Social Studies Education

About Us

The Social Studies Education Program includes multiple pathways for students to become Social Studies and History teachers. Our majors in Social Studies Education prepare students to teach History, Geography, Economics, Civics, and Social Studies.

Why Social Studies Education at EWU?

Do you want to help people understand the world around them? Or maybe you want to help students become informed citizens? Would you enjoy making a difference in students’ lives? Then become a Social Studies teacher! With a degree in Social Studies Secondary Education you will be certified to teach grades 5th-12th in History, Economics, Geography, Civics, and Social Studies. And the Social Studies Elementary Education major accompanies an Elementary Education degree.

Social Studies Education

Innovative Teacher Preparation

Our challenging program includes degree specific coursework unique to EWU and fully incorporates the newest Social Studies Education methods and pedagody.

Work Toward an Endorsement

EWU is the largest supplier of Social Studies teachers in eastern Washington.

Excellent Instructors

Work with a faculty of historians who are dynamic teachers, accomplished scholars, and devoted mentors.


Graduates of Social Studies Education will be able to:

  • understand and apply knowledge of government, law, politics, and the nation’s fundamental documents to make decisions about local, national, and international issues and to demonstrate thoughtful, participatory citizenship.
  • examine concepts and tools necessary for an economic way of thinking, the interaction of buyers and sellers in markets, the workings of national economies, and interactions within the global marketplace.
  • demonstrate knowledge of geography and how geographic features and human cultures interact.
  • apply historical thinking as a process of chronological reasoning which includes knowing and examining issues of causality, connections, significance, and context with the goal of developing credible explanations of historical events and developments (including local, state, tribal, national, regional, world) based on reasoned interpretation of evidence.
  • apply reasoning skills to conduct research, deliberate, form, evaluate, and communicate claims.
  • enable students to develop and apply essential social studies concepts and skills.
Interested in pursuing a career oriented major in Social Studies Education? Consult with the Social Studies Program Director to develop a comprehensive Program Plan.

Opportunities through Social Studies Education at EWU

The Social Studies Program prepares students for a variety of occupational possibilities:


Teach a Variety of Courses

You'll be certified to teach a variety of courses such as U.S. History, World History, Washington State History, Current World Problems, Geography, Economics, and Civics.

Work Beyond the Classroom

You'll be qualified to work beyond the classroom in fields related to government, law, archives, curation, and social work.

National History Day Judge

Get hands-on experience with National History Day and OSPI inquiry-based learning.

Social Studies Education Scholarship Opportunities

Awarded to Social Studies majors on-track to graduate in the coming academic year who have demonstrated exceptional work in program requirements as well as a commitment to community leadership or service.

To learn more, email the program director.
Dr. Jacki Tyler – jhedlundtyler@ewu.edu

 

Each recipient must be an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in History with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Primary consideration will be given to those students emphasizing in East Asian History.

For more information, contact your history faculty advisor.

A variety of scholarship opportunities are available to Education students with outstanding academic achievement or financial need.

You can find a list of available scholarships, both internal and external, on the Education Scholarship Page

EWU has numerous scholarships and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Some that may be of interest to History students:

Clawson – Bill Youngs Environmental Award Application
This is an opportunity for students that are pursing projects in environmental work to receive funding to assist with their project. Applicants’ projects are invited from a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: history, literature, theatre, anthropology, art, music, biology, and geosciences. Learn more on the application page.

Krumble Foundation Internship Stipend Program
This is an opportunity meant to alleviate any financial burdens that would prevent a student from pursuing an internship. Students participating in an unpaid internship at a non-profit or governmental agency can apply for a one-time stipend.

There are a number of scholarships available to Social Studies Education students at Eastern Washington University in multiple different areas.

Scholarship requirements are listed under each scholarship and if you have any questions, please feel free to email the program director.
Dr. Jacki Tyler – jhedlundtyler@ewu.edu

Contact Us

Jacki Hedlund Tyler

Associate Professor, Program Director
Photo of Jacki Hedlund Tyler
Patterson Hall 103

LeAnn Fanning Knoles

Secretary Senior
History, Anthropology, Modern Languages & Literatures
Photo of LeAnn Fanning Knoles

Pronouns: she/her/hers