Dec 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

Certificate of Social Studies Teachers


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The Social Studies for Educators Certificate is an interdisciplinary social science certificate that helps prepare students interested in teaching middle or high school (secondary-level) social studies. The certificate includes lower and upper division coursework in the social sciences for a total of 47-48 credits. This certificate is appropriate for undergraduate students pursuing a career in secondary teaching with a focus in social studies and for students seeking to meet entrance requirements for SOU’s MAT program in Social Studies. Entrance and certification requirements also include completion of a BA or BS degree in a social science with a minimum GPA, which is not included in this certificate. Students seeking secondary licensure with a social studies endorsement in the state of Oregon should work closely with an Education advisor to ensure that their study plan meets requirements. 

GPA minimum requirement in certificate courses: 2.75

Subject Area Foundations


U.S. History


Take two classes: 

U.S. Politics


Choose one class from:

Geography


Take one class: 

Psychology or Sociology and Anthropology


  • Select any 4 credit class with a PSY or SOAN prefix*

Social Science Elective


  • Select any 4 credit class from the following prefixes: EC, ERS, HST, IS, NAS, PS, PSY, SOAN

Upper Division Electives


  • 12 upper division credits from the following prefixes: EC, ERS, HST, IS, NAS, PS, PSY, SOAN

Subsitutions


*Students may substitute one 4 credit NAS or ERS prefix class or ED 355 - Teaching Native America for either SOAN 107 or an International Studies (IS) course or a PSY/SOAN elective with certificate coordinator approval.

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