CAGS in Social Studies Education

Boston University’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program in Social Studies Education is designed for self-directed, continuous learners preparing for careers as teachers, department chairs, supervisors, curriculum developers, museum educators, and consultants in the disciplines of history, government/civics, geography, economics, and the other social sciences. This program requires a master’s degree or international equivalent as a prerequisite to the program of study.

We help social studies educators develop as intellectuals and reflective practitioners who are committed to working in urban and suburban schools and with diverse student populations. Through coursework in curriculum and instruction, educational research, and history and social science content, we prepare educators to advance students’ historical thinking, citizenship skills, and content knowledge. Our program emphasizes inquiry-based teaching, multicultural social studies curriculum, and social justice.

Essential Questions

Our Program

  • Advances content knowledge in history and the social sciences and understanding of educational research, theory, and practice.
  • Strengthens understanding of how adolescents learn, as well as strategies for supporting learning across abilities and contexts.
  • Expands teaching methods and classroom management techniques in the social studies classroom, and supports the design of inquiry-based and multicultural social studies curricula.
  • Prepares students not only to be teacher leaders, department chairs, and curriculum developers but, more importantly, educational leaders who practice social responsibility and work for more caring and just societies.

Career Outcomes

  • 8th-grade Civics Teacher
  • 11th-grade Psychology Teacher
  • 12th-grade AP Government and US History teacher
  • 6th-grade Ancient Civilizations and World History Teacher
  • History/Social Studies Curriculum Specialist
  • Grade 6-12 Humanities Coordinator

Program Requirements

  • Visit the BU Bulletin for information on this program’s academic requirements.

Program Faculty

Contact Info

For more information about this program and requirements for admission, please contact Program Director, Dr. Kaylene Stevens, kaylenes@bu.edu.

Next Steps