Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education (grades 5-9) - Social Science

Why Earn Your Middle Grades Education - Social Science Degree at Saint Leo University?

As a social studies teacher, you’ll help youth navigate a vast world of people and cultures—to arrive at a better understanding of their place in society. You’ll show them the value of having a voice in government, knowing their roots, and working for the welfare of others.

Learn innovative methods to teach history, geography, government and economics, with an emphasis on a multicultural and pro-social education. Develop lesson plans that encourage curiosity and a welcoming classroom environment—then apply them as a student teacher.

Undergraduate Middle Grades Education - Social Science Program Details

Accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by the end of your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of your own as a certified social science teacher.

In 2011, Saint Leo’s Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo graduate as a first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for rehiring.

Program Details

• Duration: 4 years
• Credit Hours: 120 hours
• Format: Campus Education Center
• Florida Teacher Certification: Middle Grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9. All graduates are also eligible to receive certification in the secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.
• Student Teaching: Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a middle school one semester your senior year. A Saint Leo supervisor observes and coaches you throughout each placement.
• Professional Seminar: Prepare yourself for the job market: Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
• 21st Century Classroom: Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the Mimio Teach and MimioVote assessment system and interactive SMART Boards.
• Conferences: Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Council of the Social Studies.
• Co-Curricular Activities: Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

• Top Middle Grades Education Degree Jobs:
  • History Teacher
  • Social Studies Teacher
  • Geography Teacher
  • Civics Teacher
  • Economics Teacher
  • Reading Teacher
  • Textbook Editor

Student Stories

• "Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
  • Paige Holt - MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
• "Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future."
  • Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

Accreditation

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.