Social Studies Education

Why Social Studies Education at EWU?

Do you want to help people understand the world around them? Or maybe you want to help students become informed citizens? Would you enjoy making a difference in students’ lives? Then become a Social Studies teacher! With a degree in Social Studies Secondary Education you will be certified to teach grades 5th-12th in History, Economics, Geography, Civics, and Social Studies. And the Social Studies Elementary Education major accompanies an Elementary Education degree.

Social Studies Education

Innovative Teacher Preparation

Our challenging program includes degree specific coursework unique to EWU and fully incorporates the newest Social Studies Education methods and pedagody.

Work Toward an Endorsement

EWU is the largest supplier of Social Studies teachers in eastern Washington.

Excellent Instructors

Work with a faculty of historians who are dynamic teachers, accomplished scholars, and devoted mentors.


Graduates of Social Studies Education will be able to:

  • understand and apply knowledge of government, law, politics, and the nation’s fundamental documents to make decisions about local, national, and international issues and to demonstrate thoughtful, participatory citizenship.
  • examine concepts and tools necessary for an economic way of thinking, the interaction of buyers and sellers in markets, the workings of national economies, and interactions within the global marketplace.
  • demonstrate knowledge of geography and how geographic features and human cultures interact.
  • apply historical thinking as a process of chronological reasoning which includes knowing and examining issues of causality, connections, significance, and context with the goal of developing credible explanations of historical events and developments (including local, state, tribal, national, regional, world) based on reasoned interpretation of evidence.
  • apply reasoning skills to conduct research, deliberate, form, evaluate, and communicate claims.
  • enable students to develop and apply essential social studies concepts and skills.
Interested in pursuing a career oriented major in Social Studies Education? Consult with the Social Studies Program Director to develop a comprehensive Program Plan.

Opportunities through Social Studies Education at EWU

The Social Studies Program prepares students for a variety of occupational possibilities:


Teach a Variety of Courses

You'll be certified to teach a variety of courses such as U.S. History, World History, Washington State History, Current World Problems, Geography, Economics, and Civics.

Work Beyond the Classroom

You'll be qualified to work beyond the classroom in fields related to government, law, archives, curation, and social work.

National History Day Judge

Get hands-on experience with National History Day and OSPI inquiry-based learning.

Scholarships

Social Studies Education students are eligible for Education scholarships, which award approximately $290,220 each year—just one part of the $9.7 million EWU awards annually to nearly 1,500 students through a single scholarship application. Scholarships aren’t just for top GPAs or athletes—they’re based on your major, background, community service, and more. And the best part? Scholarships are free money you don’t have to pay back.

The EWU General Scholarship Application for the academic year opens Nov. 1 and closes Feb. 1.

Questions? Contact Dr. Jacki Tyler – jhedlundtyler@ewu.edu

Contact Us

Jacki Hedlund Tyler

Associate Professor, Program Director
Photo of Jacki Hedlund Tyler
Patterson Hall 103

Heather Harmon

Administrative Assistant 4
History, Anthropology, Modern Languages & Literatures
Patterson 133 O