For information, contact Department Chair and Assistant Professor Melissa Kamyab, , or 610-606-4666, ext. 4566.

The Education major prepares professional educators to meet the many challenges of today’s classroom through pedagogy, content, and leadership. Acceptance into the College does not constitute acceptance as a declared education major. All teacher certification candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 354 requirements as well as the liberal arts requirements of Cedar Crest College.

Mission Statement of the Education Program

The Cedar Crest College Education Department is grounded in the premise that education provides the basis for women’s leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and global connectivity. The Education Department is committed to the preparation of the next generation of teachers who have a strong foundation in research-based pedagogy and content knowledge. Our graduates will be dedicated to the profession and strive to ensure that all children achieve to high academic standards.

Education Department Diversity Statement

The Education Department believes that at the very heart of teaching is the acceptance of all individuals. Instructional pedagogy and curricular decisions are grounded in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We honor students’ voices, encourage thoughtful discourse, and promote inclusivity.

The Education Department

Full-time faculty and staff contributing to the Education Program include the following individuals:

• Melissa Kamyab, Assistant Professor and Department Chair, Ed.D., Lehigh University, , ext. 4566
• Jill Purdy, Professor of Education, Ed.D., Widener University, , ext. 3419
• Ivonne Miranda, Assistant Professor and Supervisor of Field & Student Teaching, Ph.D., Walden University, , ext. 3616
• Sarah Fields, Office Manager and Coordinator of Field & Student Teaching Experience, M.Ed., Cedar Crest College, , ext. 4610

The Education Department is located on the second floor of Curtis Hall. The Donley Education Classroom is located on the first floor of Curtis Hall in room 131 and is the home of the #WeRead360 children and young adult literature collection, an annex of the College’s Cressman Library. This library contains over 3,000 books available for checkout to all Cedar Crest College students.

The #WeTeach360 Professional Education Collection is located in Curtis Hall 227, housing a collection of professional resources which are available for checkout to all Cedar Crest College students. The Education Department Student Lounge is located in Curtis 230. Students are welcome to use these facilities. Education Department Faculty offices are located Curtis 223-230.

Admissions Credentials-Teacher Certification

Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 354 regulation, students must successfully complete 48 credits with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above and meet all Basic Skills Testing requirements prior to full acceptance into the teacher certification program. On July 8, 2022, former Governor Wolf signed Act 55 that waives the Basic Skills Testing requirements for all students who officially declare the education major through July 8, 2025. This waiver does not apply to the other certification exams; students will still need to complete the test(s) specific to their area(s) of certification before applying for their PDE teaching certificate. Students not eligible to officially declare the education major by July 8, 2025, must meet the basic skills testing requirements.

To remain in the teacher education program and be eligible for the student teaching semester, all students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Additionally, prospective teachers are required to take six credits of college course work in mathematics; three credits in English composition; and three credits in American or British literature and earn a grade of C or higher in these courses. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended before Cedar Crest College and meet all the same requirements of a traditional student. For further information, please contact the Education Department.

Education Department Outcomes

Teacher candidates will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of content and plan effective standards-based instruction that reflects research-based pedagogy and incorporates knowledge of best practices while addressing the needs of all learners.
2. Create motivating and safe learning environments that are accessible to all learners while encouraging positive social interaction, self-management, and active learning.
3. Employ a variety of instructional strategies and technologies to promote students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills and differentiate instructional delivery to meet the needs of all learners.
4. Demonstrate a high level of professional conduct and a responsive and collaborative attitude when interacting with peers, professors, students, mentor teachers, and the community.

Transfer Students and Adult Students

Eligible courses for transfer are examined through the lens of the Pennsylvania Department of Education competencies and requirements.

• Courses older than 10 years will not be accepted into the program as transfer credits.
• ECE, EDU, and SPE courses that are equivalent to the program’s 100, 200, and 300 level classes must be taken within the past 7 years to be considered for transfer credit.

Questions about transfer course credit should be directed to the Department Chair.

Leave of Absence Policy

Students wishing to take an authorized leave of absence from any Education program must do so by submitting the Withdrawal Application via MyCedarCrest. A screenshot of the completed Withdrawal Application must also be sent to the Department Chair. The Registrar approves requests for leaves of absence. Withdrawals from individual courses are not considered official leaves of absence.

