Social studies is a multidisciplinary approach to examining human society. Individuals engaged in these courses discuss history, economics, sociology, geography, government, and anthropology.
An online master’s in social studies can prepare participants for advanced roles in the social sciences or, more often, for a teaching position. A master’s in social studies program does not necessarily lead to teacher certification (though some do). Still, it can help current educators meet state requirements for continuing education or pursue leadership roles or postsecondary teaching positions.
Prospective students can usually complete an online master’s in social studies program within two years, with many programs demanding only a 12-month commitment. Program length can vary between 30 and 40 credit hours. Tuition depends mainly on your residency and the school; the average tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are high-paying opportunities available in this field — postsecondary teachers earn an average salary of $84,380, while sociologists make $101,770.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Social Studies Program
Choose your area of study
Interested candidates can select either a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (MEd) in social studies. The latter option is the most common, as many prospective students are interested in teaching positions post-graduation. MA programs are more humanities-driven, with coursework spanning anthropology, sociology, and political science. Individuals interested in obtaining a PhD or entering a more research-driven field should pursue an MS option instead. If you want to become a teacher, you can select a program that leads to teacher certification within the state you hope to practice.
Some schools allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a specific niche in this field. For example, teaching-focused degree programs often feature specialty tracks for particular grade levels (i.e., middle or high school). If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
If you’re interested in a teaching career, look for programs that have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.
Also, consider the following:
- What student resources do online learners have? Online attendees should have access to traditional higher education resources such as advising, technology support, and library services. Some programs dedicate more effort toward building a sense of community online, with remote mentorship programs and faculty one-on-ones available.
- Are there additional requirements to graduate? Most social studies degrees require a comprehensive final assignment before attendees can graduate; this may be a lengthy research paper, thesis, or capstone project.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program, so you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines. For example, many teacher-focused degrees expect attendees to have at least one year of professional experience teaching before applying to the program. Most programs have undergraduate curricular prerequisites as well.
Once you check your eligibility for the program, prepare for upcoming admissions deadlines. You may need time to gather your application materials, especially transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Most programs no longer require GRE scores, but international students or non-native speakers will likely need to submit test scores proving English proficiency.
Select your program
Determine the program or programs for which you’d like to apply. Most applications demand a fee, so applying to several schools can be costly. Select those programs that best match your professional goals. From there, be mindful of application deadlines. Some programs operate on a rolling admissions basis, but most have strict application deadlines.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
A master’s degree, online or otherwise, is costly. However, many schools provide financial assistance to students, especially those seeking teaching positions post-graduation. There are some scholarships for individuals who can commit to teaching following graduation. You might also be eligible for scholarships seeking to improve diversity among teaching professionals. Be sure to contact your school’s financial aid professionals to learn about any tuition assistance options.
Current educators should also speak with their employers, as some institutions provide tuition assistance for continuing education or teaching certifications. All master’s students should also submit the FAFSA to ascertain their options for federal loans and grant assistance.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Social Studies Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Our research focused on finding high-quality programs in social studies education. There are a few different degrees students can earn in this field, including a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Science (MS).
We concentrated our research on programs delivered entirely or primarily online so that they are accessible to the greatest number of students, regardless of availability or location.
All of the programs on our list are offered by regionally accredited institutions. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which specifically accredits teacher preparation programs.
Once we found the programs that met our criteria, we evaluated each based on faculty, flexibility, reputation, cost, and outcomes. Using this information, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Social Studies Program?
Applicants for an online master’s in social studies can anticipate interdisciplinary coursework incorporating research and hands-on practice. Theory-heavy programs will explore tenets of anthropology, history, culture, and economics and their relationships with human society. Education-minded programs will integrate skills needed for success in the teaching profession.
Many courses are available online, though individuals seeking a teaching certification can expect some hands-on, immersive requirements. This degree is flexible and adapts well to individuals working full-time throughout their studies. Most full-time students can graduate within one to two years.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in social studies program
- Teaching Citizenship for Civic Engagement. This course focuses on active citizenship. Students consider what citizenship means in a modern-day context and how they can inspire citizenship within the classroom.
- Research on Social Studies Education. Students examine social studies theories and practices regarding K-12 education. Participants will then apply research principles to curriculum planning.
- Immigrant Issues in Education. Attendees of this course build cultural awareness and teaching skills for working in classrooms with immigrant students. Participants practice intercultural interactions and appropriate approaches to assist students from traditionally marginalized communities.
- Seminar in Social Science. Students learn the foundations and debates around social scientific research.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Social Studies?
Career outlook
In an increasingly interconnected world, educators who can impart critical thinking, cultural understanding, and civic engagement are essential. A master’s in social studies equips educators with the knowledge and skills to prepare students for active participation in their communities and a globalized society.
An online master’s degree in social studies offers a versatile foundation for a variety of impactful careers. Here are some potential career paths to consider:
- Kindergarten or elementary school teacher — Teach subjects such as reading, math, and social studies to young children.
- Median annual salary: $63,670
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 109,000 annually
- Middle school teacher — Help students advance their understanding of the subjects they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the subjects that will be covered in high school.
- Median annual salary: $64,290
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 42,200 annually
- Instructional coordinator — Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of educational materials.
- Median annual salary: $74,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New job openings projected: 19,200 annually
Online Master’s in Social Studies Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in social studies degree program?
Candidates for online master’s in social studies programs should already possess an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, or history), and many institutions also set a GPA minimum for bachelor’s-level coursework (often a 2.75 or better). In addition, you must submit a completed application packet with all supplemental materials. Associated materials typically include the following:
- An application form
- Copies of undergraduate transcripts showing completion of core social studies work
- A resume
- A personal statement
- Professional letters of recommendation
- An application fee
Before submitting your application packet, contact an admissions counselor for the school. They help answer any specific questions and can occasionally waive the application fee.
How much does an online master's in social studies degree cost?
On average, graduate school tuition costs $20,513 per year. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
In addition to tuition, online students must pay for their books and other class materials. You should also consider personal costs related to being an online student, such as home computers and reliable internet.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in social studies degree?
Full-time students can finish the typical program within two years, though many accelerated programs can last just 12 months. Part-time students will likely need three years. Some schools require a master’s paper or thesis component to graduate, which could demand a longer commitment. Most schools mandate that students graduate within a five-year window. The total number of credit hours can fluctuate, with some programs requiring 30 credit hours (or ten total classes) and others exceeding 36 credits (12 classes or more).
Is an online master's in social studies worth it?
This advanced degree equips educators with the specialized knowledge, instructional strategies, and leadership skills needed to excel in social studies education. One of the key benefits of earning a master’s in social studies is the potential for increased earning potential and career advancement. Graduates with this degree often qualify for higher-paying teaching positions, curriculum development roles, and leadership positions within schools and districts.
An online master’s degree in social studies can be a strategic investment in your teaching career. Whether you aspire to become a classroom educator, a curriculum leader, or an advocate for informed citizenship, this degree equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on students’ intellectual growth and civic development.
Online master’s programs in social studies education provide flexibility, enabling students to enhance their skills while balancing work and personal commitments. Virtual learning platforms offer access to innovative teaching techniques, instructional technology, and collaborative opportunities, allowing educators to stay current with the latest trends in education.