Graduate Study in Civics and American Principles
Reduced Price or Free Graduate Courses for K–12 Teachers
The Center joins the Jack Miller Center Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium to offer free or reduced-price graduate courses in history and political science for current K–12 teachers.
Masters of Science in Education (M.S.E.) Degree Partnership
Through a partnership with the College of Education and Professional Studies at Jacksonville State University and the Jack Miller Center Graduate Consortium, you can earn a traditional M.S.E. degree in Secondary Social Studies in summer-to-summer timeline for as low as 48% of the cost of tuition in a 100% online program. Those pursuing an Alternative-A pathway M.S.E. in Secondary Social Studies degree also see significant savings through this partnership.
Current K–12 teachers can complete their social science coursework through reduced price or free graduate courses offered by the Jack Miller Center’s Graduate Consortium and complete their professional studies courses, with a 20% scholarship on tuition, through Jacksonville State University. This pathway allows working educators to complete a high-quality, content-rich graduate degree without relocating.
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.)
Secondary Social Studies Education (Grades 6-12)
In Partnership with the Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium
Jax State – College of Education and Professional Studies
Earn you traditional degree in a summer to summer plan that costs only 48% of full tuition costs and is completely online!
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Secondary Social Studies Education at Jax State prepares highly qualified educators to teach history, government, economics, geography, and related social sciences at the secondary level. The program is designed for both:
- Certified teachers seeking a Traditional Master’s Degree, and
- Individuals pursuing initial certification through the Alternative-A pathway.
All M.S.E. Secondary Social Studies programs at Jax State are offered 100% online, providing flexibility for working professionals across Alabama and beyond.
Through a strategic partnership with the Jack Miller Center, candidates can take courses through the Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium (CFGC), where they will receive enhanced academic preparation in American history and civics while significantly lowering program costs.
Program Pathways
- Traditional Master’s (For Certified Teachers)
The Traditional M.S.E. pathway is designed for educators who already hold valid teaching certification in Secondary Social Studies (or a related field) and wish to:
- Advance content expertise
- Increase salary scale placement
- Strengthen instructional leadership
- Expand knowledge of American history, political institutions, and civics education
- Qualify to teach dual enrollment or adjunct political science courses (with appropriate coursework)
This pathway emphasizes:
- Advanced social studies pedagogy
- Research-informed instructional strategies
- Curriculum leadership
- Deepened content knowledge of foundational principles of American government through CFGC-supported coursework
- Alternative-A Master’s (Initial Certification)
The Alternative-A M.S.E. pathway is designed for individuals who:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Seek initial teacher certification in Secondary Social Studies
This program includes:
- Professional education coursework
- Field-based experiences
- Certification requirements aligned with Alabama State Department of Education standards
- Praxis and state certification support
- Social studies content coursework enhanced through CFGC
Candidates may be employed while completing program requirements, depending on district placement and state eligibility guidelines. Candidates not employed in Alabama schools will gain Alabama Teacher Certification in Secondary Social Studies Education (6-12) and will be assisted in applying for reciprocity to gain certification in their home state.
Partnership with the Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium (CFGC)
Enhancing Content. Expanding Opportunity. Lowering Cost.
Through collaboration with CFGC at Jax State, students in the M.S.E. Secondary Social Studies program receive:
Social Studies Coursework at Limited Cost
CFGC offers free or reduced-price political science and history courses to program participants. These courses:
- Fulfill most, if not all, of the required social studies content hours within the master’s program
- Strengthen preparation in American history, American government, constitutional knowledge, political institutions, and civics education
- Can provide advanced academic credentials in political science
Because CFGC courses are free or at a reduced-price, students significantly reduce their overall program tuition cost.
Qualification for Dual Enrollment and Adjunct Teaching
CFGC coursework also helps candidates:
- Meet graduate content hour requirements to teach dual enrollment government courses in high schools
- Qualify to serve as an adjunct instructor in political science (based on institutional and accreditor requirements, typically 18 graduate hours in the discipline)
This expanded credentialing increases professional opportunities while students complete their M.S.E.
Tuition and Financial Benefits
20% Tuition Scholarship
Jax State offers a 20% tuition scholarship for students who are currently employed as K–12 teachers.
This scholarship applies to eligible educators enrolled in the program and further reduces the total cost of earning the master’s degree.
Cost Savings Through CFGC
Because CFGC social studies courses are provided free or at a reduced cost, students:
- Lower total tuition expenses
- Complete required graduate content coursework
- Enhance their marketability
- Add dual enrollment and adjunct qualifications
Together, the 20% scholarship and CFGC-supported coursework make this one of the most cost-effective master’s programs available for social studies educators in Alabama.
Fully Online Delivery
All coursework in the M.S.E. Secondary Social Studies program is delivered completely online, allowing:
- Flexibility for full-time teachers
- Access for rural and underserved communities
- Asynchronous and structured learning formats
- Seamless integration with professional teaching schedules
Field experiences (for Alternative-A candidates) are completed in approved school settings.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared to:
- Teach Secondary Social Studies (grades 6–12)
- Teach Advanced Placement or honors-level courses
- Serve as instructional leaders in social studies departments
- Teach dual enrollment government courses
- Serve as adjunct political science instructors (with required graduate hours)
- Advance into curriculum leadership roles
Why Choose Jax State?
- Fully online master’s degree
- Traditional and Alternative-A pathways
- 20% tuition scholarship for K–12 teachers
- Free or reduced-priced CFGC social studies coursework
- Expanded credentialing for adjunct and dual enrollment teaching
- Strong partnerships with school districts
- Commitment to civic literacy and American principles
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more or beginning the application process, please contact:
Program Information
Dr. Russell Hammack
Secondary Social Studies Program
Email: rhammack@jsu.edu
Dr. Brandon Gilliland
Secondary Social Studies Program
Email: bgilliland3@jsu.edu
They can assist with questions regarding admission requirements, certification pathways, program structure, and course sequencing.
CFGC Course Information
Dr. Moyra Eaton
Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium Manger
Email: meaton@gojmc.org
Dr. Eaton can provide information regarding available social science courses, scheduling, and other questions about CFGC coursework.
Center for Leadership and American Principles Information
Dr. Benjamin Gross
Director of the Center Leadership and American Principles and Associate Professor of Political Science
Email: bgross@jsu.edu
Dr. Gross can provide assistance with questions about Jax State courses in the CFGC and other opportunities for K–12 teachers through the Center.
We look forward to supporting your next step in advancing your career in Secondary Social Studies Education.
2026 Summer Graduate Course – PSC 5500
An introduction to the foundational principles and thought of American government through the reading of primary sources and documents. Includes analysis of the Declaration of Independence, branches of the federal government, and principles of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a focus on improving civic literacy for elementary and secondary level (K-12) teachers and average citizens.
The Jack Miller Center's Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium is a group of universities committed to offering graduate education opportunities to K-12 civics and history teachers. In virtual and affordable courses taught by top scholars across the nation, teachers will deepen their knowledge of topics in American civics and history from the founding era to modern American political thought, with a special focus on reading and understanding primary sources.