*AWARD WINNING*
"Excellent" Designation for Teacher Preparation by NCSS & CAEP, 2020; CTQ National Program of Distinction, 2014; AT&T Award for Lived-In Model to Teacher Preparation; 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018 ODE Grant Award for Community Connectors Mentorship

Secondary Social Studies Program: The University of Akron
 
"Preparing Social Studies Teachers that Foster Informed and Active Citizens
in a Global and Technological Age."

What classes do students have to complete in the AYA Social Studies program?
Undergraduate Program: B.A. with licensure. For undergraduate candidates seeking state licensure as a grades 7-12 social studies teacher. Candidates are identified as Integrated Social Studies Majors and most complete History as a Second Major, as it's written into the current social studies program. Information about admission requirements and specific coursework can be found at www.uakron.edu/education/academic-programs 

Graduate Programs:
  • Master's of Science With Licensure. For candidates that have already earned a Bachelors degree and seek state licensure as a grades 7-12 social studies teacher. Candidates can easily build into their program an in-demand College Credit Plus Teaching History credential. This allows them to teach history courses at the post-secondary level.
  • Master's of Arts in Curriculum and Instructional Studies. For in-service teachers, or area professionals that already have a Bachelor's degree, that seek to gain additional expertise related to research in teaching and learning. Candidates select an "area of concentration" in consultation with their academic advisor. Concentrations may include but are not limited to: Instructional Media and Technology, History, Teaching English as a Second Language. Candidates interested in picking up a Reading Endorsement are encouraged to apply Masters in Elementary Education w/ Literacy Option.  
 

How do I apply/learn more about the AYA Social Studies programs?
To learn more or to applying to the AYA Social Studies program contact our a pre-admission advisor in the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences at https://www.uakron.edu/bcas/academic-advising . Current students can check their program status by reviewing their DPS Report located in MyAkron: Look for any red areas that signify uncompleted courses/issues in the program.
I just received a message saying that I've been admitted into the program and I need to complete a Program Plan.  How should I go about doing this?
Welcome to the AYA Social Studies Program at The University of Akron!  Once students are admitted into the College of Education, they need to immediately meet with an academic adviser to construct a program plan. This program plan outlines the courses and guidelines he/she must complete and follow for graduation and/or licensure. https://www.uakron.edu/bcas/academic-advising 
What is a BCI/FBI Background Check, how do I get one, and how long is it good for?
Before being admitted into  the School of Education all students must submit a BCI and FBI background check. These background checks are good for on full year from the date issued. For education courses requiring a field component, a valid (unexpired) background check is required. These background checks must be presented during or before the first day of field experience to school officials. To locate locations to complete a BCI/FBI background check click HERE.  For additional information on disqualifying offenses click HERE.
How do I know if I'm on track?
Students are encouraged to complete coursework as identified on their program plan and listed in their Degree Progress Report (DPR). To find out more on how to access DPR, click here. Students are also encouraged to stay in contact with their academic advisor, especially, as they near student teaching and graduation.
What do I need to do to ADD History as a Second Major to my undergraduate degree?
Undergraduate AYA Social Studies students can easily add History as a Second Major to their program.  Students are advised to meet with the History Department early in their program to sign a second major sheet and to ensure all requirements for the History as a Second Major will be met. Note that if you and your adviser make a substitution for your Education Major, this substitution may or may not work for your other majors or minors. You must consult with each academic adviser you have outside of the College of Education. More information is available about History as a 2nd Major here: https://www.uakron.edu/history 
 There’s a social studies content course that I need that not’s being offered. Can I take/transfer this course in from another institution? How do I study abroad?
First, students should contact the individual department that offers the content course at The University of Akron (ex. 3400 is the Hist. Dept.).  If they confirm that the course isn’t offered, students should contact their advisor.

