Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Social Studies Education: Adolescence EdM

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The master’s program in social studies education allows you to critically examine historical and contemporary issues in the field as a foundation for learning to build student-centered and inquiry-focused curriculum. You also choose whether to develop your expertise in the area of technology, literacy, content knowledge, writing or special education/gifted learners to enhance your teaching. This program is for you if you are currently teaching or intend to teach in secondary schools and want to prepare for New York State initial and/or professional certification.

I. Initial Certification Curriculum (Certificate of Advanced Study)

Required Core (30-33 credits)

Total Initial Curriculum Credits: 30-33

3.0 Degree GPA required

 

II. Initial/Professional Certification Curriculum

Required Core (30 credits)

Major Area Requirements (6 credits)

Major Area Content Electives (12 credits)

Select from:

  • Graduate level courses from History or Social Science departments in the College of Arts & Sciences or courses from the Graduate School of Education with advisor approval.

Culminating Experience: Portfolio

Portfolio is required of all students. Requirement satisfied by successful completion of LAI 667  (3 credits) and LAI 674  (3 credits) as taken in Required Core above.

Optional: Project or Thesis (3-6 credits)

Total Initial/Professional Curriculum Credits: 48-57

3.0 Degree GPA required

 

III. Professional Certification Curriculum

Major Area Requirements (15 credits)

Education Electives (6 credits)

Select 6 credits from:

Content Concentration or Grades 5-6 Extension (12 credits)

Choose Option 1 OR Option 2 

Option 1 - Grades 5-6 Middle Childhood Extension

Select 4 from:

Option 2 - Grades 7-12 Content Concentration

Select 4 from:

  • Graduate-level courseworkd to be jointly determined by the student and advisor and drawn from UB departments or programs that enhance Social Studies Content Knowledge. For example: African American Studies (AAS), American Studies (AMS), Anthropology (APY), Asian Studies (AS), Classics (CL), Geography (GEO), Global Gender Studies (GGS), History (HIS), and Sociology (SOC).

Culminating Experience: Project or Thesis (0-3 credits)

Additional Requirements

Required for Conferral of Degree:

  • Proof of completion of Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop
  • Proof of completion of NYSED Students with Disabilities Requirement
  • Proof of valid NYS Initial Teacher Certificate

Total Professional Curriculum Credits: 33

3.0 Degree GPA required

 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Students will flexibly adapt and implement pedagogical approaches that meet the needs of all learners.

2) Commitment to All Learners: Students will build relationships with students through mindful, intentional interactions that demonstrate enthusiasm, care, and humility.

3) Collaborative Professionalism: Students will practice critical reflection and inquiry independently and in collaboration with peers.

4) Professional Stance and Action: Students will exhibit dispositions that reflect commitment to culturally-responsive sustaining pedagogies, knowledge of individual and group differences, and how these differences influence learning communities.

5) Critical Integration of Curriculum and Instructional Tools: Students will use a repertoire of curricular and instructional tools and evidence-based practices to support inclusive, equitable learning.

6) Commitment to School, Family, & Community Engagement: Students will affirm the expertise, wisdom, assets, and strengths that reside in families and communities, and develop skills to connect authentically with families and communities.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

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