SWU to offer Social Studies education degree
The BA in social studies education program received approval from the S.C. Department of Education. The new program will prepare students to meet South Carolina’s requirements for becoming licensed to teach social studies in grades 9-12 in the public schools, and combines thorough preparation through coursework and direct classroom experience with a Christian perspective on history, the social sciences and education.
According to Sandra McLendon, dean of Southern Wesleyan’s School of Education, the Secondary Social Studies major will help to fill a need in South Carolina.
“The purpose of the new program is to prepare Christian educators in the field of Secondary Social Studies with studies in economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology,” she said.
As reported in the CERRA Fall 2012 Teacher/Administrator Supply & Demand Study, the state of South Carolina began the 2012-13 academic year with nine unfilled positions for secondary and middle school social studies. Overall, there were 186 newly hired high school social studies teachers across the state.
Students in the Social Studies Education program – in addition to the General Education core courses that all SWU students take – gain a rich preparation (27 hours) in history, giving them a strong foundation for the study of the rest of the social sciences. Students also take 12 hours in the social sciences, choosing from courses in sociology, geography, political science and economics. In addition, Social Studies Education majors take 39 hours of professional education courses, which prepare them for meeting South Carolina licensure requirements.
In addition to the time spent in the classroom, Social Studies Education majors have opportunities for hands-on, outside-the-classroom experiences, including internships at local historical agencies and museums and field trips to a number of historical sites in South Carolina, a state rich in history.
The School of Education at Southern Wesleyan University features experienced, passionate faculty. Each year, several Southern Wesleyan education graduates are selected for Teacher of the Year awards in their schools and school districts. Also, all education program graduates who pass PRAXIS II are recommended for licensure in education.
For details about the BA in social studies education, contact Dr. Sandra McLendon at (864) 644-5354, email or go online to swu.edu/degrees.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.