Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education
Bachelor of ArtsRoanoke College
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Social Studies Education involves the study of history, political science, geography, economics, and religion in combination with educational theory, methods, and field placement courses that prepare students to teach at secondary grade levels, 6-12. Completion of the major meets all of the academic requirements for a teaching license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Outcomes
Demonstrate history, political science, geography, economics, and religion content and pedagogical knowledge. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse student populations. Demonstrate the ability to use research to teach.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Social Studies teachers combine interests in history, political science, geography, and other social sciences. This major prepares students for licensure. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Student Teaching requires students to meet GPA and state testing guidelines. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Useful courses for transfer credit include economics (micro or macro), world geography, a survey of history of the ancient or medieval world, a survey of modern world history, one semester of US history, American national government, state & local government. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students may wish to double major with History or Political Science. |
Program Successes & Highlights | You'll be in working with students early in your major. Our program is nationally accredited. Approximately 90% of students who complete our program hold teaching jobs within a year. The remaining have often entered graduate school. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits. Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Credit for Prior Learning | In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Bridgewater College | History Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | BA in Teaching Lic in Hist and Social Sci Grades 6-12 (VA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | BS in Teaching Lic in Hist and Social Sci Grades 6-12 (VA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in History and Social Studies Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Hollins University | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in History, Major in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | History BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | History: Pre-Law BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | History: Public History BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | History: Teacher Preparation in History and Social Science BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in History, Major in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
George Mason University | History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | History - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | History-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.A. in History (Minor Required) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | History, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | History with concentration in Public History, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Applied History Social Sciences (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | History (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | A.A. in History | Associate | Associate of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Regent University | B.A. in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2022.00 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
19-3093.00 | Historians | Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1125.00 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
39-7011.00 | Tour Guides and Escorts | Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
