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Social Studies Major


The Social Studies major is interdisciplinary by design: students complete courses in History, Political Science, Economics, and Geography, with elective options in History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology. The major is designed to prepare students to teach Social Studies in grades 8-12. Students seeking Teacher Certification must complete the requirements for the Social Studies major as well as the professional education courses specified by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and outlined in the program requirements.

 

The Social Studies major provides students with a strong foundation in history and equips them with the skills to collect, analyze, and summarize data and the ability to apply those skills to construct arguments and use evidence to support them. The Social Studies major prepares students to bring a range of skills from the social and behavioral sciences to the study of the past. Social Studies, particularly when combined with a second major in History, enables students to pursue a range of careers beyond those in education, including careers in law, government, management, business, administration, politics, journalism, library sciences, banking, and public history. 

The Social Studies major offers two degree pathways: The Social Studies major requires a minimum of 51 credit hours. The Social Studies major with a Concentration in Teacher Education requires the completion of additional professional education courses specified by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and outlined in the program requirements. No minor or second major is required for students in either pathway.

Program Requirements           Four-Year Plan 

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What Is Something That You Found Interesting In Your Studies?

Being a History and Social Studies major has allowed me to view history in a new and unique manner. I have learned that there are many connecting factors between the past and the present, and that these factors have a profound impact on the future. This, in turn, has taught me to carefully study topics in history from all angles. I am looking forward to pursuing archival history and historic preservation in the future and am excited to see where this experience takes me!

--Eden Pendely, History and Social Studies Major

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What Advice Do You Have For Future Students?

A bit of advice I have is to get to know your professors! They are more than just the people who feed you information, and the more that you get to know them, the more you can connect and the better your experience will be!

--Breanna Greenwood, History & Social Studies Major

Kendrick Bryan smiling in a dark suit
Alumni Spotlight

Kendrick Bryan, a teacher at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, was named the 2024 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Established in 2004, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional elementary through high school teachers for their outstanding contributions to American history education. Kendrick was also honored as a James Madison Fellow in 2017 and was recognized at a local ceremony presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. 

Kendrick and his wife, Lindsey, live in Elizabethtown with their two children. He also serves as a sponsor of the Pep Club and Student YMCA at LCHS. Kendrick has taught at LCHS since 2013.

--Kendrick Bryan, History & Social Studies, 2009; History MA, 2020

 

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 Last Modified 6/26/25