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Social Studies Education

With Secondary School Teaching Licensure

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Program Overview

The History, Humanities and Government Department endeavors to provide students with a foundation from which they can impact their world. Through understanding and valuing the past, students develop a deeper understanding of their place in today's society. Analysis of the whys of the past suggests actions that may be expected to produce positive changes in contemporary institutions and society.

The social studies education major at ORU is offered in cooperation with the ORU College of Education. The College of Education emphasizes the fact that there is no substitute for thorough preparation in the subject matter. The SOSE major is exposed to a variety of subject fields allowing graduates to teach middle and secondary school classes in civics, democracy, economics, government, US history, world history, Oklahoma history and sociology.

Students seeking licensure to teach at the secondary levels have two options: completion of the social studies education major, which leads to standard certification or completion of any other major in the History, Humanities and Government Departments which can lead to alternative certification.

Student Societies, Clubs and Extracurricular opportunities

"The reason I am in my major is because I feel like I was called here, as well as called to teach. I have always had amazing Social Studies teachers, and that has a lot to do with my parents seeking out the best schools possible wherever we lived (we moved quite a bit). I was to be able to positively influence middle school and high school students and get them interested in history, geography, and the other areas of studies involved with fun activities and tying information to their lives today.

"I like that ORU incorporates not just the history of events, but ties as much of that as possible to a Christian worldview. The teachers are also really great and love getting to pour into the lives of their students with content knowledge as well as Godly wisdom."

Courtney Buron

Student: Courtney
Major: Social Studies Secondary Teaching
Hometown: Bristol, CT

Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL)
Equips all majors with the knowledge and experience to work within government and includes a five-day competition at the Oklahoma state capitol.
Model United Nations (MUN)
A mock United Nations assembly attended each year by ORU students as representatives of different nations. Diplomatic and research skills are highlighted.
Leadership Conference
Held each January in Washington D.C.
Oklahoma Scholar Leadership Enrichment Program (OSLEP)
Provides academic seminars in Oklahoma City throughout the year
Phi Alpha Theta
Honor Society for history and social studies education majors with honors standing
College Republicans
A club for students interested in involvement in the Republican political party.
Young Democrats
A club for students interested in involvement in the Democrat political party.
International Community Development Club
Links students to the community through informational and influential avenues of missionary speakers, videos, outreaches and experience trips.

Outcomes

The National Center for Educational Statistics states that America's schools will need at least two million additional teachers in the next decade. You are needed now, more than ever. The world is waiting for educators who have developed a Christian worldview. As an educator, you truly do touch the future. Come be a part of ORU and touch the future as a transformed Christian educator.