Become a Leader in Social Studies Teaching and Learning
Strengthen your teaching practice with a Master of Education (EdM) in Social Studies Education from BU Wheelock. This program provides advanced study in history, civics, geography, economics, and the social sciences while exploring the latest research, curriculum, instructional practices, and theories in social studies education.
The social studies education master’s degree is designed for educators who already hold an initial teaching license and are seeking professional licensure, teacher leadership opportunities, or careers beyond traditional school settings. Those holding initial licensure may also complete a supervised practicum to earn a professional teaching license.
Program Features
In-Person and Online Options
Attend classes in person or earn your master’s in social studies education online with asynchronous courses. Start in any semester and study full time or part time while you continue teaching.
Student pursuing professional licensure will complete an in-person supervised field experience
Advancement to Professional Licensure
If you wish to advance from an initial license to a professional license, the Master’s in Social Studies Education (EdM) fulfills the coursework requirements.
“I’ve excelled here at BU Wheelock. It’s given me a great deal of confidence that I am indeed capable.”
Career Outcomes
Advance your teaching career with a master’s in social studies education from BU. You’ll learn to apply the latest research to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences in history, civics, geography, economics, and the social sciences. Our EdM in Social Studies Education prepares you to:
- Build expertise in social studies content, curriculum, and instruction
- Apply research to create effective teaching materials
- Design inclusive learning experiences that promote access and equity
- Strengthen curriculum and instructional leadership skills
Alumni in Social Studies Education
Join a community of social studies educators who are advancing teaching, curriculum, and educational leadership in schools and learning environments nationwide. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- Classroom teachers
- Department chairs
- Curriculum developers
- Museum educators
- Consultants
- Nonprofit educational professionals
Featured Faculty
The full-time and part-time faculty for the EdM in Social Studies Education have decades of experience as social studies teachers, department chairs, and school leaders. You’ll benefit from their deep expertise in teaching, curriculum, and educational leadership, along with practical insights drawn from real-world classrooms and communities.
“Teachers are the frontline guardians of our democracy. They teach children and young adults about our civic privileges and responsibilities, our republic’s history, how to coexist with their fellow citizens, and how to better understand a world they have yet to see. It’s hard, important work. It’s not about sowing the seeds of division; it’s about sowing the seeds of curiosity and compassion.”
Kaylene Stevens
Program Director, Social Studies Education
Courses in the Master’s in Social Studies Education (EdM)
Build a strong foundation in educational research, curriculum, and teaching through core coursework designed to strengthen your instructional practice. Customize your degree with elective courses selected in consultation with your academic advisor, including approved options from Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. This flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your studies to your professional goals while expanding your expertise across education and the social sciences.
Related Programs
Need your initial teaching licensure? Prepare to teach social studies at the middle or high school level (grades 5–8 or 8–12). The MAT program combines coursework in professional education, mathematics, and mathematics education with a supervised student teaching experience. Successful graduates earn an endorsement for a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License.
Elevate your professional impact with a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in Curriculum & Teaching. This post-master’s credential delivers training in planning, teaching methods, and outcome evaluation, and is open to educators working in mathematics education.
Scholarships Available
Don’t let funding keep you from pursuing a master’s in social studies education. In our EdM in Social Studies Education, merit-based scholarships are available to make your degree more affordable.
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your Master’s in Social Studies Education (EdM). Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s in social studies education prepares you for advanced roles in teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Graduates can pursue careers as social studies teachers, department chairs, curriculum specialists, supervisors, museum educators, and education consultants.
The EdM in Social Studies Education is designed for current educators who hold initial teaching licensure and want to advance their practice, earn professional licensure, develop leadership skills, or explore education careers beyond traditional classrooms.
You’ll develop expertise in social studies content, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and student learning. Coursework focuses on research-based teaching practices and creating inclusive learning experiences in history, civics, geography, economics, and the social sciences.
Yes. Educators who hold initial licensure can complete a supervised practicum and meet program requirements to pursue a professional teaching license through the EdM in Social Studies Education.
A master’s degree in social studies education helps educators strengthen their teaching practice, apply educational research, advance equity in the classroom, and prepare for leadership opportunities in schools and community learning settings.
Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.
Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.