Social Sciences Education, Certificate
The Social Sciences Education Certificate is designed for individuals who want to teach subjects such as history, political science, economics, geography, and sociology at the secondary level. The program integrates social science content knowledge with professional education coursework, focusing on instructional methods, assessment, and classroom practice.
The Social Sciences Education Certificate prepares students to guide learners in understanding complex social systems and civic engagement. Students gain practical teaching experience through structured fieldwork and student teaching placements, developing skills in lesson planning, critical thinking instruction, and student engagement. Flexible course formats—including on-campus, online, and hybrid options—support a range of schedules while preparing graduates for licensure and careers in education or related fields.
Career Outcomes
Graduates develop transferable skills in communication, analysis, and instructional design that apply to education, training, and public-facing roles.
- High School Social Studies Teacher – $65,000 (median)
- Middle School Teacher – $61,000 (median)
- Instructional Coordinator – $74,000 (median)
- Curriculum Developer – $70,000–$90,000
- Education Consultant – $65,000–$95,000
- Academic Advisor – $50,000–$65,000
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State University offers a range of financial aid options to help students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Get Involved
Professional & Academic Organizations:
National Council for the Social Studies
American Historical Association
American Political Science Association
Campus & Experiential Engagement
- Complete supervised field experiences and student teaching in secondary classrooms
- Design and deliver lesson plans across multiple social science disciplines
- Attend education workshops, licensure preparation sessions, and teaching seminars
- Engage with local school districts through placements and professional networking
Highlighted Faculty
Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences, E2578
- Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu