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WGU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

You’ve Got a Degree. Now Get Into the Classroom.

Becoming a social studies teacher starts here.

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Shape the Future of Education with a M.A. in Social Studies from WGU

You’re not just looking for a different career; you want one that allows you to make a difference in the lives of students. WGU’s Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies degree program can provide you with the flexibility, support, and learning you need to make your next career your best one. Designed for working adults who already have a bachelor’s degree, this streamlined, licensure-focused graduate program equips you with the blend of skills and embedded clinical experiences that help you engage middle or high school students in meaningful, substantive discussions about civics, geography, history, and other branches of social studies.  

Why WGU?

  • Flexible format. Accessible online 24/7, coursework is designed to fit around your schedule.
  • Competency-based learning. Move through material as soon as you’ve demonstrated mastery—spending less time on what you already know.
  • Flat-rate tuition. Save time and money by taking as many courses as you can complete, all for one low price per six-month term.
  • Dedicated support. Receive comprehensive support from a Program Mentor who is devoted to you, your goals, and your success.

You don’t have to start over; you just have to start. Apply free today.  

Education
COMPARE

Teaching, Social Studies (Secondary) – M.A.

This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed...

This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed social studies teacher in your state.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 63% of students finish similar programs within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 19 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).

Concepts included in this program include:

  • US History
  • World History
  • Economics
  • Classroom Instruction Strategies
  • Technology for the Classroom

This online social studies degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

Prepared for Success on the Job

*From a 2024 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.

100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*

94% of employers said WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations*

95% of employers rated the "soft skills" of WGU grads as equal to or better than graduates from other institutions*

Undergraduate degrees at about half the cost*

You pay tuition per six-month term, not per course or credit. So when you move faster through your courses, you also lower your total bill!

 

WGU students pay about half the tuition* and end up with about half the debt of the national average.**

  • Low, flat-rate tuition.
  • Graduate faster and with less debt.
  • Financial aid and scholarships available.
  • Online education with supportive faculty.
  • VA and military benefits accepted.
  • Great return on investment.
  • All course materials for a low, flat fee.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 53% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2023.
**WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

Spend Less with Flat-Rate Tuition

Undergraduate
School of Education undergraduate program tuition

$3,825

Tuition rates effective January 1, 2026. Costs are per six-month term. Tuition covers unlimited courses per term. 
All programs: $200 per-term Resource Fee covers e-textbooks and learning resources.

Undergraduate
School of Education undergraduate program tuition

$3,825

Tuition rates effective January 1, 2026. Costs are per six-month term. Tuition covers unlimited courses per term. 
All programs: $200 per-term Resource Fee covers e-textbooks and learning resources.

Program Mentors

Personally assigned to you from the day you enroll to the day you graduate, your Program Mentor is your faculty member. They will meet with you on a regular basis to provide program instruction, advice, coaching, support, goal-setting—and a healthy dose of cheerleading to make sure you’re celebrating the little and big wins along the way.

Course Instructors

Learning independently doesn’t mean learning on your own. Instructors are subject-matter experts who work with you regularly to help you with mastering course material. They tailor learning to your needs, and the type and intensity of instructional support you receive varies based on your performance in any particular course.