Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary (K-6)/Social Studies (5-8)
Lead students in subjects that shape their worldview.
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Teach Elementary and Middle School Social Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Social Studies program at North Central University prepares educators to lead young learners as they explore complex concepts that affect our everyday lives. For many elementary and middle school students, social studies teachers introduce them to history, politics, and other social disciplines that shape their future worldviews. In this major, you will gain essential skills in curriculum development, teaching best practices and pedagogy, classroom management, literature, and communication, as well as an intensive student teaching experience. You’ll graduate ready to lead in contemporary classrooms and complete your Minnesota State teaching license with confidence.
In our uniquely experiential social studies elementary teaching degree program, you will complete 175 hours of teaching before beginning student teaching required for teaching credentials in local schools. This is not just classroom observation but actual teaching with a university faculty supervisor who knows you well and can serve as a guide and mentor. Our diverse downtown Minneapolis location provides education students with a wide variety of schools to work in including public, private, charter, alternative, faith-based, suburban, and inner-city, preparing you for more teaching opportunities.
- On Campus: Complete this 124-credit program on campus as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
The professors at the school of education have provided me the mentorship and support that I need to not only become a well-rounded teacher but also a well-rounded individual.”
Gabriel Orlando, ’22
Secondary Education Social Studies
Why Study Elementary Education in Social Studies at NCU?
Pre-service teachers at NCU are part of a dynamic, hands-on, high-mentorship cohort in their field of licensure. We offer a fully accredited teacher preparation program that leads to licensure, where teaching is more than just a job. It is a calling that fuels your faith, creativity, and lifelong learning. The outcomes of this program are based on the standards set by Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) and Minnesota’s Standards of Effective Practice.
Seniors pursuing a social studies education degree spend an entire semester dedicated to student teaching full time in a local school where they are mentored and coached by one of their professors and a cooperating teacher. It is because of our rigorous and active learning program that NCU education graduates have very high placement rates and are sought out by local schools.
Our experiential learning-driven curriculum will prepare you to:
- Create meaningful and memorable social studies experiences for students with diverse learning styles
- Use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic performance
- Use individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation
- Leverage technology to enhance interaction and engagement
- Plan effective curriculum and assess and evaluate student progress in general education and social studies
- Demonstrate a servant-leadership model of concern and service towards others
- Continue growing and finding new ways to be a better teacher as a lifelong learner
- Integrate your faith and your career as an educator
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Explore Real-World Teaching Opportunities
Excel in Mentored Student Teaching
Leverage the Education Curriculum Lab
Explore Real-World Teaching Opportunities
Through local schools, you’ll get tons of classroom experience with opportunities in public, private, alternative, charter, and faith-based schools.
Excel in Mentored Student Teaching
Receive helpful coaching from experienced NCU professors and supportive on-site colleagues during student teaching.
Leverage the Education Curriculum Lab
You’ll have your own library and work area designed for education students to focus, explore pedagogy and curriculum development, and collaborate with peers.
Optional Concentrations
Global Studies
Inform your teaching theory and practice with classes in cross-cultural education, communication, or community building and world religion or crisis relief. This concentration is helpful for education students seeking to build their culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching strategies.
Special Education
Learn appropriate ways to support students with learning disabilities and Individualized Education Plans (IEP) through evidence based academic and behavioural interventions. This concentration is especially helpful for education students who are curious about special education certification and who want to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Career Outcomes
Credentialed educators with a bachelor’s degree or higher are still in demand as positions open due to retirement and career changes for current teachers. In addition to school teacher roles, trained teachers may also pursue openings in child care and school administration and school support services. Administrative and support roles are projected to grow by 0.6% in the next decade.1
Where Our Alumni Work and Intern*
- Duals Discovery School
- American Creativity Academy Kuwait
- Hope Christian Academy
- Maranatha Christian Academy
- New Life Academy
- North Heights Christian Academy
- Achieve Language Academy
- Agamim Classical Academy
- Maple Grove Senior High
- Park Center High School
- United Christian Academy
- Osseo Senior High
*This includes alumni internships of multiple Education programs at NCU.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive teaching experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling in education.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
Education: Elementary (K-6)
Education: Elementary (K-6)/Communication Arts and Literature (5-8)
Education: Elementary (K-6)/Mathematics (5-8)
FAQs
How do I decide which education program is right for me?
NCU offers several education programs to prepare students to teach in elementary, middle school, and high school settings. These programs include single-subject training and the same access to experiential learning ahead of full-time student teaching. We also offer an early childhood education degree in partnership with Minneapolis College for students interested in supporting early childhood development.
If you are unsure which program is right for you, please contact our Admissions team with any questions or concerns, and we will be happy to help!
Does the elementary education program include a teaching certificate?
Upon successful completion of the elementary education program, you may be recommended for a Minnesota State Teaching License in grades K-6 with a middle school endorsement in Social Studies (grades 5-8). You will need to complete any required steps to licensure and can look to faculty mentors and the experience you gain at NCU for support and preparation.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
Yes, 100% of residential undergraduate students receive financial aid at NCU. As an education student, you may qualify for additional scholarships and grants specific to your major and career goals. Please be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible for the year when you plan to enroll.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-6 (viewed Nov. 18, 2025).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, Middle School Teachers, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 18, 2025).
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119032.htm (viewed Nov. 18, 2025).