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Certificate Program in Secondary Education-Social Studies Education

The Certificate Program in Secondary Education-Social Studies Education in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University provides a focused pathway to initial teacher certification for individuals who want to teach history, civics, geography, economics, or related disciplines in grades seven through 12. This 19-credit, non-degree certificate program is designed for career changers or recent graduates with strong backgrounds in the social sciences.

Program Overview

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to engage adolescents in meaningful social studies learning through pedagogy courses, inclusive teaching strategies, and subject-specific methods. The program emphasizes curriculum development for diverse classrooms; culturally responsive teaching; and critical thinking about democracy, equity, and global interdependence.

Teacher Certification

This program prepares students to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing them to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate.

Why Study Secondary Education-Social Studies Education?

Graduates of the Secondary Education-Social Studies Education Certificate program are well-prepared to teach social studies content in upper middle and high school settings, and to foster inclusive classroom dialogue that supports democracy, diversity, and critical inquiry. Through the curriculum, students will:

• Explore how to teach for civic responsibility, historical thinking, and social awareness
• Learn to navigate sensitive topics such as race, gender, conflict, economic inequality, and global interdependence
• Design engaging and equitable curricula aligned with Pennsylvania academic standards

Program Outcomes

The certificate program prepares students to:

• Teach history, civics, geography, and economics through inquiry-based, standards-aligned instruction
• Create inclusive classrooms that honor cultural and social diversity
• Promote civic engagement and critical thinking about equity, democracy, and global interdependence
• Design and adapt curriculum to address complex societal topics such as race, gender, and social justice
• Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification in social studies (grades seven through 12)

Program Format and Curriculum

The Secondary Education-Social Studies Education Graduate Certificate program comprises 19 credits. Courses are held on Temple's Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students can attend full-time or part-time and have up to four years to complete the program.

Core Pedagogy and Inclusion Courses (13 credits)

• Literacy in the Disciplines (Secondary Education) (3 credits)
• Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
• Foundations of Language Teaching (3 credits)
• Supervised Teaching (4 credits)

Social Studies Methods Courses (6 credits)

• Materials and Methods in Secondary Social Studies
• Teaching for Understanding in Secondary Social Studies

Fieldwork

In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, students must complete field experiences as part of their coursework. Field placements are designed to give students teaching experience working with children in educational settings. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork.

Secondary Education MEd

Students can also choose to pursue the Master of Education (MEd) in Secondary Education at the College of Education and Human Development, focusing on the needs and subject areas of today's secondary school students as they prepare to teach grades seven through 12.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.

• Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
• Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

The full cost of attendance breakdown is available on the Student Financial Services website.