Social Science Teaching Major
As a social science teaching major, you will have three field experiences to explore, define and sharpen your skills as a future teacher.
There are three options or paths of study, pending your future career aspirations:
SOCIAL SCIENCE PLAN A (SPECIALIST)
Students have the choice of constructing their major by choosing three areas from: American Government, American History, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology and World History. This major leads to Iowa endorsements in grades 5-12 in the three chosen areas.
SOCIAL SCIENCE PLAN B (GENERALIST)
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.
SOCIAL SCIENCE PLAN C (BASIC)
With this path, 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.

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.