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.
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 UNI Teacher Education at teachered.uni.edu.
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For questions about the Social Science Teaching major, contact 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 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 four progressive field experiences that prepare you for success in secondary education.
Exploring Teaching (Year 2)
Gain early exposure to the classroom environment by observing professional educators in action. This experience helps you understand the roles, responsibilities and relationships that define effective teaching. –10 HOURS
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)
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. –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
"It wasn’t until I shadowed my 8th-grade history teacher that I truly found my calling. This experience was transformative, as I realized that I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in others' lives. Teaching offers the perfect blend of my passion for history and my desire to shape and inspire the next generation."
Hannah Homeyer, '24
Social Science Teaching and Political Science major
