Master of Arts in the Teaching of Social Studies
This program shapes teacher-leaders in social studies education in middle and high schools.
This program is designed for current public and private school teachers looking to improve their practice and step deeper into the field of social studies education. It is also serves recent graduates who want more experience before taking a full-time position. The program has required coursework but enough flexibility to support the growth and interests of individual students. Students take courses in social studies teaching and social studies content. They also create a set of professional development coursework that support their interests and needs. The program culminates with a thesis activity related to teaching practice.
Most students either complete the program in one year as a full-time student or two years as a part-time student.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact AHadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
This degree program is designed for experienced teachers who need an M.A. for professional certification and non-certified teachers engaged in private school teaching. It requires a minimum of 32 points and a master’s integrative project. This degree program focuses on social studies teaching in middle and high schools and fulfills the requirements for New York State Professional Certification. Points are distributed as follows:
Social Studies Core Courses (11 points):
Required courses:
-
A&HW 5232 Fieldwork: Social studies teacher education
-
A&HW 6530 Curriculum development, research, and supervision
Students should also take one of the following courses:
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A&HW 5011 Contemporary Literature in Social Studies Research and Education I
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A&HW 5021 Contemporary Literature in Social Studies Research and Education II
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A&HW 6011 The Citizen and Society
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A&HW 6521 History Of Inequality and Social Justice
Students should also take one of the following courses:
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A&HW 5030 Social Inequities and Schools: Rethinking Social Studies
-
A&HW 5037 Advanced Teaching Methods in the Social Studies.
Social Studies Content Courses (12-15 points):
In consultation with an advisor, students should select courses to round out their knowledge of the social studies subject matters taught in secondary schools. Courses taken at Teachers College include attention to both content and pedagogy. Courses can also be taken at Columbia University.
Professional Development Courses (6-9 points):
Students must take at least 6 points outside of the Program in Social Studies. These courses should be chosen with an advisor to support professional growth.
Further Requirements:
Students must also complete a master’s thesis as their integrative master’s project, selected with advisor approval.