Elective Social Studies Teacher Certification

College of Education and Social Work

The program of study is designed to assure that prospective social studies teachers possess the knowledge, capabilities, and dispositions associated with the concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines that make up social studies education, and that they are able to create learning experiences which make these aspects of the subject matter meaningful for learners. The course of study emphasizes ten thematic strands:

  • Culture and cultural diversity

  • Time, continuity, and change

  • People, places, and environment

  • Individuals, groups, and institutions

  • Power, authority, and government

  • Production, distribution, and consumption

  • Science, technology, and society

  • Global connections

  • Civic ideals and practices

  • Individual development and identity

Students interested in teaching social studies education in secondary schools may pursue a bachelor of arts in history while earning state certification in social studies education. West Chester University's program, which requires up to 132 credits, is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Required Courses
EDA 103Foundations of Special Education3
EDA 304Special Ed Processes/Procedures for Secondary Educators3
SSC 331Methods of Teaching Secondary Social Studies3
HIS 444History of American Education3
EDT 349Technology Tools to Transform Teaching and Learning1
EDP 250Educational Psychology3
ERM 355Ethical and Effective Assessment for Learning 7-123
EDR 347Literacy Development and Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms3
EDS 306Teaching Principles and Field Experience in Secondary Schools3
EDS 411Student Teaching Sec - 1st Half6
EDS 412Student Teaching Sec - 2nd Half6
LAN/ENG 382Teaching English Language Learners PK-123
Total Minimum Credits Required40