Social Studies Education (M.A.T.)

The M.A.T. major in Social Studies Education provides initial teacher certification for individuals with an interest in teaching Social Sciences at the secondary level (6-12).

Participants in the Social Sciences program must choose an area of concentration. Available areas are: History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics.  

Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the basic requirements for admission in the graduate program of the College of Education

• Official scores on the GRE (general exam)
• GACE Test of Basic Skills (or exemption - see admissions page)
• 2.5 undergraduate GPA with completed undergraduate degree
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (see specific requirements by degree on application page)
• Statement of goals

In addition to the basic requirements the following is required for the MAT in Social Sciences Education program:

Undergraduate degree in History, Political Science, Geography or Economics. Coursework must have included 24 hours of upper division courses in one area to form a concentration (not a combination of the four areas).  

Program Degree Requirements for the M.A.T. in Social Studies Education

Professional Studies (9)
Select one (3):
EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)

Select one (3):
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)

Required (3):
EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)

Teaching Field/Major (27)
Required (9):
EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3)
EDSS 6560 Principles of Social Studies Instruction (3)
EDSS 7540 Theory and Pedagogy of Social Studies Instruction (3)

Elective in Teaching Field/Major (6)
Select Two:
EDCI 7980 Teaching and Learning in Urban Contexts (3)
EDSS 7560 Teaching History and the Social Sciences (3)
EDSS 7570 Social Studies Concepts and Issues (3)
IT 7360 Integrating Technology in School-Based Learning Environments (3)
TSLE 7260 Cultural Issues for the Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)
Other education electives may be selected with consent of the advisor.

Select Advanced Studies in Social Studies (12):
The students select at least 12 semester hours of 6000-level and above coursework related to history and the social sciences in consultation with their advisory committee. Because students will be certified in single fields of social studies, additional undergraduate or graduate coursework may be required for the students to demonstrate competence in these four areas: economics, geography, history, and political science. The advisement committee will approve the students' planned program of study after a transcript analysis of previous work and consultation with the students.

Internship (9)
Required (9):
EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3)
EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3)
EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3)

Program total: minimum of 45 semester hours

Students in this program will be eligible to be recommended for Georgia initial certification after earning passing scores on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment and GACE Assessments in Economics, Geography, History, and/or Political Science for licensure in the Social Studies content area(s) on the GACE and successfully completing:

1. All content courses recommended for the students by MSIT and Arts and Sciences faculty upon the students' admission to the program;
2. Students must complete EXC 4020 Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (3) or its equivalent to be eligible for recommendation for certification in addition to the program of study requirements;
3. EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3) and
4. EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3), EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3), EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3), EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3), EDSS 6560 Principles of Social Studies Instruction (3), EDSS 7540 Theory and Pedagogy of Social Studies Instruction (3).
5. Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.

TEEMS Social Studies Education- Program of Study Worksheet 

For additional program information contact the initial TEEMS advisor at 404-413-8060 or email TEEMS@gsu.edu

Program Coordinator: Dr Chantee Earl , 404-413-8399 , cmcbride@gsu.edu  

For information about our GSU/TFA Collaborative Program please see http://coe.gsu.edu/tfa