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Social Studies Education 5-12 Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a social studies education major, you’ll explore your love of history, government, and social studies while gaining the skills to share it with middle and high school students.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Social Studies Education 5-12, you’ll prepare for a career teaching social studies. You’ll combine coursework in history and the social sciences with training in teaching from Bethel’s education department, including a student teaching experience in an area school. If you want to work with younger students, you can major in elementary education and add a licensure in social studies (5-8). No matter your path, you’ll reach your full potential to go into your community and serve students.

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Why should I study social studies education at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you learn and gain skills, you’ll become an educator and professional driven by your Christian faith.
  • Flexibility
    Bethel's social studies education major is flexible and many students pursue a second major in history, political science, or Spanish.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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Contact us

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Interested in learning more about Bethel's B.A. in Social Studies Education 5-12? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in social studies education, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong historical base

As you study human history, your knowledge will be deepened by the integration of faith and modern application.

Prepared to teach

You’ll gain extensive training in teaching and you’ll student in an area school. You’ll be equipped to share your love of social studies with new generations.

Skills for any career

You'll learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and make a lifelong impact on young people.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

As a social studies education major, you’ll find opportunities to study around the world over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Recent students have studied in The United Kingdom, China, India, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand.

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Experience in schools

From your first education course through student teaching, you’ll spend several hours each week in local schools. You’ll get to work with experienced teachers in a variety of settings, giving you the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and build connections that will serve you well in your career.

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Clubs and organizations

You can participate in Model United Nations, Pi Sigma Alpha—the national political science honorary—and more. You can also join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with a social studies education degree?

As you study social studies education, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Teach at the middle and high school level

You’ll be equipped to teach subjects like American and world history, government and civics, geography, psychology, and economics at the

Administration

You be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in teaching or doctoral programs to become a principal or superintendent, and you could pursue work in higher education.

Education-related roles

Beyond teaching, you can pursue a variety of roles—like coaching, curriculum design, and special education.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Skills for any field

If your career takes you out of education, you’ll have the strong, writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills to serve in almost any field.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”

Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science


Location

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz

Andrew Bramsen

Andrew Bramsen

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Chris Gehrz

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History

Bio >

Charles Goldberg

Charles Goldberg

Associate Professor of History

Bio >

AnneMarie Kooistra

AnneMarie Kooistra

Professor of History

Bio >

Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Sam Mulberry

Sam Mulberry

Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center

Bio >

Sara Shady

Sara Shady

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

Lynn Uzzell

Lynn Uzzell

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Dan Yim

Dan Yim

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bruce Berglund

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Michael Bumann

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Omar Fakhri

Omar Fakhri

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bart Fischer

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Andrew Greenlee

Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Rushika Hage

Adjunct Instructor of History

Bio >

Amy Poppinga

Amy Poppinga

Adjunct Associate Professor of History

Bio >

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Todd Kline

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

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Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

James Hurd

James Hurd

Professor of Anthropology Emeritus

Bio >

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John Lawyer

Professor of Political Science Emeritus

Bio >

Samuel Zalanga

Samuel Zalanga

Professor of Sociology Emeritus

Bio >

60%

recent alumni continuing their studies in graduate school

83

students in political science majors

93%

of recent alumni say their studies enhanced their writing, critical thinking, and research abilities

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

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History Major

Bachelor of Arts

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Spanish Major

Bachelor of Arts

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Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements