Program Description
Students who wish to teach social studies in Ohio public high schools can prepare to do so at Wright State University by first earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education through the College of Liberal Arts. Students may then complete the Graduate Level Teacher Preparation Program (GLTPP) through the College of Education and Human Services. In addition, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in classroom teaching may be earned with the further completion of an Inquiry Project either before or during the first year of employment.
With a strong foundation, graduates from Wright State University will enter the job market with a competitive advantage.
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education is a challenging academic program integrating all social science disciplines. Admission to the major includes a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and C or better grades in all undergraduate content courses, among other requirements. These includes requirements in:
- foreign language
- computer applications
- research methods
- cultural diversity
While the program stresses academic content, social science education majors also complete a pre-professional component through the College of Education and Human Services, in which field work complements classroom instruction. In their senior year, students take the state of Ohio Praxis II test of knowledge in the social sciences as a prerequisite for acceptance into the licensure program. As they near completion of the undergraduate major, students apply to enter the School of Graduate Studies and the Integrated Social Studies Licensure Program.
During their first year of employment, while holding a provisional license, teachers may (If they have not already done so) complete the Master of Education degree. With graduate faculty guidance, new teachers will also prepare for the state of Ohio Praxis III assessment of teaching skills in order to qualify for full licensure.
Wright State University graduates will be well positioned for success! In addition, they will also be equipped to seek permanent state licensures as integrated secondary school social studies teachers.
Stage One:
Summary of Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements - (Semesters)
Program Requirements: BA - Social Science Education
Summary of Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements - (Quarters)
- 192 credit hour minimum
- Minimum 2.0 grade point average
- University General Education requirements
- 15 credit hours pre-professional education
- 97 credit hours approved social science courses
- 60 advanced credit hours, with a least 30 from Wright State University
- Minimum 45 hours from Wright State University, including at least 15 of the last 45 hours from Wright State University
- Courses numbered below 100 are not counted toward total credit hours
- No more than 8 credit hours of physical education (HPR) courses counted toward the degree
- Minimum 100 credit hours in College of Liberal Arts, including economics and psychology
- Completion of the college foreign language and research methods requirement
- Application for graduation, approved by director, in the Social Science Education Bachelor of Arts degree program
Stage Two:
Graduate Licensure Program and the Master of Education
Application for admission to the graduate program should be made during the senior year for immediate entry after receiving of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students will apply simultaneously to the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Licensure Program.
A. Minimum requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies
- A 2.7 cumulative grade point average, as shown on an official transcript
- Ohio Praxis II social sciences examination
B. Minimum Requirements for Admission to the Licensure Program*
- Separate application to the Licensure Program
- Writing Sample
- Short narrative describing the applicant's experience in working with children
- Summary of computer competency
- Two completed recommendation forms
- At least one personal interview
*Admission is not guaranteed - these are minimum requirements