Social Studies, B.A., B.S.
The major in social studies is designed for students seeking teacher certification in secondary schools.
Program Overview
Coursework is in history, economics, geography, and political science as well as in the social studies specific pedagogy.
Students choose from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Those seeking the B.A. must demonstrate third-semester proficiency in a foreign language.
Students seeking teacher certification also complete the professional program offered by the College of Education and Community Innovation. The major meets State of Michigan content standards for teacher preparation in social studies.
Visit gvsu.edu/history and select "social studies" for details.
Why Study Social Studies at Grand Valley?
- Students study the world from a variety of perspectives, giving them strong interdisciplinary training and skills.
- Our majors are trained to research problems and engage in problem solving through written and verbal communication.
- The curriculum prepares students to teach a complex subject in a changing world.
- Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching social studies.
- Social studies majors are highly sought after by schools that want to hire teachers capable of teaching a variety of courses.
Career Insights
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
- Face To Face
Coursework
All social studies majors complete the core courses. Students also complete courses in social studies teaching strategies. The major includes credit hours in:
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Political science
- Social studies teaching methods
Career Options
Upon completion of the social studies major and professional program major, students seeking teacher certification in social studies at the secondary level are well-qualified to begin their teaching careers.
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Social Studies Program
gvsu.edu/history
Mackinac
Hall D-1-160
(616) 331-3298
“I have significantly improved as a global citizen through the group Social Studies major at GVSU. The program has been invaluable as it has taught me how to analyze local, national, and global events of the past and present in order to make educated decisions from an array of paradigms with regard to potential solutions and outcomes.”
SOCIAL STUDIES ALUMNUS