Educational Studies, Minor

Minor in Educational Studies

The Educational Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program designed for undergraduate students with any major who are interested in studying domestic and/or global educational issues. Students will engage in these issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives that will prepare them to work thoughtfully with youth or adults or to pursue policy and research opportunities in a variety of educational settings.  Two distinct tracks are offered within the Educational Studies Minor:  Global Education and Policy and Equity

The Minor itself does not lead to a teaching credential. Those interested in initial licensure to teach in K-12 schools are encouraged to apply for admission to elementary, secondary, or special education programs in the School of Education.

Global Education Track

This minor track helps students understand the impact of globalization and internationalization on education and non-governmental organizations while giving them basic knowledge and skills of learning theory, working with English Language Learners, and global citizenship to promote more equitable educational opportunities.  This Minor is intended for students with any major who are interested in researching the education of migrant, immigrant, or refugee groups domestically or abroad; examining the role of  governmental or non-governmental organizations and international aid; working with youth or adult education programs outside the United States; or administering international studies programs within secondary or post-secondary education institutions.

Policy and Equity Track

The Policy and Equity track of the Educational Studies Minor advances interdisciplinary perspectives necessary for understanding the wide range of challenges facing public education in American society. Courses in this track focus on an analysis of policy and the conditions of schooling at the macro and societal level, as well as an emphasis on examining the impact of educational policy and organizations on people’s lives. Students in these courses will engage in developing strategies to address and counter the consequences and inequities that result from many of these policies and structures. The courses within this Minor share the common assumption that ensuring access to a quality education and opportunities to engage in a democratic (and global) society is central to the individual human condition and the overall collective “good.” 

Global Education Track (18 credits)

Globalization & Education
EDUC 360Globalization and Education3
Psychological or Educational Foundations
Select one of the following:3
Educational Psychology
Social, Philosophical, Cultural & Historical Foundations of American Education
Or an alternative Psychology Course
English Language Learning
Select one of the following:3
Methods in Teaching ESL, PreK-12
Understanding Language: Second Language Acquisition, Theory, and Practice
ESL Curriculum Design: Teaching ELLs in the U.S.
Elective Courses on Globalization 9
Select three elective courses on Globalization chosen in consultation with an advisor 1
Global Experience (course credit not required)
Students must fulfill at least 40 hours of approved off-campus (domestic or abroad) experiential work on a global education topic (e.g., study abroad or service trip, internship, tutoring, independent field research). In cases where this experiential work is not done for credit, it must be approved by the program director, and in many cases may be eligible for receiving COLL 300 credit. With approval of the program director, students may also arrange to receive independent study credit for academic study associated with the required experiential work.
Total Hours18
1

Courses in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Government/Public Policy, History, International Relations, Sociology, and other areas may be considered. A credit-bearing internship or research experience could serve as part of the elective credit total.

Policy & Equity Track (18 credits)

Social Foundations
EDUC 310Social, Philosophical, Cultural & Historical Foundations of American Education3
Education Courses
EDUC 317Topics in Ed Studies3
or EDUC 402 Urban Education: Policy, Practice and Leadership
Psychological Foundations
Select one of the following:3
Educational Psychology
Or an alternative psychology course
Policy & Equity Issues
Select three elective courses in Policy & Equity Issue in consultation with an advisor 19
Experiential Learning (course credit not required)
Students must fulfill at least 40 hours of approved off-campus experiential work on an education topic (e.g., internship, tutoring, independent field research). In cases where this experiential work is not done for credit, it must be approved by the program director, and may be eligible for receiving COLL 300 credit. With approval of the program director, students may also arrange to receive independent study credit for academic study associated with the required experiential work.
Total Hours18
1

Courses in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Government/Public Policy, History, Psychology, Sociology, and other areas may be considered. A credit-bearing internship or research experience could serve as part of the elective credit total.