Social Studies (Composite Teaching)

The social studies (composite teaching) major is provides teaching endorsement in history, geography, psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. Students who graduate with this degree are "highly qualified" to teach all of these subject areas, based on federal standards for "No Child Left Behind."

Students take classes in many departments to gain a well-rounded education in all of these subject areas. By gaining expertise in this wide range of subjects, students increase their marketability and are more likely to be hired in middle and high schools since they can teach so many different subjects.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Education Component:

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 30-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school.

Students in the social studies (composite teaching) program do not need to have a minor because the program provides students with knowledge in several subject areas, therefore, expanding their career options.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

Students who graduate with this degree are qualified for licensure to teach a broad range of social studies subjects in middle schools or high schools.

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.