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Teaching of Social Studies
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University


Teaching of Social Studies
Teaching of Social Studies
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University

Department Name

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Student Handbook

M.A. 32 In-service Handbook

THIS PROGRAM LEADS ONLY TO NEW YORK STATE INT/PRF CERTIFICATION FOR THOSE TEACHERS ALREADY HOLDING NEW YORK STATE INITIAL CERTIFICATION. PROGRAM FACULTY CANNOT ADVISE STUDENTS ABOUT CERTIFICATION IN OTHER STATES OR ALTERNATIVE NEW YORK STATE PATHWAYS TO CERTIFICATION!

III. In-Service Program Requirements and Course of Study

The in-service program is designed for experienced teachers. It requires 32 points and an integrative project. This degree program focuses on social studies teaching in middle and high schools, and fulfills the requirements for the New York State Professional Certification. Points should be distributed as follows:

Social Studies Core Courses (11 points):
  • A&HW 5031 Teacher education in social studies
  • A&HW 5232 Fieldwork in social studies teacher education
  • A&HW 6530 Curriculum development, research and supervision

Students Should Choose ONE of the Following Courses:
  • A&HH 4070 The history of education in the United States (3)
  • A&HW 5030 Diversity and the social studies curriculum (3)
  • A&HW 5530 History of American social thought (3)

Social Studies Content Courses (12-15 points): In consultation with an advisor, students should select courses to round out their knowledge of the subject matters taught in secondary schools. Courses taken at Teachers College include attention to both content and pedagogy.

Professional Development Courses (6-9 points):
Three Teachers College courses (2-3 points each) outside the Social Studies Program, chosen with advisor approval.

Further Requirements:
Students must also complete an integrative project, selected with advisor approval.

Any student who has been admitted to the program but has not taken a course in 5 years must re-apply to the program.

Anyone working at the Masters level who may be writing a thesis but not taking a class should be registered in IND 4000. This course is for 0 credits, but involves paying the College fee. Students not enrolled in any given semester in either IND 4000 or in a course will not be eligible for advisement or thesis work with a faculty member.

Click on the link to view the rubric for the master's thesis:
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/5459_MastersThesis2007-2008.pdf