Social Science Teaching Major
There are two options or paths of study for social science teaching at UNI, pending your future career aspirations.
All Social Science
Students are required to take a minimum number of classes from seven content areas: American Government, American History, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology and World History. This major leads to the Iowa all-social science endorsement for grades 5-12.
Basic Social Science
Students will obtain certification within Iowa for American Government, American History and World History plus one other social science area for grades 5-12. The fourth area can be selected from Economics, Geography, Psychology or Sociology. This major leads to the Iowa endorsements in four areas (Government, US History, World History and one student choice) for grades 5-12.
Largest in Iowa
UNI's teacher education is, hands-down, the best in the state!
Flexible Options
Student teach in Iowa, throughout the United States or even overseas.
More than a Number
Small classroom sizes, dedicated faculty and ample support.
Want to learn more?
Fill out your information here and we'll be in touch!
Contact us directly at:
Chad Christopher
Advisor, History and Social Science Teaching
Seerley 328
Department of History
Phone: 319-273-3157
Email: chad.christopher@uni.edu
Lisa Tabor
Assistant Professor
Innov Teaching & Tech Ctr 216
Department of Geography
Phone: 319-273-7343
Email: lisa.tabor@uni.edu
Grow your future.
Students are prepared to become teachers through four graduated field experiences:
LEVEL 1 (SOPHOMORE YEAR)
30 hours – The purpose of the field experience is to help the students familiarize themselves with the roles, responsibilities and professional relationships of teachers.
LEVEL 2 (JUNIOR YEAR)
25 hours – Students will teach multiple lessons under the supervision of a classroom teacher and UNI field experience faculty member.
LEVEL 3 (SENIOR YEAR)
35 hours – Students will spend a whole week shadowing a practicing teacher. During this week students will practice the skills necessary to teach a full day.
STUDENT TEACHING (SENIOR YEAR)
16 weeks of full-time teaching – If at one of the in-state centers students will do two separate placements. One eight-weeks will be spend in a middle school/junior high setting and the other eight-weeks will be in a high school setting.
Panther POV
“My major helped with everything in my career. The History and Social Science department is top notch. I was prepared more than I could have imagined, and a lot of that helped with being able to connect with my professors instead of getting lost in huge auditoriums just to get a credit. I was taught a lot to connect anything we learn about and to make it relevant to the students, and to be able to relate anything we are learning about to change in today’s society. Now ... I do this every single day and it propels all learning in my classroom.”
- Colby Grothoff, History Education Class of 2015, Secondary Social Sciences Teacher