Research
Faculty and students engage in research that explores how young people learn history, civics, and the social sciences across educational settings. Areas of focus include inquiry-based instruction, civic reasoning, historical thinking, and the use of multimedia resources to enhance student engagement and understanding. This work informs teaching practices that promote critical thinking, equity, and active citizenship.
Programs
Social Science Education programs offer both undergraduate and graduate studies and pathways to becoming a teacher.
Undergraduate
We offer a Bachelor of Science (B. S.) degree focused on Social Science Education and a Minor in Secondary Education focusing on Social Science Education. The undergraduate minor leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree that includes a year-long internship and the opportunity to earn teacher licensure.
More on B. S. in Education focusing on Social Science Education
More on Secondary Minor in Social Science
Graduate
We offer Master of Science (M. S.), Educational Specialist (Ed. S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) degrees that provide opportunities for focused study in Social Science Education. The M. S. and Ed. S. programs offer pathways for both individuals seeking teacher licensure and those who already hold a teaching license.
More on M. S. in Teacher Education focusing on Social Science Education
More on Ed. S. in Teacher Education focusing on Social Science Education
More on Ph. D. in Teacher Education focusing on Social Science Education
Social Science Education empowers future educators to shape informed, thoughtful citizens.
Area of Study Faculty
Sharing Recent Work From Faculty and Students
The Geography Teacher
Kenna, J. L. (2024). Green book vs. blue book: A comparative lesson on mobility. The Geography Teacher, 21(1), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/19338341.2024.2315532
Social Studies Research and Practice
Kenna, J. L., & Stevenson, D. M. (2024). Learning about geographic mobility with film. Social Studies Research and Practice, 19(1), 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-03-2023-0025
The History Teacher
Hensley, M., Waters, S., Russell, W. B., & Kenna, J. L. (2023). Triumph or tragedy? Teaching about the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The History Teacher, 56(4), 579-608.
Research in Social Sciences and Technology
Waters, S., & Hensley, M. (2023). Using social media in schools. Research in Social Sciences and Technology, 8(2), i-iii.
The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues, and Ideas
Kenna, J. L., White, K., Hensley, M., & Waters, S. (2024). An inquiry into gender equality in the roaring 20’s. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues, and Ideas, 97(2), 23-31.
National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference
Hensley, M., Waters, S., & Russell, W. (November 2024). Empowering Digital Citizenship through Visual Literacy,Character Education, and Social Media in Social Studies Classrooms. Presented at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Conference, Boston, MA.