Master of Education/ 4 + 1 Program

The 4+1 program allows traditional Cedar Crest College students majoring in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education to complete their undergraduate degree and the Master of Education in the Art of Teaching in five years. In addition to earning their initial teaching certification, students completing the 4+1 will also earn an English as a Second Language Specialist Certification as a part of their program.

Candidates for the 4+1 program must apply to the Master of Education Program. Matriculation into the program is contingent upon successful completion of the undergraduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you are interested in this program, please contact the Director of the Graduate Education Program for additional requirements.

Early Childhood Education Major

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood with teaching certification prepares the student for teaching in the PreK-4 classroom.  

Early Childhood Education Major Course Requirements

Liberal Arts Curriculum and General Education (PDE) Requirements

WRI 100 College Writing (WRI-1) 3 credits
WRI-2 satisfied in major with SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process
ENG 101, ENG 102, OR ENG 120 American or British Literature (HUM) 3 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics (ML) 3 credits
MAT 202 Mathematics for the Early Childhood Teacher (ML) 3 credits
HIS 121 OR HIS 122 Survey of U.S. History I or II (HUM) 3 credits

Ethics LAC 3 credits
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (SS) 3 credits
PSY 210 Lifespan Development (PDE requirement; prerequisite PSY 100) 3 credits
SOC 100 Introduction to Culture and Society (SS) 3 credits
DNC 209 Creative Movement and Embodied Learning (ART) 3 credits
ART 110 Principles of Visual Organization (ART) 3 credits
BIO 111 Concepts in Ecology & Environmental Issues and Lab (SCI) 4 credits
BIO 112 or other physical science course (SCI) 3 credits
CCC 206 Sophomore Experience or Global Studies Course (GS) 3 credits

First-Year Experience (traditional students only): 4 credits
FYS 1XX First-Year Seminar 3 credits
CCC 101 College Life 0.5 credits
CCC 102 Exploring Your Future 0.5 credits

Electives: 12 credits

Total credits for LAC /PDE requirements and electives: 59 credits

Education Program /Course Requirements

EDU 100 Foundations of American Education 3 credits
EDU 102 Educational Psychology 3 credits
EDU 151 Field Experience I 1 credit (co-requisite EDU 100)

ECE 207 Literacy Teaching and Learning (Pre-K to Grade 5) 3 credits

EDU 211 Teaching Writing 3 credits
EDU 213 Field Experience III: Early Childhood Education 1 credit (co-requisite EDU 211)
EDU 240 Nutrition, Health, and Safety 3 credits

ECE 305 Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
EDU 308 Integrating the Arts Across the Curriculum 3 credits
EDU 317 Curriculum, Assessment, & Learning Experiences in Science for Early Childhood Educators 3 credits
EDU 319 Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Experiences for Social Studies for Early Childhood Educators 3 credits
EDU 321 Field Experience IV: Early Childhood Education (co-requisite EDU 317 or EDU 319) 1 credit

EDU 332 Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Experiences in Mathematics for Early Childhood Educators 3 credits
EDU 340 Differentiated Reading Instruction for Early Childhood Education 3 credits

EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits SPE 220 Evidence-Based Approaches 3 credits
SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits
SPE 245 Field Experience II (co-requisite SPE 241) 1 credit
SPE 344 Adaptations, Modifications, and Assistive Technology 3 credits

Student Teaching:  

EDU 372 Student Teaching: Early Childhood Education 9 credits
EDU 374 Professional Education Seminar 3 credits

Total = 61 credits
Total Credits for Early Childhood Education Major = 120 credits

Please note:

• Students may not be enrolled in any other courses during their student teaching semester.
• Students must complete the above courses with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• To officially declare the Early Childhood Education major, students must successfully complete 48 credits, and meet Basic Skills Testing requirements when applicable. As of the time of this document (April 2023) basic skills testing requirements have been waived for all students who formally declare the education major through July 8, 2025. Please note that testing requirements are subject to change by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) at any time.
• A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all education courses.
• Students who are not proficient in oral/written communication in the English language as determined by classroom performance and the evaluation of cooperating mentor teachers in Field Experiences may be required to take additional courses to meet basic competencies in English communication.

Secondary Education Major

The Secondary Education major prepares professional educators to meet the many challenges of teaching in the grade 7-12 classroom. Prospective secondary teachers should major in Secondary Education while following a concentration in one of the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, or Spanish.

Spanish concentration coursework must be completed through the LVAIC consortium; all classes will not be offered at the Cedar Crest College campus.

 Secondary Education Major Course Requirements

Liberal Arts Curriculum and General Education (PDE) Requirements

Writing-1 3 credits: WRI 100 College Writing
Writing-2 3 credits: satisfied in major with SPE 241 The Exceptional Child
Mathematics 6 credits
Social Science 6 credits
Ethics 3 credits
Arts 6 credits
Humanities 6 credits: American or British Literature (3 credits) required
Natural Science (one must be lab-based) 7 or 8 credits
CCC 206 Sophomore Experience or Global Studies Course 3 credits

First-Year Experience (Traditional Four-Year Students Only) 4 credits

First-Year Seminar (3 credits)
College Life (0.5 credit)
Exploring your Future (0.5 credit)

Note: Some courses may satisfy content-area requirements. Spanish Certification Students will also need to take ENG 303 Linguistics and Development (3 credits)

Total credits for LAC /PDE requirements: 44 credits

Education Program Course Requirements 40 credits total

EDU 100 Foundations of American Education 3 credits
EDU 102 Educational Psychology 3 credits
EDU 151 Field Experience I 1 credit
EDU 214 Reading in the Content Area 3 credits
EDU 215 Field Experience III: Secondary Education 1 credit (co-requisite EDU 214)

EDU 350 Field Experience IV: Secondary 1 credit (co-requisite EDU 346/7/8/9)

EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits SPE 220 Evidence-Based Approaches 3 credits
SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits
SPE 245 Field Experience II 1 credit (co-requisite SPE 241)

One of the following based on Secondary Content Area
EDU 346 Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Experiences for Secondary Science
and Mathematics 3 credits or
EDU 347 Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Experiences for Secondary Social Studies 3 credits or
EDU 348 Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Experiences for Secondary English 3 credits    or       
EDU 349 Curriculum, Assessment and Learning Experiences for K-12 World Language 3 credits

Student Teaching:
EDU 373 Student Teaching: Secondary Education 9 credits
EDU 374 Professional Education Seminar 3 credits

Please note:

• A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Secondary certification students may need additional elective courses to reach this requirement.
• Students may not be enrolled in any other courses during their student teaching semester.
• Students must complete the above courses with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• To officially declare the Secondary Education major, students must successfully complete 48 credits, and meet Basic Skills Testing requirements when applicable. As of the time of this document (April 2023) basic skills testing requirements have been waived for all students who formally declare the education major through July 8, 2025. Please note that testing requirements are subject to change by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) at any time.  
• A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all education courses. The minimum grade for content-area coursework may vary based on departmental policy. Students should check with their content-area advisors for specific requirements.

Students who are not proficient in oral/written communication in the English language as determined by classroom performance and the evaluation of cooperating mentor teachers in Field Experiences may be required to take additional courses to meet basic competencies in English communication.

Secondary Education Content Area Required Courses

Biology Concentration

BIO 123 Foundations of Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 316 Conservation Biology and GIS
BIO 117 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits*
BIO 118 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits*
BIO 358 Science, Ethics, and Society 3 credits**
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits or
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits

Total Credits: 50

* When offered, students can substitute Comparative Animal Physiology with lab for BIO 117/118 with labs. Students majoring in BIO or IBO can apply 5 credits toward the upper-level elective requirement by completing BIO 117/118 with labs.
** BIO 350 (Junior Colloquium) is a prerequisite for BIO 358. If a student’s major does not require BIO 358, they must get permission of the instructor to take BIO 358 without completing BIO 350.

Chemistry Concentration

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry 3 credits
CHE 320 Environmental Chemistry 3 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry 3 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 3 credits

Total Credits: 37

English Major for Secondary Education

Core requirements: 21 credits

ENG 101 Survey of British Literature I 3 credits or
ENG 102 Survey of British Literature II 3 credits
ENG 245 Topics in World Literature 3 credits or
ENG 105 Survey of World Literature I 3 credits
ENG 206 Chaucer 3 credits or
ENG 211 Shakespeare 3 credits or
ENG 229 Major American Authors
ENG 120 Survey of American Literature 3 creditsENG 200 Literary Analysis 3 credits
ENG 204 Linguistics and Development of the English Language 3 credi
ENG 352 English Seminar or designated capstone offering 3 credits (Junior or Senior Class Standing)

Film Course Elective: 3 credits

COM 140 Introduction to Film 3 credits or
COM 240 History of Cinema 3 credits or
COM 244 Topics in Film 3 credits or
ENG 180 Women Go to the Movies 3 credits

Advanced Literature Electives: 9 credits: complete at least three additional English literature courses from any literary field at the 3oo-level

Students are required to choose THREE ENG literature courses offered at Cedar Crest College at the 200-level to register for at the 300-level. ENG 200 may not be taken at the 300-level.

Students taking a 200-level ENG literature course at the 300-level will be expected to complete alternate assignments for the course that reflect engagement with the course materials at a more advanced level.

English majors with the secondary education concentration will discuss with their English advisor at the time of registration for classes each semester whether they wish to roster any ENG literature course(s) at the 300-level and which course(s). Their advisor will then contact the Registrar to register the student individually for the 300-level course number associated with each chosen 200-level course.

Students may not repeat an ENG literature course taken at the 200-level by registering for it again at the 300-level. Students may, however, repeat a 200-level course at the 300-level if it is a course offered with a different topic, e.g., ENG 224, ENG 225, or ENG 227.

Creative Writing Elective: 3 credits

ENG 233 Creative Writing: Fiction 3 credits or
ENG 234 Creative Writing: Poetry 3 credits or
ENG 235 Topics in Nonfiction Writing 3 credits

Portfolio of Writing Requirement:

A professional portfolio of course writings suitable for publication, for submission to a graduate program, or for consideration by a prospective employer. Due by the end of classes in the semester prior to the student’s teaching semester. For content and assessment, refer to “Portfolio of Writing” in the Guide to the English Program.

Total Credits: 36

Spanish Concentration

ENG 303 Linguistics and Development 3 credits
SPA 203 Spanish in the Workplace 3 credits
SPA 301 Spanish Grammar and Composition 3 credits
SPA 302 Spanish Conversation 3 credits
SPA 303 or 304 Survey of Spanish Literature and Culture 3 credits
SPA 305 Survey of Latin American Literature and Culture 3 credits
SPA 311 Hispanic Culture and Civilization 3 credits or
SPA 312 Hispanic Popular Culture in the United States 3 credits
SPA 315 Topics and Hispanic Literature and Culture 3 credits
200 or 300-level SPA literature and culture elective 3 credits
200 or 300-level SPA literature and culture elective 3 credits

Total Credits: 30

The Spanish language concentration may be completed with a combination of Cedar Crest Spanish courses and courses offered by the College’s affiliated providers, the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) and Acadeum. Incoming students must speak proficient Spanish at the level to enter 300-level coursework. Students’ Spanish proficiency will be assessed prior to entering the program.

Prior to student teaching, Spanish certification candidates must be formally evaluated in oral proficiency before their student teaching semester.  Students must achieve a minimum level of Advanced Low on this evaluation.  

Mathematics Concentration

MAT 140 Pre-Calculus (or MAT elective 200-level or higher) 3 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
MAT 210 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 3 credits
MAT 211 Calculus III 3 credits
MAT 212 Vector Calculus 3 credits
MAT 224 Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
MAT 311 Linear Algebra 3 credits
MAT 316 Modern Algebra 3 credits
MAT 324 Modern Geometry 3 credits

Total Credits: 30

Social Studies Concentration

HIS 107   European History to 1660 I 3 credits
HIS 108  European History Since 1660 3 credits
HIS 121  Survey of US History I 3 credits
HIS 122  Survey of US History II 3 credits
HIS 224 America as a World Power 3 credits
PSC 110 American Politics 3 credits
PSC 120 Introduction to International Relations 3 credits
PSC 206 Presidents & Parliaments: Topics in Comparative Politics 3 credits
GST 100 or SOC 222 Introduction to Global Studies OR Global Social Justice 3 credits
ECO 222 Economic Geography 3 credits

Total Credits: 30

As an alternative to the 30-credit Social Studies Concentration, students may choose to satisfy the Social Studies Concentration within the Secondary Education major with a History or Political Science major. However, students who choose this route are strongly encouraged to complete additional courses to ensure adequate coverage of PDE competencies as assessed via the Praxis exam. In particular, history majors are strongly encouraged to take as electives in the major those classes that are required for the Social Studies concentration (PSC 110, HIS 224, PSC 120, PSC 206). In addition, students should supplement their History major with GST 100 or SOC 222, and ECO 222. Political Science majors should consider concentrating in American Politics or Global Politics. Students are strongly encouraged to supplement their Political Science major with HIS 107 and HIS 108.

Special Education Major

The Special Education major prepares professional educators to meet the many challenges of the 21st century special education classroom. Prospective special education teachers will earn a teacher certification in special education Pre-K to 12 grades.

Special Education Major with Teaching Certification Pre-K – 12

Liberal Arts Curriculum and General Education (PDE) Requirements

WRI 100 College Writing (WRI-1) 3 credits
WRI-2 satisfied in major with SPE 241 The Exceptional Child
ENG 101, 102, or 120 American or British Literature (HUM) 3 credits
Humanities Elective: US History Course Recommended (HUM) 3 credits
MAT 202 Mathematics for the Early Childhood Educator (ML) 3 credits
Math Elective: MAT 110 Probability & Statistics Recommended (ML) 3 credits

Ethics LAC 3 credits

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (SS) 3 credits
Social Science Elective (SS) 3 credits
DNC 209 Creative Movement and Embodied Learning (ART) 3 credits

Art Elective (ART) 3 credits

Science Elective w/lab (SCI) 4 credits

Science Elective (No Lab) (SCI) 3 credits

CCC 206 Sophomore Experience or other GS course (GS) 3 credits

First Year Experience (Traditional Students Only) 4 credits

FYS 1XX First-Year Seminar 3 credits
CCC 101 College Life 0.5 credits
CCC 102 Exploring Your Future 0.5 credits

Electives: 18 credits

Total credits for LAC /PDE requirements and electives: 62 credits

Required Education and Special Education Courses:

EDU 100 Foundations of American Education 3 credits
EDU 102 Educational Psychology 3 credits
EDU 151 Field Experience I 1 credit
SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits
SPE 245 Field Experience II 1 credit (co-requisite SPE 241)
SPE 250 Subject Area Content Access 3 credits
ECE 207  Literacy Teaching and Learning (Pre-K to Grade 5)or EDU 211 Teaching Writing 3 credits
SPE 220 Evidence-Based Approaches (pre-req SPE 241) 3 credits
EDU 214 Reading in the Content Area 3 credits
EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits
SPE 310 Intensive Reading, Writing, and Mathematics 3 credits
SPE 315 Autism: Evidence-Based Practices 3 credits
SPE 333 Data-Driven Decision-Making: Screening, Assessment & Evaluation 3 credits
SPE 344 Adaptations, Modifications, and Assistive Technology 3 credits
SPE 347 Evidence-Based Approaches for Students with Emotional Disorders 3 credits
SPE 348 Low Incidence Disabilities 3 credits
SPE 355 Field Experience III: Special Education 1 credit
SPE 356 Field Experience IV: Special Education 1 credit

Student Teaching

SPE 375 Student Teaching: Special Education 9 credits
EDU 374 Professional Education Seminar 3 credits – must be taken with SPE 375
EDU 374 Professional Education Seminar 3 credits – must be taken with SPE 375

Total Special Education Major Credits = 58 credits

Total Major Credits = 120

Please note:

• Students may not be enrolled in any other courses during their student teaching semester.
• Students must complete the above courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• To officially declare the Special Education major, students must successfully complete 48 credits, and meet Basic Skills Testing requirements when applicable. As of the time of this document (April 2023) basic skills testing requirements have been waived for all students who formally declare the education major through July 8, 2025. Please note that testing requirements are subject to change by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) at any time.
• A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all education courses.
• Students who are not proficient in oral/written communication in the English language as determined by classroom performance and the evaluation of cooperating mentor teachers in Field Experiences may be required to take additional courses to meet basic competencies in English communication.

Students may pursue the Special Education major in the accelerated 3-year degree format, completing at least 120 credits in three years (with summer study) rather than the standard four. Please see the catalog section on “3-Year Bachelor Degree” programs for details.

Educational Studies Major

The Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies is an interdisciplinary program that is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge in educational theory and effective practices that relate to teaching and learning in many different fields. This major differs from other majors in the Education Department as degree completion will not lead to teacher certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This major prepares the graduate to teach or serve as an instructional leader in a career opportunity that is outside of the traditional school setting.

The Educational Studies major combines the study of basic educational theory with courses that provide a background in business principles, relationships, and communications. It is an interdisciplinary major that involves a core of education courses (18 credits) and required interdisciplinary courses (24 credits) offered through six different departments. In addition, the student has the opportunity to explore individual interests and select 28 elective credits in desired areas.

Note: The Educational Studies program may not be combined with any other education program (Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and/or Special Education) as a dual major or minor.

Mission Statement of the Educational Studies Program

The Educational Studies program is committed to the preparation of students who desire to make a difference by participating in the workplace in capacities which further the education of others, advocate for others, or create a new business opportunity. This interdisciplinary major provides students with experiences which match the needs of today’s work environments such as working collaboratively and employing strong communication skills. The major is grounded in the premise that a Cedar Crest College education offers the foundation for women’s leadership, civic engagement, and global connectivity.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies will be able to:

1. Research critical public issues and policies, and orally present these topics to a group.
2. Communicate vital information to colleagues and the public in a clear and concise manner using oral, written, and electronic formats.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals in the workplace and instructional settings.
4. Execute the responsibilities and duties of an internship in a local organization for a minimum 12-week (72 hours) time period.

Prepare and present a culminating project that includes original research and reflections on the internship experience.

Educational Studies Major

Liberal Arts Curriculum Requirements

Writing:

WRI 100 College Writing (WRI-1) 3 credits
WRI-2 satisfied in major with SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process

Mathematics and Logic: 6 credits

Natural Science:  7 credits (including one lab-based course)

Arts: 6 credits         

Humanities: 6 credits     

Social Sciences:

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits   
SOC 100 Introduction to Culture & Society 3 credits

Ethics: 3 credits

Global Studies: 3 credits; may be satisfied through sophomore experience

First Year Experience: 4 credits

FYS 1XX First-Year Seminar 3 credits
CCC 101 College Life 0.5 credits
CCC 102 Exploring Your Future 0.5 credits

Liberal Arts Curriculum: 44 credits                     

Educational Studies Major Course Requirements

Core Education Courses

EDU 100 Foundations of American Education 3 credits
EDU 240 Nutrition, Health, and Safety 3 credits
EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits
ECE 305 Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits
SPE XXX Another Special Education Course 3 credits

Interdisciplinary Major Requirements

ACC 101 Financial Accounting or BUA 220 Human Resources Management 3 credits
COM 100 Introduction to Communication 3 credits
COM 102 Media Literacy or COM 120 Introduction to New Media 3 credits
ENG 230 Introduction to Professional Writing 3 credits
LDR 150 Foundations of Leadership 3 credits
PSY 227 Principals of Helping Relationships or PSY 230 Team Building & Group Dynamics 3 credits
SWK 300 Community Organizing 3 credits
THS 105 Public Speaking 3 credits

Capstone Experience:

EDU 380 Research and Community Engagement in Educational Studies 6 credits
(completed in final semester)

Educational Studies Major Courses – 48 credits (Includes Capstone Experiences)

Electives: 28 credits

Please note:

• Students should concentrate on one or two areas of interest for elective courses.
• Several of the Interdisciplinary Major courses have LAC designations. If the courses are used to fulfill LAC requirements, then more electives credits will be needed to complete the 120 credits required for degree completion and graduation.

Total Number of Credits: 120 credits

Educational Studies Minor

The minor in Educational Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with fundamental knowledge in educational theory and effective practices that relate to teaching and learning in many different fields. This minor introduces students to education and its related fields including psychology, social work, special education, and art. The participant in this minor will engage in child development studies, leadership, and advocacy. This Education Department also offers a BS in Educational Studies for those who want to pursue this discipline further.

The minor is 18 credits. Twelve credits are education courses and 6 credits are electives from other disciplines.

Note: The Educational Studies program may not be combined with any other education program (Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and/or Special Education) as a dual major or minor.

Core Education Courses: 12 credits

EDU 100 Foundations of American Education 3 credits
ECE 305 Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
EDU 359 Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits

One of the following:

SPE 241 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits (WRI-2)
SPE 250 Subject Area Content Access 3 credits
SPE 220 Evidence-Based Approaches 3 credits

Electives: 6 Credits

Select two of the courses below. Please be sure to check prerequisites in the college catalog for these options.

ART 103 Introduction to Art Therapy 3 credits
ART 110 Principles of Visual Organization 3 credits
EDU 102 Educational Psychology 3 credits
EDU 240 Nutrition, Health, and Safety 3 credits
LDR 150 Foundations in Leadership 3 credits
PSY 210 Lifespan Development 3 credits
PSY 227 Principles of Helping Relationships 3 credits
PSY 230 Team Building and Group Dynamics 3 credits
SOC 321 Family as a Social Institution 3 credits
SWK 300 Community Organizing 3 credits
SWK 304 Child Abuse, Maltreatment & Neglect in Childhood and Adolescence 4 credits