Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Social Studies ProTeach
The ProTeach Social Studies M.Ed. program is a state-approved, nationally accredited (NCATE) initial teacher preparation program. An M.Ed. degree in Social Studies Education prepares students for Broad Fields Social Science Certification, grades 6-12, upon successful completion of the Florida Certification Examinations in this area. We do not offer single subject area certification.
Admission Criteria
General Requirements
Admission standards are set by the Graduate School of the University of Florida, the College of Education, the School of Teaching & Learning, and the program area to which you are applying. This web page provides you with the Graduate School, College of Education, and School of Teaching & Learning minimums. You need to carefully check your program area web page to see the specific admission requirements for that area.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all upper-division (the last 60 credits) undergraduate work
- An acceptable score on the General Test of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). We will consider applications from individuals who have acceptable scores on both the verbal and quantitative sections. We holistically evaluate all applications and the score on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE are considered data points of information about the applicant. This also allows applicants who are not strong standardized test takers to highlight their skills and abilities. For the past academic year, the average scores of candidates admitted into a master's degree program were: Verbal: 516*; Quantitative: 550*. We do not required applicants to take the written portion of the GRE.
* Remember that average scores mean some are higher and others are lower. Some program areas have higher expectations that those listed on this page so make sure to check your specific program area for additional details regarding GRE expectations. - Three letters of recommendation from university faculty
- A statement of purpose explaining why this degree would enable you to meet your career goals and how this specific master's program in the School of Teaching & Learning at UF enables you to best reach these goals. This is considered as your writing sample and why we do not require you to take the essay component of the GRE. It is important that you present yourself well in this component of the application process.
Every program areas admissions review committee evaluates applicants' folders holistically. Each piece of data included in your admissions folder is considered one data point and we carefully look at all of the evidence before making an admissions decision.
Again, please note that the requirements here are the minimal requirements. You should explore your program area for additional admission requirements for the Master of Education (M.Ed) degree.
Social Science Prerequisites
Social Science prerequisite content courses are no longer required for either admission or graduation. However, these courses are strongly recommended so that students can pass the certification exams. Students should be aware that if they do not take these prerequisite content courses, they will need to study on their own in order to familiarize themselves with the content of the courses in order to pass the exam.
Recommended social science courses include:
AMH 2010: United States History to 1877
AMH 2020: US History Since 1877
EUH 2001: Western Civilization Middle Ages to 18th Century
EUH 2002: Western Civilization 18th Century to Present
AMH course elective
African, Latin American, or Asian history elective
POS 2041: American Federal Government
POS 2112: American, State, and Local Government or any other POS elective
ECO 2013: Principles of Macroeconomic or ECO 2023: Principles of Microeconomics
GEO/GEA elective(s) in cultural/human geography
Education Prerequisites
Students must complete TSL 4324: ESOL Strategies for Content Areas or TSL 5143: Secondary ESOL Teaching Strategies, and EDF 3135: The Adolescent, as prerequisites for certification.
The Secondary Education Minor is no longer required.
Students are strongly encouraged to take an undergraduate course in the History of Education and its philosophical and sociological foundations (e.g., EDF 3609).
ProTeach M.Ed. Course Requirements
Fall Semester
ESE 6345: Effective Teaching and Classroom Management (3 credits)
SSE 6133: Secondary Social Studies Methods and Assessment (3 credits)
SSE 5945C: Practicum in Social Studies Methods and Assessment (3 credits)
RED 5337: Reading in the Content Area (3 credits)
EME 5432: Integrating Technology into the Social Studies Classroom (3 credits)
Spring Semester
ESE 6945: Internship (9 credits)
ESE 6344: Classroom Practices and Assessment in Secondary Education (3 credits)
ESE 6939: Integrated Global Studies Methods (3 credits)
Summer A Semester
SSE 6046: Social Studies Perspectives (3 credits)
EDG 6931: Methods of Teaching Civics and Government (3 credits)
Important Information for Student Accepted Into the Social Studies ProTeach Program
- Fingerprint & Background Check Requirements
- Application for Secondary ProTeach Internships
- Steps for Florida Certification
Students are strongly encouraged to take the Broad Fields Social Science Grades 6-12 portion of the certification exams, as well as the General Knowledge portion of the certification exam, before starting the ProTeach program. Students must pass these exams no later than the end of the fall semester of the program. Students should take the Professional Knowledge portion of the certification exam during the spring semester of the program. Students must have passing scores on all 3 portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam on file with the College of Education Office of Student Services to be cleared for graduation.
Program Area Contact |
Graduate Coordinator |
Dr. Elizabeth Anne Washington |
Dr. Sevan Terzian |
Professor |
Associate Director of Graduate Studies |
Secondary Social Studies Coordinator |
Associate Professor and |
2424 Norman Hall |
2403-B Norman Hall |
University of Florida |
University of Florida |
Gainesville, FL 32611-7048 |
Gainesville, FL 32611-7048 |
352-392-9191 x 242 |
352-392-9191 x 230 |
fax: 352-392-9193 |
fax: 352-392-9193 |