This degree is designed as preparation for those who plan to obtain a certificate to teach social studies in grades 6-12. The state of Oklahoma requires teacher education to be competency based; thus, this degree aims at providing students with the knowledge and skills to achieve competency in the various social studies. The program requires a minimum total of 45 hours distributed among all of the following fields: American history, world history, historical research, Oklahoma history, government, sociology, economics, and geography. Historical research is not a teaching area, but 6 hours are required for the degree.

An OC graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education will:

1. Have a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of the social studies, including American and world history, political science, economics, sociology and geography.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of history and knowledge of basic research techniques, the use of documents and the handling of evidence, as part of a Christian worldview.
3. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through effective communication of independent research.
4. Understand and employ principles of effective teaching.
5. See teaching as an opportunity for Christian service as well as a vocation.

Student must complete a minimum of 126 hours including the major, core, and minor if required. Elective hours may be needed to reach 126 hours. 

1. 6 hours required American history

• HIST-2213 - History U.S. to 1877
• HIST-2223 - History of the U.S. Since 1877

2. 6 hours 3000/4000 level American history courses 

• HIST-4013 - Revolutionary and Early National America˝1763-1815 is highly recommended

3. 3 hours required western civilization

• HIST-2923 - Perspectives in Western Civilization

4. 6 hours other world history, including 3 hours numbered 3000 and above

• HIST-2613 - The Modern Middle East is highly recommended.

5. 6 hours historical research; both must be passed with a grade of C or better. 

• HIST-2123 - Introduction to Historical Research
• HIST-4733 - Senior History Seminar

6. 6 hours geography chosen from 

• GEOG-2113 - Elements Human Geography

or 

• GEOG-2313 - Physical Geography

and 

• GEOG-2213 - World Regionalgeography

7. 3 hours economics 

• ECON-2113 - Macroeconomic Principles

8. 3 hours American government 

• POLS-2113 - Introduction to American Politics

9. 3 hours sociology 

• SOCI-1113 - Introduction to Sociology

10. 3 hours Oklahoma history 

• HIST-2313 - Oklahoma History

Also, students should choose Physical Science to meet their science requirement in the core. 

11. 25 semester hours, professional education

• EDUC-3121 - Orientation to Teacher Education
• EDUC-3122 - The School in American Culture
• EDUC-3213 - Learning, Instruction, & Assessment
• EDUC-3422 - Educational Technology
• EDUC-3723 - Educ of the Exceptional Child˝Education of the Exceptional Child
• EDUC-4013 - Human Rel and Behav Management˝Human Relations and Behavior Management
• EDUC-4131 - Applied Instructional and Assessment˝Strategies
• EDUC-4132 - Critical Issues in Education
• EDUC-4718 - Student Tch in Secondary Sch˝Student Tch in the Secondary School

12. 5 hours other courses