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Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education Social Studies MS

Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Teachers holding a meeting in a room.

Is this program right for you?

Want to help students become informed, active citizens in our diverse world? Become a social studies teacher! Effective teachers are passionate, engage with current events, and foster meaningful discussions. Our program prepares you to transform learning and inspire thoughtful, responsible citizens.

  • Our program is suitable for people looking to move into the teaching profession
  • In just two summers and one academic year, gain experience in educational theory, engaging students and translating your studies into curriculum
  • You proceed through the program as a cohort, so you are surrounded by peers and faculty to support you
  • Students are eligible to participate in the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge

Education that works for you

In just 14 months, become certified to teach high school and middle school social studies, and ready to enrich your life, your classroom and your community.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

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Degree awarded

Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Commitment

14 months

Tuition

Resident: $670.47 per credit
Nonresident: $1,503.40 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

51 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for summer term

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

No

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Summer 2025

  • Deadline: June 1, 2025

Summer 2026

  • Priority deadline: January 15, 2026
  • Deadline: June 1, 2026

Summer 2027

  • Priority deadline: January 15, 2027
  • Deadline: June 1, 2027
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of four content areas (English, social studies, science, or mathematics)
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Submit GRE scores using code 1846*
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

*If applicant GPA is below 3.0

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Supplemental application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • You must apply in one of the four subject areas (English, social studies, science, or mathematics)

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

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February 20, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

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February 20, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Graduate Programs Virtual Open House

Hear from enrollment coaches and other staff to gain insight into the application process, and discover the array of services and resources available to graduate students at UW–Madison.

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February 26, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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March 6, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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March 6, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Teacher Education Center Programs

Join program staff to learn strategies to make your Teacher Education Center Master’s program application stand out. Content coordinators will then provide a brief overview of expectations and application review criteria, focusing on addressing applicants’ specific questions.

Register now →

March 12, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Application Assistance: ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation

Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out.

Register now →

March 12, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

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Join students from the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it meets their academic needs, why it is a good fit and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

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April 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Student Panel: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

Join students from the MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it meets their academic needs, why it is a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

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April 15, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

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April 16, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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Join a faculty member from the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program for a talk.

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Join Lisa Hebgen, MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program director, to learn more about career options for program graduates.

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Results that work for you

Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education Social Studies MS

$61,800

Average market salary in 2021

Job titles

  • High school teacher
  • Middle school teacher

5%

Projected growth from 2020-2030 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

#1

The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings

What you’ll learn

The Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education Social Studies MS program prepares you to be a successful secondary educator. You’ll delve into practical methods for classroom management, inclusive education, and ESL instruction, while gaining a solid understanding of education policy through coursework and fieldwork.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Classroom management
  • Inclusive education
  • ESL methods
  • Educational policy
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