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First, some facts. Of the Social Studies Teacher Education graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 74 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Social Studies Teacher Education graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 32% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Social Studies Teacher Education graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 46% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Studies Teacher Education. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTraining Manager Scotty's Brewhouse, Inc. Jan 2014 - Oct 2014 Bar Manager  Scotty's Brewhouse, Inc. Jun 2014 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who have graduated with a degree in Social Studies Teacher Education, there's a clear pattern that emerges—many of them end up in teaching roles. Simply put, teaching social studies or related subjects is the most common job these graduates pursue. Whether it’s as a high school history teacher, a middle school social studies educator, or even a substitute teacher, plenty of these individuals are directly applying the skills and knowledge they gained from their degree in educational settings. This showcases how valuable a solid foundation in social studies can be when entering the teaching world.
However, not every job on the list is closely linked to social studies education. A significant portion of graduates veer off into roles that don’t directly relate to their degree. For instance, many have taken on positions in customer service, management, and administrative roles that utilize a general skill set but don’t require specific content knowledge or teaching methodologies from their education. A barista, a food server, or even an executive in a completely different field are examples of how people may end up using their social studies education in unexpected or tangential ways.
Some graduates also find themselves in educational roles that don't strictly adhere to social studies. Positions like program coordinators, curriculum specialists, or even roles in museums can incorporate aspects of social studies but can also lean more towards management or general educational techniques rather than direct teaching experiences. This shows that while these jobs can leverage the foundational skills learned in Social Studies Teacher Education, they might not engage with the curriculum as intensely as teaching would.
Overall, it’s evident that being a classroom teacher remains the most relevant career for those with this degree. Yet, there’s a diverse range of job paths that graduates explore, some of which may stray far from the core teaching principles of social studies. So, while teaching is the most prevalent career, the reality is that the job market for these graduates is varied, with many taking their knowledge in different directions. If you’re considering this degree, it’s a good idea to think about what you enjoy most—teaching in a classroom or potentially exploring other roles that could leverage your social studies background in different environments.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Social Studies Teacher Education graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Social Studies Teacher Education, it seems there's quite a mix in what people go on to do, especially within the first few years after graduation. Many of the more recently graduated individuals, like the one from State University of New York Cortland who became a Career and Technical Education Teacher, jumped directly into teaching roles. This trend is pretty common across the profiles analyzed, where a significant number of graduates begin their careers as student teachers, substitute teachers, or even as full-time classroom teachers right after graduation. For example, graduates from Clarion University and Central Washington University both started as long-term substitutes before moving into permanent teaching positions within a year or so. It's a solid pathway that aligns well with their education.
Fast forward five to ten years, though, and you start to see a more varied picture. While many individuals remain in education—like those who transitioned from being teachers to roles such as school principals or administrative positions—there's also a notable trend of graduates shifting out of traditional teaching roles into related fields. For instance, someone from SUNY Buffalo moved from middle school teaching to a regional director role at a running organization, demonstrating how skills from a teaching background can be versatile. Others seem to have taken a more winding path, ending up in positions like the Executive Administrator for IT at Jefferson County Public Schools or a Community Engagement Specialist, suggesting that not everyone sticks strictly to the educational realm.
Overall, while many graduates initially find teaching roles directly related to their degree, there's a more diverse array of career paths that emerge as their careers progress. Some continue to climb the education ladder, while others leverage their skills in a variety of fields. Unfortunately, a few graduates have found themselves drifting far from their educational roots altogether, ending up in roles that don’t really connect to Social Studies Teacher Education at all. It’s honestly a mixed bag, with clear signs of both success and challenges in finding meaningful, relevant positions that directly relate to their studies. So, for anyone considering a degree in Social Studies Teacher Education, it might be worth thinking about not just the immediate teaching jobs, but also how adaptable those skills can be in the long run.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Teacher Education can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not as rigorous as something like engineering or pre-med, but it has its own challenges, especially if you're passionate about history, politics, and cultural studies. You'll be doing plenty of reading, writing, and critical thinking, so if you're not into that, it could feel overwhelming at times. But if you enjoy discussing current events and diving into different cultures, you might find it pretty enjoyable. Overall, it’s about average in difficulty—just stay organized and engaged, and you should be fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Studies Teacher Education.
When looking at the job histories of these Social Studies Teacher Education graduates, it's clear that many have taken on roles that typically aren't known for big paychecks, especially early in their careers. For instance, most are starting off as teachers or substitutes, which generally means entry-level salaries. Some have moved into administrative or specialized positions over time, but even then, education jobs often don't rake in huge bucks compared to other fields. You may find a few scattered higher-paying roles, but as a whole, it's likely that many of these grads aren't making "big money" just yet.
On the flip side, there are a few who have been strategically building their careers by branching out into administrative or leadership roles within schools or education nonprofits, which might lead to better pay over time. Plus, teachers with experience might get decent salaries due to tenure and district pay scales. However, I’d say the majority are still navigating the relatively modest financial waters typical of the education sector. So, if you're thinking about going into teaching, just know that it's a rewarding path, but it might not make you rich. It's important to weigh your passion for teaching against those realities!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Social Studies Teacher Education. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Social Studies Teacher Education (ordered by the average relevance score of their Social Studies Teacher Education graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: