SOCIAL STUDIES
Be A Teacher
Are you looking for curriculum that will prepare you to teach Social Studies at the middle and high school level? If so, this concentration in Political Science is for you. Given the interdisciplinary nature of political science coursework, the political science degree’s flexibility, and the importance of civics education, it is a common major for pre-service teachers who want to pursue an alternative route to licensure.
The Praxis II exam required for licensure in social studies demands deep knowledge of US and world history and politics, as well as familiarity with basic concepts from sociology, economics, geography, and psychology. With that in mind, the Social Studies concentration is designed to encourage study in all areas covered by the exam. The Political Science-Social Studies degree requires a total of 49 credit hours: 18 hours in political science, 16 in history, and 15 in any field of social studies (HIS, POL, ECON, GEO, PSY, or SOC).
Social Studies for non-majors: Social Studies Minor
Master of Arts in Teaching
We have partnered with The W's School of Education to create clear pathways to licensure for students who are interested in teaching but don't want to pursue the traditional route to licensure. Through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree program, students can graduate with a third of their master’s degree completed. After passing the Praxis Social Studies exam and completing the Political Science-Social Studies program, they can enter the MAT program as graduate students and earn an initial, temporary teaching license.
A typical student graduates and enters the MAT program in early May, begins teaching in a Mississippi school in August, and—after completing the two ED 697 Internship courses that provide mentorship and guidance during their first two semesters teaching—convert their temporary license to a full-fledged Class A license the following May. At that point, they are almost halfway through the MAT program, and many choose to complete the remaining eighteen hours of coursework in order to convert their license to a Class AA, which comes with a bump up on the Mississippi teacher pay schedule. Students must have a 3.25 GPA requirement to enter the Accelerated program and must have at least a 2.75 GPA to begin taking MAT courses as an undergraduate.
Additional Opportunities
Political Science, BS - Concentration in Social Studies Curriculum
This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.
General Education Curriculum
In keeping with The W's Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.
The W's General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.
All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Literacy
- Quantitative & Technology Skills
- Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
- Life-Long Learning
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:
- 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
- 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
- 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
- 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course
A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
Major Courses
Government, Civics, & Politics Core (18 semester hours)
- POL 101 - The Study and Practice of Politics
- POL 150 - American Government
- POL 250 - World Politics
- 9 additional hours of POL coursework.
History Core (16 semester hours)
- HIS 105 - History Education and Praxis Lab
- 15 additional hours of HIS coursework.
Social Studies Electives (15 semester hours HIS, POL, ECON, GEO, PSY, or SOC)
Additional electives as required to reach 120 semester hours required for graduation.
Note: Students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
Total Hours Required for a BS in Political Science with a Concentration in Social Studies: 120 Semester Hours