Education – Integrated Social Studies
Degree: BSEd
Campus: Columbus
College: Education and Human Ecology
The Integrated Social Studies education major is one of 11 undergraduate licensure programs in Ohio State’s Department of Teaching and Learning that provides students with the training needed to become a teacher.
The structure and content of the program are designed to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and disposition needed to become effective leaders and advocates for student success in the field of education.
Each program is led by world-renowned faculty, staff and graduate associates who oversee the progress of each individual pre-service teacher as they progress through an intense program of study. Intensive time is spent in local classrooms under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers to gain teaching experience.
Upon completion of the program, students apply to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to obtain initial licensure to teach grades 7–12 in Social Studies. This major is offered only on the Columbus campus.
In applying for admission to the university, you may choose direct enrollment into the College of Education and Human Ecology as a major in the Integrated Social Studies Education program.
Early in your program, you will explore your chosen career path through real-world experiences and seminars in the required First Education Experience Program (FEEP). During this service-learning course, you will spend meaningful time in partner pre-K-5 schools or other education settings. You will gain important insights into teaching and your career and will support young people’s academic growth.
You may take the course for either three or five credits — you will consult with your advisor about which is required for your degree choice. In the course, you will choose and complete a project that will immerse you in a hands-on activity serving students and the school.
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information.
The Integrated Social Studies Education program prepares students to become professional teachers serving young adults in grades 7-12. The components of this major have been designed to meet state and national standards, Ohio licensure requirements and General Education requirements at Ohio State.
The program's philosophy is to equip students with the content, pedagogy and dispositions needed to work effectively with broad groups of adolescents across a wide range of educational settings.
Students in the program spend significant time in supervised internships with teaching experts in local classrooms. While working in the field, students gain experience, become lifelong learners and imagine what social studies classrooms might look like.
This pathway emphasizes educational foundations, content knowledge and research-based social studies teaching methods designed to foster the development of young adults into knowledgeable, empathetic and engaged citizens.
Students in the Integrated Social Studies Education program learn to build strong professional relationships with young people by helping them investigate issues relevant to their lives outside the classroom.
Courses may include:
- History
- Economics
- Geography
- Political science
- Educational psychology
- Support for all learners courses
- Social studies teaching methods
- One semester of introductory field experience, one semester of advanced field experience and one semester of supervised student teaching
- Reflective seminars designed to process new understandings developed during field experience
With Adopt-A-School, college student volunteers tutor students at the nearby Graham Elementary and Middle School. College students aid in students' studies and serve as mentors in a structured environment. All Ohio State students are invited to volunteer.
Kappa Phi Kappa is a national professional co-ed fraternity in education devoted to the professional development of its members. The group helps members become aware of career opportunities in education, informs them about education programs at Ohio State, helps them meet possible future colleagues and supports the Columbus community through community service.
The Ohio Education Association for Aspiring Educators is a professional organization of undergraduate students preparing for or interested in careers in the education field. Members benefit from professional development workshops and events, legal services, money-saving benefits, legislative lobbying and networking. Members are also active on campus and in the community through volunteer opportunities. A staff member in the College of Education and Human Ecology advises this organization.
The mission of College Mentors for Kids is to motivate children and communities to achieve their potential by fostering inspiration to transform lives, education to change attitudes, and connections to increase opportunities. Buddy pairs, consisting of one college student and one elementary student, meet in groups for weekly activities on campus that focus on Higher Education and Career and Community Service. Through these activities and relationships with college students, children are exposed to higher education and the opportunities it has to offer. It is advised by a faculty member in the College of Education and Human Ecology.
Graduates of the social studies teacher education program may seek teaching positions in grades 7–12 at public and private schools. Since the state of Ohio has high standards for teacher preparation, graduates are qualified to explore the requirements to be eligible as teachers anywhere in the United States. Many opportunities also exist within the community and public sector, for example as an after-school tutor or coach.
Beginning salaries for recent Integrated Social Studies Education graduates vary greatly depending on the school district and state of employment. On average, new teachers with no previous teaching experience can expect starting salaries in the central Ohio area of $45,000-$50,000 per year.