Social Studies Education Composite (B.A.) | Majors

Two students smile while viewing a computer with a faculty member in a social studies education history class

Social Studies Education Composite Introduction

Social Studies Education students are taught how to teach and enlighten students in grades K-12 in social studies. Social Studies Education majors learn the basics of teaching core disciplines of history, geography, economics, political science, and behavioral studies.

Through this degree, students will understand history. This will help you to learn from history, become a disciple of Jesus Christ, and serve others as He would. You will learn to engage students positively in historical inquiry and positive civic action.

Pick an Education Emphasis

As part of the Social Studies Education Composite program, you'll have the opportunity to concentrate on one of the following emphases. You can learn more about each emphasis by reviewing their 4-Year plans.

4-Year Plan

American Government

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4-Year Plan

History

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Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Social Studies Education with an emphasis in History, start with one of the following courses:

ED200 - Teaching as a Profession

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HIST120 - U.S. History to 1877

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ECON150 - Economic Principles and Problems-Micro

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GEOG120 - Geography and World Affairs

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POLSC110 - American Government

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See all required courses

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Social Studies Education have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates entering the workforce as secondary teachers in Idaho can expect a competitive state minimum starting salary of $50,252 for the 2025-2026 school year. Your earning potential grows significantly as you gain experience and pursue advanced degrees, with many school districts offering automatic salary increases for master's and doctoral achievements.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared to lead as a classroom teacher in public, private, or charter schools for grades six through twelve. This program combines deep content expertise with a culminating student teaching experience that ensures you are ready to manage a classroom and inspire students from your very first day.

Preparation for Grad School

This major provides a rigorous academic foundation for those who later choose to pursue graduate degrees in educational administration, curriculum development, or specialized content areas like history. Advanced studies in education often open doors to leadership roles such as school principal or instructional coordinator while providing long term professional and financial growth.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics

AI in Social Studies Education

You will learn to leverage artificial intelligence as a supportive tool for lesson planning, personalized instruction, and administrative efficiency in the modern classroom. Our curriculum prepares you to integrate these emerging technologies ethically to enhance student learning while maintaining the vital human connections and gospel centered integrity essential to effective teaching.

Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness

AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.