Overview

Grand Valley's Group Social Studies program is offered in 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. Students choose either an elementary education emphasis or secondary education emphasis.

The group social studies major includes courses in:

• Economics
• History
• Geography
• Political science
• Social Studies teaching methods

Students study the world from a variety of perspectives, giving them strong interdisciplinary training and skills. They trained to research problems and engage in problem solving through written and verbal communication, and have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching social studies.

Admission Information

Students must complete a substantial portion of the major, including SST 309 or SST 310 and SST 311, before admission to the College of Education and Community Innovation. The College of Education and Community Innovation requires that candidates for admission present an overall GPA of 2.7 as well as a GPA of 3.0 in the major and minor.

Students who decide not to seek teacher certification may complete the group social studies major and receive a bachelor's degree without completing the professional program in education by meeting the university's minimum requirements.

Department of History