Education, Secondary Social Studies Education Major
- Associate of Science (A.S.)
Program Snapshot
Your Learning Options
In-Person, Hybrid, Online
60-62 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete
2 years (5 full-time semesters)
In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour
$176.00 | Calculate your costs
Why Secondary Social Studies Education?
Discover your passion for inspiring problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and mathematical literacy in students.
- Benefit from transfer agreements that provide seamless paths matching the requirements of some four-year colleges and universities.
- Save on tuition expenses with considerable cost savings compared to four-year institutions, allowing you to achieve your teaching aspirations affordably.
- Enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous online courses, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments.
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Paying for College
We are committed to using all of the available funds to help you gain access to a college education. In fact, more than 91% of our students graduate without any educational debt. In 2023, Reynolds Community College students received over $21 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships with the average aid awarded totaling over $4,000 per student.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments. Textbook Assistance and Laptop Lending Programs are also available. Be sure to explore all the types of financial aid available as well!
![a woman sitting in a library smiles at her laptop. The laptop has dollar signs flying out of the screen.](/programs/program-images/pay-for-college.jpg)
![G3 Begin your journey to an in-demand career](/programs/program-images/g3-programpage-img.jpg)
Get a Skill. Get a Job. Get Ahead.
G3 financial assistance at Reynolds can help cover tuition for select programs like this one! Starting something new or changing a career path can be scary, but if you want to earn workplace certifications or an academic degree that leads to a career, G3 tuition assistance can help remove the financial barrier of going to college.
Why Reynolds?
We are more than a community college.
Reynolds is the key that unlocks the door to your academic and professional success. Here you will find a safe place to start. We will help you explore, dream, succeed, try, and try again. Our amazing faculty and highly personalized advisors, your Reynolds Navigators, are well known for guiding you to discover that "aha moment.” That means an outstanding college experience, less debt, more freedom, and a solid start on your future.
![A teacher standing in front of a diverse group of students in a classroom, engaged in a lesson.](/programs/program-images/humanities-and-social-sciences/ed-secondary-social-studies-ed_highlight3.jpg)
Experience personalized attention and support in smaller class sizes, fostering a conducive learning environment where you can thrive academically and engage with peers and instructors effectively.
Become fully qualified to teach in public or private school settings upon transferring and earning a teaching license. A national teacher shortage and hundreds of teaching positions available in the Richmond metro area means your teaching license will open doors to fulfilling career opportunities.
![A teacher instructing a diverse group of students in a classroom setting.](/programs/program-images/humanities-and-social-sciences/ed-secondary-social-studies-ed_highlight2.jpg)
![A diverse group of children sitting at desks in a classroom, listening attentively to the teacher.](/programs/program-images/humanities-and-social-sciences/ed-secondary-social-studies-highlight1.jpg)
Earn general education credits, major-specific courses, and elective credits providing a well-rounded education in preparation for teacher licensure. Engage in observation and practicum experiences in school settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced educators.
![Marty Watkin](/programs/program-images/humanities-and-social-sciences/ed-secondary-social-studies-ed_alum.jpg)
Class Highlights
HIS 121 - United States History to 1877
Examine the history of the United States from its origins to 1877 including exploration, expansion, the wars, and major political, social and economic developments.
PLS 135 - U.S. Government and Politics
Learn the political structure, processes, institutions, and policymaking of the US national government with a focus on the three branches of government.
GEO 225 - Economic Geography
Explore the various economic, geographic, political, and demographic factors that affect international target markets and trade activity.
Program Roadmap
Get all the details on our Secondary Social Studies Education program, including class sequences, admission requirements, financial considerations, and more.
Additional Program Information
PURPOSE: Associate of Science in Education is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their education in preparation for teacher licensure and employment as a teacher in a public or private school setting. The program consists of general education credits, credits in the major and elective credits. Electives should be selected in consultation with an advisor to ensure they will be accepted for the preferred program at the four-year institution to which students plan to transfer.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Graduates of the program will be able to:
Reynolds required general education outcomes:
- Demonstrate critical thinking strategies by comprehensively exploring issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion;
- Demonstrate an understanding of human diversity and an awareness of global issues through analysis of art, history, culture, geography, and economics;
- Interpret key concepts in social sciences and liberal arts;
- Use quantitative skills to solve problems and interpret data;
- Apply the basic principles of scientific inquiry;
- Demonstrate when there is a need for information, and identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand;
- Effectively communicate in writing to diverse audiences and for a variety of purposes; and
- Work independently and in teams to complete tasks
Specific Education AS outcomes:
- Develop and articulate a personal philosophy of teaching and learning aligned to the standards of the profession and grounded in educational theory and practice.
- Describe the relative contribution of diversity (differences in ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, exceptional populations, and language use) on students’ school experiences.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission.
PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS: Students are required to participate in observation and practicum experiences in a school setting. A Criminal Record Clearance/Sex Offender Registry check and a tuberculosis test are required for placement. These are conducted at the student’s expense. Student should see the Department Chair for a list of convictions that will prevent employment.
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by successfully completing EDU 280 - Introduction to Instructional Technologies.
TRANSFER INFORMATION: The A.S. in Education is designed to provide transfer paths that will match the requirements of senior institutions (four-year colleges and universities). However, these institutions differ in their requirements, so students are recommended to work closely with their advisors for program planning and course scheduling. The responsibility for appropriate course selection rests with the student, and electives should be chosen to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.
This degree is not intended for students who want to teach engineering education, special education, art, theater or music. If you are interested in one of the other options, contact your advisor or Advising@Reynolds.edu.