Social Studies Education, Social Studies 6-12 (B.A.E.)
Program at a Glance
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Credit Hours: 120
- Certification: FL Teacher Certification in Social Studies 6-12; endorsement in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Location: 成人大片Campus
- Application Deadlines: Fall Term - April 1; Spring Term - Nov. 15; Summer Term - April 1
- Related Programs: Honors in the Major
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education with a concentration in Social Studies (Grades 6–12) is a state-approved, CAEP-accredited program that prepares graduates for teacher certification in Florida to teach social studies at the secondary level. Designed for students passionate about history, government, economics and civic education, the program equips future educators with the knowledge and skills to engage adolescents in critical exploration of the past and present, and to foster responsible, informed participation in society.
Grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with state and national standards, the curriculum emphasizes historical thinking, civic literacy, economic reasoning and culturally responsive pedagogy. Students explore key areas such as U.S. and world history, political science, sociology and geography, along with courses focused on instructional strategies, curriculum planning and the foundations of social science education.
The program includes structured field experiences, two pre-internships and a full-semester internship in a middle or high school classroom, where students work alongside experienced mentor teachers and university faculty. These placements provide opportunities to connect theory to practice, build classroom management skills and refine instructional approaches in real-world settings. Successful completion of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) is required prior to the final internship.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to begin careers as certified social studies teachers in grades 6–12 or to pursue graduate study in education, public policy or the social sciences. With strong content knowledge and a commitment to civic engagement and equity, they are ready to lead dynamic, inquiry-based learning experiences that prepare students to think critically, understand complex issues, and participate thoughtfully in their communities and the world.
Program Details
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Course Catalog
Explore the courses that will prepare you to teach, inspire, and engage adolescent learners in history, civics, economics and the social sciences. The course catalog outlines the required coursework for the B.A.E. in Social Studies Education (Grades 6–12), including foundational classes in U.S. and world history, political science, economics, and teaching methods for secondary social studies. Each course is designed to help you build strong content knowledge and practical instructional skills to create inclusive, inquiry-based learning environments that promote critical thinking, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of the world. -
Osprey Map
The Osprey Map provides a term-by-term sample schedule for each undergraduate academic program at the 成人大片. It is designed to guide students in the selection of courses each term. -
Internship
In your final semester, you’ll take ESE 4943: Student Internship, the culminating experience in the Social Studies Education program. This is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into practice as you step into the role of a full-time social studies teacher in a secondary classroom. You’ll plan and deliver lessons, assess student understanding, and adapt instruction to support diverse learners—all while working closely with a mentor teacher and university supervisor in a public school setting.
Through hands-on teaching and seminar sessions, you’ll demonstrate your mastery of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and apply the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset you've developed throughout the program. This capstone experience is designed to help you grow into a confident, reflective educator prepared to lead engaging, inquiry-based learning in today’s middle and high school social studies classrooms.
- A Level 2 background check, including fingerprinting verified by the school district where your internship takes place, is required before any placement can occur. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students who are not cleared by the district will not be permitted access to school sites.
- Passing the FTCE Professional Education and English 6-12 Subject Area exams is required to complete the internship and graduate.
- Department approval is required to register. Internship applications for fall are due the 4th Friday of the preceding spring term, and spring applications are due the 4th Friday of the preceding fall term. There are no summer internship placements.
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Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)
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Students must pass the General Knowledge Exam prior to reaching 90 credits to remain in the major.
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Students must have attempted the Professional Education and Subject Area certification exams prior to beginning the internship.
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Students must pass the Professional Education, Subject Area and General Knowledge certification exams to be eligible for graduation.
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Career Outlook
There is a strong demand for certified social studies teachers who can engage and inspire students in grades 6–12. Graduates of the Social Studies Education program are well-prepared to teach in public and private middle and high schools, bringing expertise in history, government, economics, and the social sciences. Many go on to become social studies or civics teachers, while others pursue careers in curriculum development, public service, or graduate study in education, history, or related fields.
Admission Requirements
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Freshman
Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about Freshman Admissions Requirements. -
Transfer
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Admission into the College of Education and Human Services requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or a state of Florida AA degree with a grade point average of 2.50 or better and passing scores on all four parts of the General Knowledge (GK) test prior to 90 credit hours. Program admission requires a decision by a college administrator or faculty. Find specific admission criteria for this program on your Degree Evaluation, college website, university catalog or consult your academic advisor. For more information visit the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS) webpage.
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A minimum grade of "C" is required in all course work earned for the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE).
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A level 2 background check (including fingerprints)done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
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Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about Transfer Admissions Requirements.
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International
Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about International Admissions Requirements. -
Additional Program Requirements
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A level 2 background check (including fingerprints) done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
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Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
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Department approval required. Fall internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous spring term. Spring internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous fall term. There are no summer internship
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Program Contacts
Dr. Brian Zoellner
Program Director and Professor
Marilyn Heth
Academic Advisor
Jade Yuen
Associate Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Retention
