Overview


Advance your bachelor's degree and social sciences expertise by enrolling in our Social Sciences Education Certificate program. Achieving this certification will allow you to help the next generation of students understand our culturally diverse world and guide them towards becoming leaders of social progress.

Professor helping students with classwork 

Benefits 

Our program will provide you with many advantages that ensure an exceptional and accessible education:

  • Classes are offered in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats to accommodate all types of schedules.

  • Most accessible tuition rate in the Chicagoland area.

  • Program leads to Initial High School License–qualifying you to teach Secondary Social Studies.

  • Field experiences and student teaching are integrated into program coursework to give you the opportunity to gain valuable training and professional connections.

  • Skills acquired in the program will enable you to educate students on how to make an impact on the world and create positive social change.

     
    Professor looking at map with students


    Program Coordinator


    megan vangorder
    "Empowering social studies educators with comprehensive training is not just an investment in their professional development; it's a cornerstone for building a society that understands its past, navigates its present, and shapes its future. At GSU, we strive to equip teachers with the tools to inspire and inform: we cultivate critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and leaders of a democratic future.

    – Dr. Megan VanGorder, Coordinator of Secondary Social Studies Education and Assistant Professor of History 


    Professor having group discussion with class
    Admission Requirements

     
    • Have a cumulative average G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher in all lower division courses applied to the degree program.

    • Submit a word-processed essay, under 300 words in length, explaining why you wish to be a teacher.

    • Complete EDUC - 2310 Foundations of Education (3), (or equivalent) with a grade of "B" or better.

    • Attend Secondary Education Orientation.

    View the Complete Certificate Requirements in the Academic Catalog

    If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact Novella Coleman, Academic Advisor, at ncoleman3@govst.edu or 708-534-8393

    <b>Financial Aid</b>

    Financial Aid

    Find out how you can graduate with little to no debt with our various resources for financial aid.

    <b>Open House</b>

    Open House

    Learn more about the admissions process by joining us for an Open House.

    <b>How to Apply</b>

    How to Apply

    Take the first step towards improving your career and apply today.