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Social Studies Education 5-12 Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a social studies education major, you’ll explore your love of history, government, and social studies while gaining the skills to share it with middle and high school students.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Social Studies Education 5-12, you’ll prepare for a career teaching social studies. You’ll combine coursework in history and the social sciences with training in teaching from Bethel’s education department, including a student teaching experience in an area school. If you want to work with younger students, you can major in elementary education and add a licensure in social studies (5-8). No matter your path, you’ll reach your full potential to go into your community and serve students.

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Why should I study social studies education at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—and the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you learn and gain skills, you’ll become an educator and professional driven by your Christian faith.
  • Flexibility
    Bethel's social studies education major is flexible and many students pursue a second major in history, political science, or Spanish.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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By majoring in social studies education, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in social studies education, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong historical base

As you study human history, your knowledge will be deepened by the integration of faith and modern application.

Prepared to teach

You’ll gain extensive training in teaching and you’ll student in an area school. You’ll be equipped to share your love of social studies with new generations.

Skills for any career

You'll learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and make a lifelong impact on young people.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

As a social studies education major, you’ll find opportunities to study around the world over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Recent students have studied in The United Kingdom, China, India, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand.

Hands-on experience in schools

From your first education course through student teaching, you’ll spend several hours each week in local schools. You’ll get to work with experienced teachers in a variety of settings, giving you the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and build connections that will serve you well in your career.

Clubs and organizations

You can participate in clubs tied to the history, philosophy, and political science department—like the Model United Nations program (BUMUN); Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary, and more. And you can also join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community in the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events aimed at supporting your future as an educator and connect with your fellow education majors.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a social studies education degree?

As you study social studies education, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Teach at the middle and high school level

You’ll be equipped to teach subjects like American and world history, government and civics, geography, psychology, and economics at the

Administration

You be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in teaching or doctoral programs to become a principal or superintendent, and you could pursue work in higher education.

Education-related roles

Beyond teaching, you can pursue a variety of roles—like coaching, curriculum design, and special education.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Skills for any field

If your career takes you out of education, you’ll have the strong, writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills to serve in almost any field.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.

Department of Education


Location

Lakeside Center (LSC) C200

Contact

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Nadine Johnson

Nadine Johnson

Education Licensing and Advising Specialist

Bio >

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Mary Lindell

Mary Lindell

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Peg McCormick

Peg McCormick

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Michael Mignard

Michael Mignard

Associate Professor of Education and Director of Education Clinical Practice

Bio >

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Mindy Molin

Administrative Assistant

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Danny Swensen

Danny Swensen

Professor of Education

Bio >

Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music Education

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Geri Von Grey

Geri Von Grey

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

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Becky Carlson

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator

Bio >

William Derden

William Derden

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Karin Farrington

Karin Farrington

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Justine Harren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Katelin Held

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Rachel Jorgensen

Rachel Jorgensen

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Amie Lorence Grubidge

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Sara Nelson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Melissa Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Erica Hering

Erica Hering

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Sara Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Lisa Kepple

Lisa Kepple

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Education

Bio >

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Glenn Morehouse Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Lisa Ouren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Susan Schwope

Susan Schwope

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

Professor of Mathematics Education Emeritus

Bio >

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Patricia Danforth

Assistant Professor of Education Emerita

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Adele Greenlee

Professor of Education Emerita

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Dorothy Haugen

Assistant Professor of Physical Education Emerita

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Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

Bio >

Sandi Horn

Sandi Horn

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

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David Klostreich

Associate Professor of Physical Education Emeritus

Bio >

Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Science Education Emerita

Bio >

Jolene Pearson

Jolene Pearson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

Bio >

Jay Rasmussen

Jay Rasmussen

Professor of Education Emeritus

Bio >

Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

Bio >

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Louise Wilson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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98%

of teachers enjoy their experience mentoring and working with Bethel students

$60,109

average salary for education alumni 10 years after graduation

- U.S. Census Bureau

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

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History Major

Bachelor of Arts

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Spanish Major

Bachelor of Arts

Learn more

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements