Who can add a Social Studies endorsement?

• A certified teacher or a teacher preparation student with a teaching major or minor in History, Economics, Political Science, or Geography
• The “RX” endorsement can be added to an existing teaching certificate or to an initial
  provisional teaching certificate.

Why add the Social Studies endorsement?

• Per No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation a major or minor in a specific sub-area of the broad Social Studies major does NOT qualify a teacher to teach Social Studies; e.g., a teacher who is certified in History is NOT highly qualified to teach Social Studies (or any of the other Social Studies sub-areas: Political Science, Geography or Economics) without the RX endorsement.

What am I highly qualified to teach with the Social Studies endorsement?

• The Social Studies (RX) endorsement qualifies teachers to teach Social Studies as well as the subareas of Geography, History, Political Science, Civics/Government and Economics, without
  completing the coursework or passing the individual MTTC tests required for certification in
  these sub-areas.

What are the requirements for the Social Studies (RX) endorsement?

• A total of 36 semester credits in the Social Studies sub-areas of Geography, History, Political Science and Economics, including previously completed credits in these areas. (MDE rules allow double-counting of credits from an existing social studies sub-area major or minor.)
• A minimum Recommended courses: (Please discuss choices with an advisor) of 2 courses in each Social Studies sub-area: GEO, HST, PLS and EC
• EC 201 and EC 202
• PLS 100 and PLS 324 (or another 300- or 400-level American or state government-related
  course)
• GEO 204 and GEO 330
• HST 202 or 203 and HST 150 (or a 300- or 400-level history course)
• Pass the MTTC Social Studies “RX” test (See www.mttc.nesinc.com for test registration, study guide, test objectives and sample questions. Additional reading and preparation beyond the courses required is highly recommended). Be sure to have the MTTC score reported officially to MSU.
• Certified teachers must apply to have the endorsement added to their teaching certificate through the MSU Certification Office in 134 Erickson Hall.

Please see an advisor in 134 Erickson for more details and to develop an “RX” plan to keep on file in
134 Erickson. Currently enrolled MSU students can make an appointment with an advisor through
the online scheduling system. Others, including certified teachers, please call (517) 353-9680.