B.A. Degree with a Major in Education Studies

This degree is designed to introduce students to the meaning and purposes of education including the nature and purpose of the liberal arts. The program is broadly conceived to acquaint students with a historical view of the academic disciplines, the purposes of the common schools, and the ways in which these relate to the work of teachers in the schools in a democracy. Collateral and elective choices in the major allow students, in consultation with their advisors, to focus on the development of a broad range of content knowledge and understandings that enhance each student’s understanding of the field of education. This major does not lead to teaching certification.

Education Studies majors must meet the criteria established by Education Studies, including a satisfactory Education Written Assessment for admission to and exit from the program. All Education Studies courses include required field experiences in which students must work with children or adolescents. To be accepted and retained in the major, students must demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.

Students with vocational plans in areas such as religious education, school psychology, child advocacy, art therapy, and the like may consider a double major in Education Studies and the related field.

Requirements for the Major

A major in Education Studies is achieved by the completion of the following requirements (including written assessments), in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Courses

EDS 150, 228 (or 227, with permission of instructor), 349, and 490A or 490B or 495. Students also must develop an education portfolio.

Required Distribution Courses

One of the following three options (none of which will count in the 21 credits outside the major, even if a collateral course):

1) Four (4) additional EDS course credits, with at least two at or above the 300 level, chosen in consultation with the Education Advisor and consistent with the student's approved Curriculum Plan; OR

2)Some combination of EDS and non-EDS collateral course credits, listed below, totaling four (4) courses, chosen as indicated above; OR

3) Four (4) non-EDS course credits, with at least two at or above the 300 level, chosen from the following list (see note) in consultation with the Education Advisor and consistent with the student's approved Curriculum Plan. The student will need to take the necessary prerequisites for the 300-level courses. .

Alternative collateral courses may be substituted for up to two of the courses on the list below by successful petition to the Education Studies program. The petition must include a rationale based on the student's Curriculum Plan.

CFS/WGS 207: Family Relations

CFS 217: Parent/Child Relations

CFS 315: Middle Childhood and Adolescence

CFS 350: Family Law and Policy

CFS/WGS 366: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Family

PEH 222: Health and Movement for the Elementary Educator

PSY 208: Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory

SOC 215: Juvenile Delinquency

THR 218: Drama and Theatre for Teachers

Exploring the Major

Students will begin the Education Studies program with EDS 150 (see course sequencing below). Prior to the first day of the EDS 150 class, students must have completed a state criminal records clearance, which takes 6-8 weeks to be processed. Students will learn about this procedure during pre-registration. While taking EDS 150, students will begin a mentoring relationship with an Education Advisor to begin their sophomore year.

Admission to the Major

Grades of B- or higher in EDS 150 and one other EDS course (preferably EDS 227 or EDS 228); a minimum overall GPA of 2.5; demonstration of appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings; a satisfactory interview that demonstrates genuine commitment to children, teaching, and learning; and a satisfactory Written Assessment developed in consultation with students’ academic advisor that will reveal how each student sees themselves as a teacher and a learner, how they understand Berea’s Teacher Education Program Goals, and how one explores career choices.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

Students planning to major in Education Studies should take EDS 150 by the second term of the first year or first term of sophomore year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) Students will take the remaining EDS courses in this approximate sequence: EDS 228 (or 227, with permission of instructor), 349, four (4) additional EDS and/or collateral course credits, and EDS 490A or 490B or 495.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

In addition to completing specified course requirements and completing an exit education portfolio, each student must satisfy program standards for written and oral communication demonstrated through the portfolio and course work; and demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.

Other Considerations and Recommendations

Transfer students should contact Education Studies as early as possible because special rules may apply. All Education Studies majors are expected to engage in volunteer experiences with students who are in the age group with which they wish to work.

Education Studies

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