EDUCATIONAL STUDIES: OVERVIEW

This area of study examines the processes involved in teaching and learning. You build a foundation of historical, philosophical, sociological, political, multicultural, and gender perspectives in relation to education and by examining current issues, innovations, and research.

WHO CHOOSES EDUCATIONAL STUDIES?

Students who pursue this area of study are interested in education, but not necessarily in certification to teach in public schools. Students pursue educational studies concentrations to:

• prepare for work in teaching/training programs for adults, workforce development, community education, international training and development, and early childhood education and program administration
• prepare for advanced study in education or in other fields
• combine knowledge of children’s programs with the theoretical constructs that underlie the programs and broaden their knowledge and skills

WHAT CAN YOU STUDY?

You have the opportunity to develop a concentration that responds to your goals and interests. Examples of popular concentrations include:

• adult education
• early childhood programs
• educational psychology
• learning communities
• lifelong learning
• sociology of education
• training and staff development

You may complete studies toward the New York State Early Childhood credentials offered through the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children.

Empire State College does not have a registered teacher certification program at the undergraduate level. If you are interested in obtaining teacher certification through undergraduate study, please review the pathways to certification information, which describes the major teacher certification options, how degree study at Empire State College can be relevant to certification, and when studies at Empire State College are not useful to the student seeking certification.

The college offers a teacher certification program at the graduate level. With our new Master of Arts in Teaching program, you can begin teaching in a high-need urban middle or high school in just one year.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION

• Area of Study Guidelines (www.esc.edu/educationguide)
• Area of Study web site (www.esc.edu/educationarea)
• Ask us to mail you information or get answers to specific questions. (www.esc.edu/inquiry)