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As a social studies instructor, you’re more than familiar with the phrase “history repeats itself” — you see its meaning unfold across society. Teaching your students about events and dates is just the tip of the iceberg, however. You strive to impress the importance of global citizenship, acceptance of cultural differences and interconnectedness across communities. The online master of education in learning, teaching and curriculum with an emphasis in social studies education from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) equips you to foster environments beyond factual learning, where students understand their role in promoting change and serving society at all levels.
Ideal for existing social studies instructors aiming to enhance their practice, Mizzou’s program helps refine your classroom delivery and curriculum development skills. At the same time, you’ll start to identify and refine your leadership style.
Note: This program does not provide social studies certification, nor does it provide the initial certification required to become a teacher.
About the online M Ed in social studies education
Reading about historical events, discussing their significance and identifying patterns over the centuries may have drawn you to teach social studies. Now in front of the classroom, you spot pupils as curious and ready to engage in civic discourse as you used to be. Yet, others appear bored or ask why they need to learn about events that already happened.
This online master’s in social studies education grows your toolbox for the classroom. You’ll continue your education with an advanced degree and explore topics related to instructional methods and curriculum development:
- Prepare to engage in nuanced, contemporary conversations about the role of social studies in the present
- Explore the influence of theory and research on classroom delivery and curriculum plans
- View social studies as a tool for addressing societal concerns, building relationships across differences and supporting diverse classrooms
- Understand how global citizenry creates a connected, change-minded society
- Gain the techniques to better hold students’ attention and help them realize how they can serve the common good
- Grow as a leader, either for the classroom or to move into a district, curriculum development or research position
Quick facts
Official name
Master of education in learning, teaching and curriculum with an emphasis in social studies educationCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Learning, Teaching and CurriculumDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning CommissionCredit hours
30Estimated cost
$16,854.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting consistent demand for elementary, middle and high school teachers through 2032, the online M Ed in social studies education speaks to your advanced skill set. Your knowledge further equips you to meaningfully impact the classroom — both through pedagogy and turning to research to create comprehensive curriculum plans that help students process today’s issues.
At the same time, the program’s emphasis on leadership highlights additional paths forward, including as a department chair, curriculum developer or facilitator of a professional learning team.
Program structure
The online M Ed in social studies education requires 30 credit hours, including 15 credit hours of social studies courses, six credit hours of learning, teaching and curriculum courses, three credit hours of electives and a capstone.
Courses are entirely online and follow a semester schedule. No campus visits are required. Students typically take one or two classes each semester and finish in two years.
Social studies courses
The social studies sequence explores the following topics:
- Planning and teaching social studies at elementary and secondary levels
- Trends and practices in social studies curriculum development
- Trends influencing the social studies classroom
- The intersection between learning, teaching and curriculum
- Political, cultural and economic influences on teaching
Review all requirements for the online M Ed in social studies education.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
2 yearsTypical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
MPER Early Career Scholars Program
If you are a first-, second- or third-year teacher, and teach in an MPER partner school district, you might qualify for a 50 percent tuition sponsorship from the College of Education and Human Development.