ALL transfers must be processed BEFORE students enroll in the class in order for credit to be accepted (this includes study abroad).  When students meet with their advisor, they must bring a Transient Permission Form available through Zipline that must be completed before they register for the course(s) at another university. Be aware that certain university, college, and program conditions surround this process (i.e. no more than a total of 18 hrs. transferred in, last 32 hrs. must be completed at UA, can’t receive lower than a C, and transferred grade cannot take the place of UofA grade).   When students successfully complete the course, they must immediately request and send a transcript to the University of Akron's Registrar's Office and SAVE a copy for your records.
I’m looking to acquire the credentials necessary to teach post-secondary (i.e. College Credit Plus) courses in Social Studies at my middle/high school. Is this possible?
Yes. There are different pathways for graduate students to earn the College Credit Plus Credential which will allow them to meet the requirements to teach post-secondary courses for college credit at their middle/high school. One pathway for candidates not holding a current teaching license is to enroll in our M.S. w/ AYA Licensure Program. Students can add the 18 content credit hours necessary for this credential. Another pathway suited to the needs of in-service (current) teachers, that already have a license but need a Master's and 18 hrs. of graduate level content area instruction, is to enroll in our MAT Program.  Finally, students that have both a teaching license and a Masters, and only need the 18 hrs. of graduate level instruction should contact the applicable  Univ. of Akron Department where they want to earn the credential (i.e. History, Economics, Political Science, etc.). While having a Masters and completion of graduate coursework in a defined content area will make you eligible to teach College Credit Plus social studies coursework, in no way is direct admissions into, or adjunct status, guaranteed. Undergraduate students looking to add this credential should review University rules identifying protocols for undergraduate students seeking to complete graduate level coursework.
I’m a graduate student and I’m trying to enroll in undergraduate content classes but the system won't let me register. What do I do?
You need to contact the University of Akron's Registrar's office (ext. 8300) and ask them to add an undergraduate file to your account. This will allow you to use the MyAkron registration system to add undergraduate content (i.e. History, Economics, Political Science, etc.) courses to your schedule/cart. Please, note that graduate students also serving as graduate assistants are required to be registered for nine graduate hours in fall and spring semester.
what other careers besides teaching social studies in the classroom can I enter into with a degree in Curricular & Instructional Studies with an emphasis in Social Studies Education?
While the B.S. and M.S. AYA Social Studies Programs are aimed at preparing students to teach in the secondary social studies classroom, these degrees prepare candidates for a host of occupations and career paths. Click here to learn more about these paths.
When should I take the licensure exams that are required to teach in the State of Ohio?
AYA Social Studies candidates applying for Ohio teacher licensure will be required to complete the OAE Integrated Social Studies content exam (test 025), one year before student teaching. This will provide students with enough time for scores to be processed. Students will not be placed for student teaching without successfully passing this content exam.  

Middle Level Social Studies candidates applying for Ohio teacher licensure will be required to complete their two core content OAE Exams (ex. social studies and math) before being admitting into student teaching. Students are strongly encouraged to start taking these exams one year before student teaching. Students will not be placed for student teaching without successfully passing at least ONE of these content exams.  Additional exams required for licensure can be taken anytime during Phase III professional education courses (as listed on your program plan)- note these come before Student Teaching. Other exams include Foundations of Reading Exam (#090). Candidates picking-up a Mild-to-Moderate Special Education K-12 license will also need to complete the Special Education exam (#043). 

Students that fail an exam must wait 30 DAYS before re-testing.  Required exams must be successfully completed to earn licensure in the State of Ohio.  To learn more about the Ohio Assessment for Educators exams, or, to register, click here.
How do I apply to student teach and what's involved?
To learn more about the student teaching application process and requirements you should contact the Office of Student Teaching and/or click here.
I'm having technical problems registering for classes through MyAkron.  Who should I contact?
If students are having problems registering for classes through Zipline or MyAkron they should first contact their academic advisor.  For immediate assistance, students can also reach out to Zip Assist located on the first floor of Simmons Hall on campus.  Students can also e-mail or call this office to discuss registration/financial issues. See their webpage at https://www.uakron.edu/zipassist 
How to i get involved on campus?
HOW CAN I NETWORK WITH OTHER SOCIAL STUDIES CANDIDATES AND PROFESSIONALS?
Social studies education majors are encouraged to be active and network in university, local, state, national, and international social studies organizations. Some of these opportunities include: