Education Studies, B.A.

About the Program

Education Studies is a cross-disciplinary field that considers learning, teaching, and schooling as lenses through which to understand social processes and contexts. This major conceptualizes education broadly, recognizing that the study of education can serve a variety of purposes, apply to diverse demographic groups, and be situated within a range of institutional and social contexts.

As a course of study, Education Studies can offer students the chance to explore topics such as human development, education policy, the history of schooling, educational research methodology, learning theory, the sociology of education, and urban education, among others. The major can prepare students for a wide assortment of jobs in schools and afterschool programs, non-profit institutions, international development agencies, cultural institutions, and government. It can also serve as a solid foundation for advanced graduate work in education, sociology, anthropology, psychology, history, political science, or international studies.

Concentrations

The curriculum consists of four concentrations. Each student will select one of these concentrations and then complete the required courses’ nine strands, as detailed below. In addition to these strands, students will complete a series of concentration courses related to their chosen concentration and a special 3-credit course to complete their capstone project, all with the guidance and supervision of a faculty advisor.

Education Policy Concentration focuses on understanding how decisions that shape the focus, content, and institutional structures of education are made and how various stakeholder groups engage in this decision-making process.

Global and Comparative Education Concentration asks students to think critically about the similarities and differences between educational systems and approaches around the globe.

Children and Youth Concentration draws on the field of Childhood Studies, examining childhood and youth as socially constructed categories that are shaped by and that shape their social context.

Teaching and Learning Concentration takes a deep and expansive theoretical and practical perspective on what it means to teach and learn, exploring various conceptions of pedagogy and theories of learning.

Requirements

Students are required to take at least 52 credits to fulfill the major, with at least 33 credits coming from School of Education courses (including University Seminars taught by School of Education full-time and part-time faculty), and this program can be combined with one of the School of Education’s 5-year options.

Students must identify their chosen concentration by the start of their junior year.

Education Studies majors are expected to take at least one course involving significant fieldwork or complete a credit-bearing internship or other substantive field experience related to their chosen concentration.

Seniors in either the 4- or 5-year program may obtain special permission from an advisor and course instructors to take graduate courses from an approved list.