The Department of Educational Studies

As a student in the Department of Educational Studies, you will broaden your knowledge and hone valuable skills related to teaching and learning, whether or not it is your goal to be a teacher. As a student in this area, you will examine the processes involved in teaching young children through adults, depending on your interests. You’ll explore topics such as development and learning theories, as well as be exposed to practical applications, such as curriculum development and technology in the classroom. Through your examination of current issues, innovations, and research, you will build a foundation of historical, philosophical, sociological, political, multicultural and gender perspectives in relation to education. You will sharpen your skills in writing and research and critical reading and thinking, as, together with a faculty mentor, you create a degree program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Why choose a degree in educational studies?

Students often pursue a degree in educational studies in order to prepare for:

  • Early Childhood Studies and Child Care Administration
  • Teaching or training programs for adults
  • Workforce development
  • Community education
  • International training and development
  • Advanced study in education or in other fields
  • Work developing programs for children
  • A Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Research in education
  • A role in policymaking
  • Work in educational settings

Degrees Available

As a regionally accredited university of the State University of New York, Empire State University offers the following degrees in educational studies:

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science

Nondegree Students

Taking individual courses as a nondegree student is possible and will offer you the same range of courses and rigorous standards as degree-seeking undergraduate students. Even if you’re not pursuing a degree, you can take courses to prepare for university-level study, stay current in your field, or improve your job skills.

Teacher Preparation

  • Pathways to certification provides information about how degree study at the university can be relevant to certification, or when such studies will not be useful to the student specifically seeking certification.
  • New York State Early Childhood Credentials are recommended for individuals planning to work with young children in settings such as child care or Head Start.
  • The college offers a teacher-certification program at the master's level for students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Empire State University does not have a registered teacher-certification program at the bachelor's level.  

Undergraduate Teaching Certification Disclaimer (PDF 74kB) You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read PDF documents. If Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, you can download it for free from Adobe.

Note: Information regarding Continuing Teacher and Leader Education is available.