The MEd in Social Studies Education is a professional degree for the graduate student who wishes to pursue advanced study in the field. This is not a first certification program, that is, all applicants for the MEd program in Social Studies Education at the University of Pittsburgh must hold an Instructional I teaching certificate. The degree consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours and may be completed on a part-time basis. For those students who have completed the Professional Year certification program, 18 credits from that program may be counted toward the MEd degree. All students must also pass a comprehensive examination before the MEd will be awarded.