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AB in History / BSEd in Social Studies Education (History)

Introduction

The AB in History / BSEd in Social Studies Education (History) program provides students with strong disciplinary preparation in history while completing the professional coursework required for secondary teacher certification in grades 6-12.

While the two programs include some overlapping coursework, students must complete all degree requirements for both majors and colleges.

Program Overview

Students in this pathway earn two separate degrees:

  • AB in History: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
  • BSEd in Social Studies Education (History): Mary Frances Early College of Education

The social studies education program, with an area of emphasis in history, prepares students to teach history at the secondary level and is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Students are responsible for completing all coursework and requirements for both degrees. This includes:

  • Major requirements for the AB in History degree
  • Professional education coursework for the BSEd in Social Studies Education
  • Admission to teacher education
  • Enrollment in required education courses
  • Admission to and completion of student teaching

Because requirements are determined by each college, students must follow the policies and procedures of both Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Mary Frances Early College of Education.

The official University of Georgia Bulletin is the authoritative source for degree requirements, and students should review both program listings regularly.

Degree Requirements

Advising and Academic Planning

Because this pathway involves two separate degrees housed in different colleges, students are required to work with academic advisors in both units:

  • AB in History: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences advisor
  • BSEd in Social Studies Education (History): Mary Frances Early College of Education advisor

Academic advisors help students understand program requirements, plan their coursework, and navigate key milestones. While advisors provide guidance and support, students are responsible for monitoring degree progress, deadlines, and certification requirements and for asking questions as they arise.

Students are encouraged to regularly review their Degree Works audit and consult with both advisors to ensure accurate progress toward graduation.

Getting Started

Students interested in the BSEd in Social Studies Education (History) should declare social studies education as their intended major through the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Office of Undergraduate Advising.

Students pursuing the AB in History degree should also maintain contact with their Franklin College of Arts and Sciences advisor for guidance related to history major requirements.

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