provide the pedagogical instructional methods necessary to meet the Kentucky Teacher Standards and University of the Cumberlands’ Standards.
Strengthen your abilities to critically reflect and evaluate your skills, thereby providing the opportunity for growth.
Nurture an appreciation and refinement of ethical and Christian moral values in future teachers.
Build robust oral, written, and information literacy skills in students.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Social Studies Education Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

High School Teacher: $61,820

High School Teacher: $61,820

High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

History Professor: $79,640

History Professor: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Social Science Research Assistant: $50,470

Social Science Research Assistant: $50,470

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Political Scientist: $122,510

Political Scientist: $122,510

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

Sociologist: $92,910

Sociologist: $92,910

Sociologists study society and social behavior.

Historian: $63,940

Historian: $63,940

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Social Studies

Get to know your future social studies professors.

Catherine Ball

Catherine Ball, JD

Assistant Professor
History

Catherine Ball, JD

Contact Information

catherine.ball [at] ucumberlands.edu
Bennett Building
Dr. Michael Spurlock

Dr. Michael Spurlock

Adjunct Professor
History

Dr. Michael Spurlock

Contact Information

michael.spurlock [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Charles Melvin Smith

Dr. Chuck Smith

Professor
History

Dr. Chuck Smith

Contact Information

chuck.smith [at] ucumberlands.edu
Bennett Building

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