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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Social Studies Program?

Online master’s in social studies programs follow the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs. By eliminating the need to commute to campus, online programs provide students more time for work, family, and other commitments. Online master’s in social studies programs also allow those who don’t live near a college that offers this degree to further their education without the cost and inconvenience of relocating. When searching for an online master’s in social studies program, carefully review your options to find the best match for your needs and career goals.

Available concentrations

If you know which subject you would like to cover as a social studies teacher, you should look for a program that allows you to focus on this specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in social studies include:

  • Anthropology: This concentration focuses on studying cultures and how humans behave.
  • Political Science: Learn about the different systems of government and how to analyze political activities.
  • Geography: With this concentration, students learn about land formations, country borders, and demographics.
  • History: This concentration may allow you to focus on the history of a particular period or geographical region.
  • Economics: Learn how to use the fundamental tools of economic analysis.

Common degree curriculum

The exact curriculum for your master’s in social studies program will depend on your school and whether you pursue a concentration. Some of the courses you may encounter include:

  • Instructional Leadership: Focuses on the management of curriculum and instruction. Students learn to set goals, allocate resources, and promote student development.
  • Diversity in Education: Covers promoting diversity and equality within the classroom.
  • Ethics: An introduction to the study of moral philosophy. This course will help you understand other perspectives and question why you think the way you do.
  • History Education: Explores strategies for teaching others about how past events have shaped our world today.

Certification and license preparation

You should research your state’s teacher licensure and certification requirements before applying to any schools. Many social studies degree programs have the necessary licensure requirements built into the curriculum, allowing you to start your career quickly after graduation.

Program accreditation

Only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may have trouble accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed.

Program completion timeframe

Online master’s in social studies programs usually require 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework, which takes most full-time students about two years to complete. Part-time students may need up to five years. Some programs are available in an accelerated format, allowing students who can take on a heavy courseload each semester to earn their degree in just one year.

Also, cohort-based programs will require you to attend classes simultaneously with other students. Those who want to earn their degree as fast as possible should select an asynchronous program instead, as this will allow you to progress through courses at your own pace.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Social Studies Graduates

While teaching jobs at the K-12 level typically only require a bachelor’s degree, these jobs aren’t expected to grow much over the next decade, and there will likely be a lot of competition for each open position. Completing a master’s program will help you stand out from other candidates and get hired more quickly.

A master’s degree should help you earn more income as well. Generally, workers with a master’s make an average of $1,661 per week, while those with a bachelor’s make $1,432. Over a year, that’s a difference of nearly $12,000.

Your salary will also depend on where you work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, instructional coordinators earn an average salary of $92,940 in California but just $56,020 in Montana.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Elementary School Teacher Elementary school teachers help young children learn about the most basic concepts within social studies. $61,620 1%
Middle School Teacher Middle school teachers instruct children from sixth to eighth grade. They help students build on the fundamental concepts learned in elementary school and prepare them for the topics covered in high school. $61,810 1%
High School Teacher In high school, students learn about more advanced social studies topics such as anthropology and economics. $62,360 1%
Instructional Coordinator Instructional coordinators oversee curricula development and teaching standards within schools and school systems. $66,490 2%

Professional organizations

Membership in a professional organization will look good on your resume, and these organizations also offer a variety of valuable benefits and career services. Some of the top professional organizations for those with a master’s in social studies include:

  • United Federation of Teachers: UFT is a federation of teachers and related professionals who work in New York City. The group advocates for the children in New York City public schools and fights for policies and resources to improve schools.
  • Center for Civic Education: This nonprofit organization works to educate citizens on democratic principles and encourages them to engage in the practice of democracy in the United States.
  • National Council for Social Studies: This group hosts an annual conference, publishes industry journals, offers career coaching services, and provides a job board for members.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Social Studies Degree

Online degrees are typically more affordable than on-campus degrees, but you may still need help paying for your education. The first step to accessing assistance is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for loans, grants, and other types of aid provided by the federal government. There are also many scholarships available through state-level agencies as well as private companies.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With all of the different financing options available, it can be challenging to determine what you should do next after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.