Temple University's Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education-Social Studies Education provides a focused pathway to initial teacher certification for individuals who want to teach history, civics, geography, economics or related disciplines in grades 7 through 12. This program is designed for career changers or recent graduates with strong backgrounds in the social sciences.
Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to engage adolescents in meaningful social studies learning through pedagogy courses, inclusive teaching strategies and subject-specific methods. The program emphasizes curriculum development for diverse classrooms, culturally responsive teaching, and critical thinking about democracy, equity and global interdependence.
Students also complete a supervised student teaching placement in a secondary social studies classroom. Courses are offered in the evening at Temple’s Main Campus, and the program can be completed part-time to accommodate working professionals or those currently teaching on emergency permits.
Social Studies Education Focus
In this program, you will:
- Explore how to teach for civic responsibility, historical thinking and social awareness.
- Learn to navigate sensitive topics such as race, gender, conflict, economic inequality and global interdependence.
- Design engaging and equitable curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania academic standards.
Graduates are well-prepared to teach social studies content in upper middle and high school settings, and to foster inclusive classroom dialogue that supports democracy, diversity and critical inquiry.
Classes & Curriculum
The Secondary Education-Social Studies Education graduate certificate program consists of 19 credits. Courses are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. You can attend full- or part-time, and you have up to four years to complete the program.
Core Pedagogy & Inclusion Courses (13 credits)
Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Literacy in the Disciplines (Secondary Education) | 3 | |
Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities | 3 | |
Foundations of Language Teaching | 3 | |
Supervised Teaching | 4 |
*May substitute TESL 5613 – Literacy Development for English Language Learners, depending on student’s background or program advisor recommendation.
Social Studies Methods Courses (6 credits)
These courses focus on critical pedagogy, disciplinary literacy, curriculum design, and instruction that integrates social justice, civic engagement and culturally responsive practices.
Fieldwork
In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational settings. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. EDUC 5888 – Supervised Teaching involves a full-time teaching placement in a secondary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will:
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Teach history, civics, geography, and economics through inquiry-based standards-aligned instruction.
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Create inclusive classrooms that honor cultural and social diversity.
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Promote civic engagement and critical thinking about equity, democracy and global interdependence.
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Design and adapt curriculum to address complex societal topics such as race, gender and social justice.
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Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification in Social Studies (7–12).
Teacher Certification
This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.
Tuition & Fees
In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this graduate certificate offers a competitive tuition level and multiple opportunities for financial support.
Tuition rates are set annually by the university. They are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.
Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit
View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Current résumé or CV
- Official transcripts
- Statement of goals
- Two letters of reference
- Standardized test scores
- Prerequisite Coursework: Significant coursework (i.e., the equivalent of a minor or better) and/or professional experience related to the intended certification area are preferred.
- Note: Clearances required prior to field placement
- For a complete list of application requirements, view the Bulletin.
How to Apply
Complete your application online at apply.temple.edu/cehd.
Application Submission Dates
For fall enrollment, apply by Mar. 1.
For spring enrollment, apply by Nov. 1.
For summer II enrollment, apply by Mar. 1.
Important Application Note
Temple University is in the process of launching a new graduate application for this certificate program. For Fall 2025 admission, applicants should select the corresponding master’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies Education when applying. After admission, our Graduate Academic Advising team will update your record to reflect enrollment in the graduate certificate program. No additional steps are required on your part.
Questions
For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.
Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu