History and Social Science Education

"The primary purpose of the social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world"

National Council for the Social Studies, 1994 p. 157

The History and Social Science Education Program at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare reflective teachers who are ready, willing, and able to facilitate the type of systematic critical literacy work that is a vital part of preparing 21st century citizens to become thoughtful and nuanced readers of the word and the world, both past and present.

The History and Social Science Education Program has been recognized twice as a University Exemplary Department/program for working collaboratively with the Department of History to fulfill common or complementary goals (2008) and effectively integrating ePortfolios to improve student learning (2012). Program faculty are founding members of History Lab at VT: A transdisciplinary team of faculty and students breaking down barriers between history, technology, and learning. Barriers between traditional classroom instruction and transdisciplinary place-based experiential learning.

The History and Social Science (Social Studies) Education Program at Virginia Tech offers a graduate licensure program in which students earn a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and are prepared for postgraduate professional licensure in Secondary History and Social Science (social studies) (grades 6-12).

Reimagining the future begins with practices that put educational excellence, innovation, and equity at the fore. At the Virginia Tech School of Education, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to transform teaching and learning, conduct groundbreaking research, and engage with learning communities around the globe. Teacher candidates from historically underrepresented populations are especially encouraged to join and contribute to our learning community.

As a global catalyst for individual transformation, we’re pushing the boundaries of knowledge and practice to reimagine a more equitable and just world.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Virginia Tech discloses whether its educational programs leading to careers that require licensure meet educational requirements for professional licensure in each state, view the determinations for each state here.

Licensure Disclosure Table