Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Social Studies Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education is ideal for students who are passionate about teaching young people to think critically about history, government, and society. This program equips students with the tools to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of social issues in the classroom.
Program Overview
The Secondary Social Studies Education program prepares you with a wide variety of content classes and extensive field experience to teach social studies to students in grades 8-12.
As a social studies teacher, you'll help students see historical facts—such as dates, events, names, and places—as building blocks. You’ll teach them to use these building blocks to put current events into context and develop a broader perspective. Our faculty have designed a framework for teaching social studies that gives students intentional exposure to the cultures and global perspectives shaping today’s world. You'll be equipped and inspired to help your students succeed in high school and beyond.
Please note that the Secondary Social Studies Education major does not result in teacher certification but does prepare you for graduate study in secondary education. When you complete the B.A.E., you can apply to the Master’s with Initial Certification (MIC) Social Studies Education degree program to become certified in the state of Kentucky.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing our commitment to high standards in teacher preparation. This accreditation assures prospective students that our program meets rigorous benchmarks for quality, continuous improvement, and positive impact in the field of education.
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FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Secondary Social Studies program provides content curriculum for students to teach in the following areas: history, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. Students must complete Plan 1 or 2 in history and social sciences.
Plan 1
- UK Core (30 Hours)
- Major in history (36 hours) with a minor (19-21 hours) in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, or sociology, and a support area (15 hours) which includes one course from each of the social sciences not chosen as minor.
Plan 2
- UK Core (30 Hours)
- Major (at least 30 hours) in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, or sociology, with a minor (21 hours) in history and a support area (15 hours) which includes one course from each of the social sciences not chosen as major.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Please note: The program leads to a bachelor's degree, but you also need to complete our Master's with Initial Certification (MIC) program to become certified in the state of Kentucky.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
"The University of Kentucky College of Education has given me the confidence to make a difference in the lives of my future students. I will be a more understanding and influential teacher, because of my time here at UK."
Emily Livingood
Secondary Social Studies Graduate
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Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
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