100%
Online Option
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Study Society. Prepare to Teach.
Inspire What’s Next.
If you’re passionate about history, government, culture, and the forces that shape society—and want to share that passion with the next generation—the Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a Minor in Education can help you turn your interests into a career in the classroom.
This degree combines the broad, interdisciplinary study of social science with an Education minor designed for students preparing to teach in grades 6–12. You’ll build a strong foundation in the social sciences while developing the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful learning experiences for middle and high school students.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Social Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding people, communities, and society. Through your social science coursework, you’ll explore the historical, cultural, political, economic, and social forces that have shaped our world.
Adding a Minor in Education gives the program a clear professional focus for students who want to pursue teaching. You’ll complement your social science knowledge with coursework focused on education, teaching methods, classroom practices, student development, and the skills needed to support today’s diverse learners.
Together, the degree and education minor provide a strong academic foundation for students preparing for a career teaching social science-related subjects at the middle or secondary level. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to understand current teacher certification requirements and ensure they complete the coursework and experiences required for their intended teaching pathway.
What You’ll Learn
As a Social Science student, you’ll examine the people, institutions, events, and ideas that shape society. Because social science is interdisciplinary, you’ll draw connections across areas such as history, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, and related fields. You’ll learn to evaluate evidence, conduct research, analyze information, and consider complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Through the Education minor, you’ll build on that subject-area knowledge by learning how students learn and how effective teachers create engaging, supportive classroom environments. You’ll develop an understanding of instructional strategies, assessment, classroom management, lesson planning, and the developmental and educational needs of middle and high school students.
The combination prepares you to do more than know your subject—you’ll learn how to communicate that knowledge effectively. You’ll strengthen your ability to explain complex ideas, facilitate discussion, encourage critical thinking, and connect academic concepts to the world students experience every day.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
This program is designed for students who want to use their knowledge of social science in an educational setting. Depending on your completed coursework, certification pathway, and state requirements, graduates can pursue teaching opportunities with middle and secondary schools in social science-related subject areas.
Beyond the classroom, the interdisciplinary nature of the degree develops transferable skills in research, communication, analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Those skills can also be valuable in educational support services, community organizations, government, nonprofit organizations, and other people-focused settings.
For students whose goal is teacher certification, it’s important to work with an academic advisor early in the program. Teacher certification requirements can vary based on the teaching field, grade level, and state, and additional requirements may apply.
Explore your career pathways with the Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a Minor in Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$58k
Social Science Researcher Estimated Entry Salary
$61k
Social Science Researcher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step toward your degree? Athens State University offers a transfer-friendly admissions process designed to help you make the most of the college credits you’ve already earned.
Whether you’re transferring from another university or community college or returning to college after time away, our admissions and financial aid teams can help you understand your options and navigate the process of becoming an Athens State student.
From scholarships and grants to other forms of financial assistance, Athens State provides resources to help make completing your bachelor’s degree more attainable.
Explore Admissions & Aid to learn more about requirements, application steps, transfer credit, scholarships, and financial assistance.
Why Choose this Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Social Science degree is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone—our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Additional Information
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.