In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid for your Sociology Education degree.
Sociology Education (6-12)
Sociology Education: Teaching Sociology in Grades 6-12
Sociology is the scientific study of individuals, groups, and society – important things to teach the next generation. With a Sociology Education degree, you can help students understand more about social issues and the analysis of small-scale interactions and large-scale institutions, including the effects of gender, social class, race, religion, and other aspects of culture and society. At Wayne State, you will develop the tools you need to become a sociology teacher at the junior high and high school levels. With a Sociology Education degree, you’ll be able to help your students prepare to positively contribute to an increasingly diverse society.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A., B.S. (Subject Endorsement)
In addition to choosing the Sociology subject endorsement, you will also need to select a field endorsement or a second subject endorsement to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Hours required:
For endorsement: 36
Professional education: 27-33
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)
Popular pairings: Psychology Education (6-12), Social Studies Education (6-12), Middle Level Education (5-9), Coaching (7-12)
Schools: Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Psychology and Sociology, Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.
No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
College Affordability Guide
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2022 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. College Affordability Guide focuses not only on the financial cost of colleges, but on the opportunity cost: what happens to students once they're enrolled. Do they graduate? Can they pay back their loans? Their analysis is designed to find schools that are affordable not only for the average student, but for lower-income students as well.
Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits, including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Sociology Education degree program.
Skills Learned
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Written and oral communication
- Cultural competency
- Information literacy
- Awareness of global issues
- Social welfare system and service program evaluation
- Analysis of population trends
- Knowledge of the history and role of race and ethnics groups in the United States
Possible Careers
- Sociology teacher
- Social worker
- Family services worker
- Admissions rep
- Public policy analyst
- Consumer research specialist
- Probation counselor
- Human resource specialist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Case manager or advisor
- Research analyst
Employers
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Education and learning centers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Behavioral health clinics
- Social services agencies
- Community organizations
- Government / federal agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Business and corporations
- Law enforcement agencies
- Research and consulting firms
- Political offices
- Marketing firms
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your Sociology Education degree by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Active Minds
- Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology honor society)
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Aspirting Educators
- Pi Gamma Mu (social sciences honor society)
- Psychology/Sociology Club
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career! Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Research projects, class trips and more – Conduct your own research projects and present your work at area sociological symposiums and conferences. You will also have opportunities to attend lectures by guest speakers and visit places of sociological interest.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your degree to teach sociology, you’ll complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the sociology education program.
Marianna Baykina, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Shane Westfall
Assistant Professor