Middle & Secondary Social Studies

Converse’s goal is to develop teachers with the cultural characteristics and school practices that reflect the needs and
philosophy for the middle or secondary school students. Upon completion of the Middle Level or the Secondary Level
Education program in Social Studies at Converse you will be able to:

• Provide a thorough course of study in human growth and development;
• Develop skills in appropriate pedagogy and classroom management;
• Promote a broad knowledge of the history, theory, and professional practices promote a broad knowledge of the
  history, theory, and professional practices that are related to early childhood education;
• Demonstrate computer proficiency in instructional technology including the knowledge of skills, strategies,
  software and hardware to be used in classroom management and computer-assisted instruction;
• Plan, implement and assess instruction in simulated settings and in real classroom settings as a student
  teacher*;
• Organize and effectively manage a pre-kindergarten through third grade placement in the public schools.

*The PRAXIS II exam is taken by students before the completion of student teaching.

All of the courses in the MAT in Social Studies Program are designed to develop, improve, and continually upgrade the process in which our candidates seek to improve on ways they can develop knowledge of their students and their fields. These courses are designed to keep their students engaged in learning, to provide a caring and challenging environment,
to use a variety of texts to promote opportunities to learn acceptance and appreciation of others, to continue to develop instructional resources, to set attainable and worthwhile learning goals for students, and to develop meaningful learning opportunities for their students. A component for self-reflection and growth is included in each of the core courses as well as the content area courses.

Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Level Social Studies

The MAT in Middle Level Social Studies has a minimum of 45 graduate semester hours. The program will consist of 36 hours in Professional Education and 9 to 18 hours in content area courses. The number of content hours required may vary depending on your post-secondary academic background. Those coming from backgrounds other than mathematics will need to take more content area courses to develop expertise in that specific area. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses as well as a 3.0 GPA in overall program coursework.

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Level Social Studies

The candidate in Social Studies at the secondary level (grades 9-12) must have already completed a major in Social Studies. The MAT in Secondary Level Social Studies candidate will complete 48-51 graduate semester hours. In addition, candidates must complete hours in professional education and psychology. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses as well as a 3.0 GPA in overall program coursework.

Additional Program Details

• Visit the graduate catalog for current course descriptions
• View benchmark worksheets for an outline of academic requirements for this program

Veteran Faculty: Our faculty have extensive experience in public education as teachers, administrators, or special consultants.

Quality Education: Our curriculum is aligned with professional standards and meets all the requirements for national approvals by the Council for Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), approved by the South Carolina Department of Education. You will be qualified for certification reciprocity with many other states.

Community Partnerships: We enjoy close proximity to and partnerships with local public schools enabling you to have diverse experiences in a variety of schools while introducing you to a broad spectrum of student populations and work opportunities. These partnerships place social studies teacher candidates with master teachers for clinical and student teaching placements.

Clinical Experiences: The teacher education curriculum at Converse College includes sequential clinical experiences in public school settings. You will complete at least two of these clinical experiences prior to student teaching. You may elect to participate in the One-to-One teacher program in which you will stay with your mentor teacher for the entire school year, completing clinical placements in the fall and January and student teaching in the spring semester.

Convenience: Flexibility is essential for students who manage busy work schedules and personal commitments. Most required courses are conducted after 4 p.m., accommodating students’ busy schedules. We work with students one-on-one to accommodate your specific needs, allowing you to balance work life, personal life and school.

Degree Prestige and Value: Since 1890, Converse College has provided students with education rooted in the liberal arts. Converse College graduates are principled and productive citizens capable of creative thinking and problem solving.