Best Online Master’s in Social Studies Degrees

Updated on June 9, 2021

Become an important part of history with one of the nation's best online master's in social studies degrees.

Do you want to teach young minds the significance of civic engagement? Can you see yourself in the classroom, leading dynamic lectures on everything from U.S. history to globalization? Then a master's in social studies degree may be the best move for you.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

What kind of online master's in social studies degree should you get?

Depending on the program, you could graduate with licensure, certification, or advanced specialization. Though some programs won't lead to licensure, you can still find yourself teaching. Some of these programs specialize in curriculum development, literacy counseling, and more.

At College Choice we've been sure to note those programs that ensure entrance into the classroom and those that prepare you in other ways.

Whichever program you choose, all of these degrees can be completed fully online.

Online education is a flexible and affordable way to advance your education and career. For that reason, be sure to check out College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities.

How much money do people make with an online master's in social studies degree?

With an advanced degree in social studies you will be prepared for a range of careers. And while it's no secret that teachers are among the most underpaid profession in the nation, you have reason to be optimistic.

On average, a high school teacher makes close to $60,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Instructional coordinators make closer to $64,000 a year and curriculum developers can make up to $97,000 a year.

What can you do with a master's degree in social studies?

Though an advanced degree in social studies can lead to classroom instruction, notably in grades 6-12, there are many reasons to earn this degree and many ways to apply it.

Upon graduation you will find yourself fully prepared to work in an array of settings. These programs can help you become a literacy specialist, a curriculum designer, a youth tutor, and much more.

What are the requirements for an online master's in social studies degree?

These are all two-year programs that require a set of core classes followed up by electives and specializations. So you will start your degree taking coursework that covers civic education, politics, world and US history, and global perspectives.

From there each program varies a bit in emphasis and scope. While some require student teaching hours, others require capstone research projects. We've been sure to note the nuances and requirements of every program.

What are the best online master's in social studies degrees?

These five programs share one important thing in common: they offer the nation's best online social studies degrees.

In determining the best, we first looked at every program across the nation offering the degree online. From there we considered key factors such as school reputation, retention rate, the early salaries of graduates, and tuition costs.

This exhaustive research helped us narrow down the 5 best online master's in social science degrees.

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

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