Social Science Education, M.Ed.

Program Description

The M.Ed. in Social Science Education program is designed for those teaching at the secondary or college level in the field of social science, and this coursework is crafted to integrate content and enhance teaching strategies. The coursework explores the range of issues related to human interaction and learning within a societal context, exploring sociology, psychology, human development, and human relationships. Utilizing evidence-based research, learners investigate historical contexts, theories, standards, and frameworks which have shaped current understanding of human engagement as a foundation for creating learning environments, assessment options, and developing intellectual processes for lifelong learning. The program pursues ways information is designed, displayed, and delivered to impact behavior from various perspectives. By generating critical analysis skills, learners examine the rationale and emergent patterns beneath issues, tracing the cause and effect of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical elements to blend creativity with the practical. Attention is given to strategies to support personal change in thinking, reasoning, and decision making as they influence content, community, and cultural aspects of society.

Program Outcomes

1. Assess contributions in the field of social science by applying, evaluating, and revising ideas, designs, and approaches to solve problems which promote application of cognitive and psychological foundations to increase personal and corporate productivity.
2. Evaluate theories, standards, and principles within the critical frameworks of social science to identify appropriate methods for engaging in content, including ways to evaluate and conduct research.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of organization or industry standards and collaborative strategies by incorporating multiple resources to ensure the application of diverse viewpoints and ethical reasoning when endeavors require critical and creative thought.
4. Devise approaches which exercise multiple perspectives to engage, explain, and express how experts within a field of social science consider evidence as a means to generate new options which also helps to establish and maintain a climate of mutual respect, trust, collegiality, and support.
5. Demonstrate awareness of critical issues within the field of social science, requiring both a personal response and a professional position, which impact communities, regions, nations, and global concerns.
6. Apply advanced skills, including the ability to document, to improve observation and organization of critical elements within the field of social science.
7. Promote skills in leadership by incorporating collaborative, data-driven decision making which leads to contributions in the field of social science, enhances the function of an organization, or engages in meaningful and relevant endeavors. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the M.Ed. Social Science Education program is to provide educators with a deeper knowledge of social science education.  By promoting the development of integrated thinking and ways social science can be taught through different perspectives, students learn to encourage real-world application, effective problem solving, and build relationships through communication.