In Short
The Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies presents an opportunity for you if you're interested in working with children and families in a variety of educational settings, but do not wish to become a licensed teacher. You will examine broad educational topics from a number of diverse perspectives.
Program Overview
This comprehensive program offers specific interdisciplinary courses and an internship that will bridge educational concepts and principles in political, historical, theoretical, and social contexts. In addition, students in the educational studies program will acquire critical understandings of learning and the sociological culture of the classroom, educational institutions, and society.
Graduates of the educational studies non-licensure program will have a broad view of education necessary for career paths that require a background in formal and informal educational settings.
This major does not require the MTEL and will not lead to teacher licensure in public schools. The curriculum is more flexible than the licensure programs and provides for the opportunity work in day care centers, private schools, and other positions that do not require state licensure.
On a national level, according to the 2016-2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, the projected increase in need for positions consistent with this degree are 8-12% over the next 10 years.*
The educational studies program offers specific pathways for student success in a chosen career or for further graduate study. The pathway courses are developed in conjunction with their academic advisor and the educational studies coordinator who will assist with career mentoring. The culminating internship connects course work with real life applications. While the pathways include 4-6 classes, students may choose additional free electives to provide further breadth within their identified pathway. Students may also choose to deepen their knowledge by completing a university-approved minor.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (visited May 2, 2019)
Experiential Opportunities
Internships
Study Abroad
Curriculum and Other Information
- BS, Educational Studies - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Four-Year Plan of Study - Required and elective courses for program completion.
Students Learning Outcomes based on the NACE Competencies
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
- Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit documents needed to communicate to others.
- Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and others representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict in the broader community.
- Digital Literacy: The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies. The individual uses technology to expand their knowledge and skills.
- Leadership: Uses interpersonal strengths to set common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach, teach and/or develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
- Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, accepts and utilizes constructive criticism well, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
- Career Management: Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals. Identify areas necessary for professional growth and set goals and plans to achieve them, and participate in professional career activities. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
- Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
- Learning and Development: Develop knowledge of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in children through adulthood. Demonstrate knowledge of teaching practices and learning theories.
- Industrial or Freelance Trainer
- Private School Vocational Technical Teacher
- Project Manager
- Teacher/Educator