Social Science Teaching Major

The University of Northern Iowa’s Social Science Teaching major prepares future educators to teach multiple disciplines across grades 5–12. Students gain in-depth knowledge in key subject areas while developing top-tier teaching skills through UNI’s nationally recognized teacher education program. Graduates are well-prepared to inspire the next generation in classrooms across Iowa and beyond.

All Social Science

This program leads to Iowa’s All-Social Science Endorsement (#186) for grades 5–12. Students complete coursework in all seven social science content areas: American Government, American History, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology and World History.

View All Social Science 4-Year Plan

Basic Social Science

This option leads to Iowa’s Basic Social Studies Endorsement (#1861) for grades 5–12. Students earn certification in: American Government, American History and World History plus one additional area from Economics, Geography, Psychology or Sociology.

View Basic Social Science 4-Year Plan

Learn more about UNI Teacher Education at teachered.uni.edu.

Three-Year Pathway

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Three-Year Pathway

This major is offered as part of UNI’s Three-Year Pathway initiative, giving motivated students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree in just three years by following a structured plan of study. This option is ideal for students who enter UNI with prior college credit (through AP classes and dual enrollment), as well as high-achieving students who are ready for an accelerated academic pace. Students must meet program eligibility requirements, including appropriate placement scores for some majors, and may transition to a traditional four-year pathway at any time. For more information, contact the program coordinator at chad.christopher@uni.edu.

social science teaching student in classroom

Grow Your Future Through Real-World Teaching Experience

At UNI, we believe great teachers are built through both strong academic foundations and hands-on classroom experience. That’s why the Social Science Teaching major includes three progressive clinical experiences that prepare you for success in secondary education.

Internship I (Year 2 into 3)

Start taking the lead. Under the supervision of a classroom teacher and UNI faculty, you’ll begin teaching multiple lessons while enrolled in an introductory teaching methods course. This experience bridges theory with practice. –35 HOURS

Internship II (Final Semester On-Campus)

Take a deeper dive into the life of a teacher. You’ll shadow a licensed teacher for a full week, practicing key instructional skills and managing a classroom throughout the entire school day. An advanced teaching methods course complements this hands-on experience. –35 HOURS

Student Teaching (Final Semester)

In your final semester, you’ll also complete 16 weeks of student teaching. If at an in-state center, this includes two separate placements: eight (8) weeks in a middle school/junior high setting and eight (8) weeks in a high school setting. You’ll take on full teaching responsibilities, gaining real-world experience and mentorship to prepare you for your own classroom. – 16 WEEKS

Panther POV

What’s it like to study social science teaching at UNI? Hear from recent graduates about the experiences that shaped their time as Panthers and how their PE teaching degree is helping them take their next steps.

Jacob Gibbs

"UNI and my major have given me the skills, relationships and confidence to succeed in my career. My professors have not only taught me content and teaching strategies, but also built connections I know I can return to for support and guidance in the future. UNI has also given me a deep sense of pride in my community and a desire to bring the same energy and passion into the school and community I will serve."

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Alyssa Peterson

"While my teacher preparation program helped me grow into an impactful educator, it was my classes and professors within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences that gave me everything I needed to be successful in my career. Having a variety of elective course options allowed me to explore different perspectives and ideas while also deepening my knowledge in areas that I have been interested in. These experiences have challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, research thoroughly, and approach problems with empathy and an open mind. "

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Lydia Welch

"The aspects of my major that I have found most meaningful were my field experiences. I appreciate so much how UNI gets you into the classroom right away with hands-on experiences. I was encouraged to be a paraprofessional to count towards my level 1 field experience during my sophomore year of college, and I have always been grateful for that opportunity to work with diverse students. That helped me solidify that teaching is my passion. "

Hear more from Lydia