Social Studies Certification

Why Study This Program?

Meet the requirements for Pennsylvania educators and supervisors through Millersville University's nationally accredited Social Studies program. Originally established in 1855 as an institution for training qualified teachers, MU continues to offer top-notch, specialized teacher training programs. This program offers two graduate-level results: a post-baccalaureate certification program and a post-master's supervisory certification program.

The post-baccalaureate course of study is designed for students with bachelor's degrees in Social Studies who would like to teach in the state of Pennsylvania or to add another instructional area of certification to their present certificate. Upon completion of this post-baccalaureate certification program, graduates receive a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate. The post-master's program equips educators for leadership roles in education.

Each application to the Social Studies program is reviewed by a team of professionals in order to award you the most credit for past coursework and to determine what requirements still need to be fulfilled to meet state certification requirements.

Millersville University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the American Association of University Women. 

What Will You Learn?

The graduate-level Social Studies program features coursework and experiences intended to produce outstanding social studies teachers and supervisors. 

All students seeking their first instructional certificate through the post-baccalaureate certification program must be admitted to Advanced Professional Studies (APS) at Millersville University. Once the University reviews your transcripts, you will receive a list of courses that will provide you with the knowledge and experiences you need to excel as an educator. Most applicants need to complete foundational education courses, professional education courses and a semester of student teaching. In order to be certified as a Social Studies teacher, you must pass the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandated Praxis Tests. 

The post-master's supervisory certification program consists of three core courses about the function, administration and curriculum of supervision and a 6-credit field experience. The field experience demands a high degree of cooperation between the University and the school where the student is employed or assigned. The student is supervised by a faculty member from the department in which the certificate is sought.