B.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Secondary Social Studies at Mississippi College is designed to prepare highly qualified and compassionate educators to inspire students in grades 7-12. This program combines deep content knowledge in history, political science, geography, economics, and sociology with pedagogical skills essential for effective classroom management, instructional design, and student engagement. Graduates of this program are equipped with a teaching license upon completion, offering immediate access to the education job market, where qualified teachers are currently in high demand in Mississippi and across the country. The program benefits from faculty guidance across both the School of Education and the Department of History & Political Science, ensuring a well-rounded and practical education.

Curriculum: The B.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies curriculum at Mississippi College is comprehensive, integrating a strong university core with specialized coursework in both social studies content and professional education. Required social studies courses typically include World Civilization I & II, Mississippi History, American National Government, State & Local Government, Principles of Geography, The American Economic System, and Sociology: An Introduction to Global Context. Students also take Adolescent Psychology and select upper-division electives in History, Political Science, and other Social Studies fields. The professional education component includes courses like Pre-Teaching Field Experience, Introduction to Education, Educational Psychology, Introduction to Instructional Technology, Measurement & Evaluation of Student Progress, Psychology of Exceptional Children, Managing the Secondary Classroom, and a significant Directed Teaching (student teaching) experience in grades 7-12. This blend ensures both mastery of subject matter and effective teaching methodologies.

Research Focus: Mississippi College's B.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies program fosters an inquiry-driven approach, encouraging students to engage with educational research and best practices. While the primary "research" is often embedded in pedagogical exploration and content mastery, students learn to critically analyze educational theories, research-based instructional strategies, and assessment methods. The program aims to train future teachers to be reflective practitioners who consistently evaluate "How can I best serve my students today?" This involves understanding ethical standards in education and navigating current research in educational psychology and literacy. Through various methods courses and field experiences, students are encouraged to research and implement effective classroom strategies and content delivery for diverse learners.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's B.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies program demonstrates robust industry engagement, directly preparing graduates for the teaching profession. The program boasts strong relationships with numerous school districts in the Jackson Metro area, facilitating highly sought-after student teaching positions where aspiring teachers train under masterful veteran educators. The School of Education at Mississippi College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), a nationally recognized body that ensures rigorous standards for teacher training. This accreditation, along with historical accreditation by NCATE, signifies that the program meets high professional benchmarks and is deeply connected to the needs of the K-12 education system. Additionally, student organizations like Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society) inspire and equip future teachers through professional development and community engagement.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is committed to fostering a global perspective across its academic programs, and the B.S.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies inherently contributes to this. The curriculum includes courses like "World Civilization" and "Sociology: An Introduction to Global Context," which expose future educators to diverse historical narratives, cultural developments, and societal structures beyond the United States. This broad content knowledge is crucial for teaching social studies effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. While specific "study abroad" requirements are not typically embedded within the B.S.Ed. curriculum, the university's overall emphasis on global education, supported by a diverse international student population, enriches the learning environment. Graduates are prepared to address global issues in their classrooms and foster a global understanding among their future students, contributing to a more globally aware citizenry.