Integrated Social Studies

You can become one of America’s great social studies teachers who help to present a well-rounded view of society to your students by participating in courses in social science, history, political science, and economics. Miami University’s Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry department prepares future teachers who have a developing passion for the skill and art of teaching, a commitment to educational equity, and a heart for students. Our students enjoy the benefits of a cohort-based approach to teaching methods and pedagogy, along with courses on how to teach social studies intertwined with experiences in K-12 classrooms. We also provide courses that teach you how to teach students with special needs.

Course Requirements

Advantages of Miami University’s Integrated Social Studies Program

  • The program is designed for you to complete in 4 years. You will have your teaching license at the end of your program and will be prepared to immediately enter the field of education.
  • You will receive the personal attention that Miami is known for through the benefit of small classes, and the opportunity to interact with faculty inside and outside of the classroom.
  • An intense, practice-based curriculum where you gain extensive field observations and 16-weeks of practice-based learning in student teaching.
  • A strong emphasis on content and the opportunity to double major – many integrated social studies education majors also complete a second major in history, political science, or economics.
  • Preparation to teach all types of learners in your classroom. Additional opportunities are available to get an even more in-depth understanding--including a TELLs Teaching English Language Learners certificate and a minor in Special Education.
  • Technology integration not only enhances our students' learning experiences on campus but also provides opportunities to implement strategies in the field classrooms.
  • An award-winning Urban Cohort program that allows you to specialize in teaching children and youth in urban school settings.
  • Our program is not only focused on education in the United States, but also provides numerous international opportunities that inspire global engagement.

Program Admission and Licensure Information

Students declare a pre-major in a teacher education program at the time of university admission or as soon as possible. After meeting the criteria of acceptance, students apply for a cohort—a group of students selected to experience methods courses and field experiences together.

Miami's Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. While Miami participates in licensure of teachers through an interstate agreement, if you are planning to teach in another state, you should contact that state's certification office so you can apply for certification or licensure in that state.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to apply components of democratic education philosophy and social studies content knowledge to designing a unit plan.
  • Students will be able to design lesson plans which apply aspects of democratic education philosophy and social studies content knowledge.
  • Students will be able to integrate historical and present-day connections of science, technology and society into lesson planning.
  • Students will be able to construct lesson plans which integrate global connections and interdependences.

Student Experiences

Newest Smithsonian Museum Welcomes EHS Student for the Summer

Some would call it an incredible learning opportunity. Others would see it as a fantastic summer adventure. But for Maria Kahn, a dual major in social studies education and history, the chance to work at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture is absolutely both.