Welcome to Social Studies
Social Studies Overview
The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) defines social studies as “the study of individuals, communities, systems, and their interactions across time and place that prepares students for local, national, and global civic life.”
The Utah Standards for Social Studies reflect the content, concepts, and skills considered essential for all students, and follow the purpose of social studies education, as explained by NCSS: Using an inquiry-based approach, social studies helps students examine vast human experiences through the generation of questions, collection and analysis of evidence from credible sources, consideration of multiple perspectives, and the application of social studies knowledge and disciplinary skills. As a result of examining the past, participating in the present, and learning how to shape the future, social studies prepares learners for a lifelong practice of civil discourse and civic engagement in their communities. Social studies centers knowledge of human rights and local, national, and global responsibilities so that learners can work together to create a just world in which they want to live.
Social Studies Team
Utah Core Standards
The Utah Standards for Social Studies reflect the content, concepts, and skills considered essential for all students.The newly revised secondary social studies standards were adopted in the December 2016 Utah State Board of Education (USBE) meeting.
Grades Pre-K Through 6
Grades 7-12
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: Grades 7-12
Anthropology
While Anthropology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course outlines created by teachers will often refer to national standards.
Economics
While Economics is not a core requirement for High School graduation, it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.
Psychology
While Psychology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.
National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula American Psychology Association
Sociology
While Sociology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.
United States Government and Citizenship
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States Government and Citizenship
United States History I
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States History I
United States History II
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States History II
Utah Studies
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: Utah Studies
World Geography
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: World Geography
World History
Social Studies Team
Educator Endorsements
There are nine separate social studies endorsements. For information on endorsement options and requirements, please refer to the following:
Online Endorsement Courses
These courses are not the only courses that can meet the Social Studies Endorsement
requirements, but they are one option that may meet endorsement candidate needs. Other courses will be added as information is available. News about available courses and how to access them will be included on this webpage
and in the Social Studies Teacher ListServ.
Southwest Educational Development Center (SEDC) and Central Utah Educational Services
(CUES) in partnership with Utah Valley University (UVU) are sponsoring courses for
the Social Studies Endorsement. These courses are asynchronous, online, and self-directed.
Each course does need to be completed within the semester of enrollment (ex. If enrolled
in the Fall semester, the course must be completed at the conclusion of the Fall semester).
Spring Semester 2026 - January 5 to April 21
For courses planned in future semesters, visit Social Studies Endorsements on MyCues.org)
Course Name |
Instructor |
|
EDUC 6799R X01: Secondary Social Studies Methods |
Brent Strate |
|
EDUC 6799R X02: Women in Utah History |
James Steimle |
|
EDUC 6799R X03: Historiography |
Brandon Harrison |
|
EDUC 6799R X04: Utah History |
Joe B. Wright |
|
Enrollment |
Any licensed Utah K-12 teacher can enroll; however, these courses are designed for teachers who are currently teaching and desiring to add to their licensed endorsements. To Register and make payment, visit Social Studies Endorsements on MyCues.org. |
|
Learning Platform |
Courses are held in the CANVAS platform. |
|
Credit and Transcripts |
Credit is ONLY available through UVU for these courses. Upon course completion, the instructor will submit grades to UVU and credit will be recorded on an official transcript available for you to order. There is no requirement that participants be matriculated students at UVU. |
|
Cost |
Each course is $195 allowing for recording of credit and course facilitation costs. |
Programs
Capitol Field Trips
Dear Administrators and Educators,
The Capitol Preservation Board is thrilled to share good news about ongoing legislative transportation funding for tours.
Educators may bring students to the Capitol during the legislative session, or anytime during the school year to join in a docent led tour, or a self-guided tour and request for reimbursement of transportation costs. Requests for reimbursement can be submitted to the Capitol Preservation Board.
Field Trip Funding
To submit a request. Requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule a Tour
Guided, self-guided, and virtual tour options available.
United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
Program Overview
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an amazing opportunity for motivated student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation. Sponsored by the Senate and funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations since 1962, the USSYP mission is to encourage the best and brightest students in America's high schools to pursue careers in public service.
The Hearst Foundation's United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) 63rd Annual Washington Week will be held in Washington, D.C. March 7-14, 2026.
Two student leaders from each state will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.
High school juniors and seniors may qualify to apply through leadership positions they hold, per the USSYP official criteria, for the current academic year. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgement of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.
The application process begins each fall. To apply, students must be nominated by their school. Interested students should contact their school counselor or school administrator directly. Each Utah high school is invited and encouraged to nominate two exceptional high school juniors or seniors serving in an elected or appointed position with a strong interest in government and history. We will accept JROTC students who hold officer-level leadership positions within their cadet corps for the entire academic year as qualified to apply to the USSYP. These leadership positions, often called Cadet Corps Commanders, will be allowed as qualifying leadership positions for USSYP. Serving as a general JROTC cadet alone will NOT qualify.
Schools must have their nominations submitted to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) by 5 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025.
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, August 7, 2025
School nominations will now be accepted
For a link to the school nominee submission form, or for additional questions or information, school representatives should contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov.
Friday, September 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
School nominations due to the USBE (two per school)
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Nominated students will receive an email from USBE with further instructions for applying.
Note: We will no longer require a portfolio.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 11:59 p.m.
Student applications due to USBE
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student nominees will meet with judges to vie for a $10,000 scholarship and an invitation
to participate in Washington Week
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Washington Week in Washington, D.C.
Helpful Resources
Last Year
2024-2025
Previous Years
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
Social Studies Team
ListServ
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE), in collaboration with the Utah Education Network (UEN), has created a Social Studies Teacher ListServ for all social studies professionals across the state. Subscribe to stay up to date on social studies resources and professional learning opportunities.