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Steven Hoffbeck
(218) 477-4041
hoffbeck@mnstate.edu

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Degree Requirements
B.S. degree in Social Studies
Primary Emphasis in Anthropology
Primary Emphasis in Economics
Primary Emphasis in Geography
Primary Emphasis in History
Primary Emphasis in Political Science
Primary Emphasis in Psychology
Primary Emphasis in Sociology
Secondary Emphasis in American Multicultural Studies
Secondary Emphasis in Anthropology
Secondary Emphasis in Economics
Secondary Emphasis in Geography
Secondary Emphasis in History
Secondary Emphasis in Political Science
Secondary Emphasis in Psychology
Secondary Emphasis in Sociology

Course Descriptions

While MSUM has broadened its degree programs greatly over the years, the education of young people for careers in teaching has been central to the university's mission since its founding as Moorhead Normal School in 1888. The Social Studies major prepares students to teach a variety of social science disciplines in high schools, junior highs, and middle schools. Graduates are eligible for teaching certification in the state of Minnesota, and their certification is generally transferable to other states.

Social Studies majors begin their course work by completing introductory courses in the disciplines ofhistory, political science, geography, anthropology, economics, psychology and sociology. Students then choose two areas of concentration from among those disciplines. History is the primary concentration chosen by most students who major in social studies, and students also elect a secondary concentration consisting of approximately three additional courses. Faculty advisors work closely with students to help them choose their courses.

Career Opportunities
The beginning salary for social studies teachers in 2002 is $20,675 in North Dakota and $28,986 in Minnesota. According to the 2002-03 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of secondary school teachers "should be excellent" especially by 2010 as older teachers retire. The best prospects for teachers will be in the South and the West, so social studies teachers "who are geographically mobile and those who obtain licensure in more than one subject" will have a "distinct advantage in finding a job." Especially in demand are those teachers who specialize in Economics or who are "bilingual" or "those who teach English as a second language." Social Studies majors need strong communication skills and research skills.

Program Benefits

• MSUM's long-standing excellent reputation for preparing students for careers in education provides social studies majors with strong training and preparation to be a classroom teacher.
• Major emphasis is placed on giving students first-hand classroom experience from their introductory courses through student teaching.
• Many Social Studies majors participate in the History Club, which hosts a variety of field trips and programs developed by students.
• The Student Minnesota Education Association is active in promoting professional and personal development for teachers and providing seminars, speakers and professional information for education majors.

• MSUM has a Texas Student Teaching program in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo School District offering future teachers an opportunity to work with students in another cultural setting.