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Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies

Location

On Campus

Curriculum

120 credit hours

Program Length

4 years

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

Discover Your Path to Teaching and Learning

As a student who’s studying in Educational Studies from the Columbia International University College of Education (CoE), you will receive an undergraduate core in Bible and a strong foundation in education principles. This major will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue various non-traditional and support roles in the education field, as well as potentially continue with graduate studies in a related field.Ìý

Upon graduation, you will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to work in support positions in education, such as teaching assistant roles in public or private schools, early childhood development centers, tutoring centers, or children and youth education ministries. You may also choose to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary, middle, or secondary education.Ìý

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore other fields of study by selecting a minor, another major, or a variety of electives, including Bible, Communication, English, Psychology, Sport Management, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Youth Ministry, or other options. All courses are taught from a biblical worldview, providing you with a unique perspective on the principles of education.Ìý

In the Educational Studies degree, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of education theories, methodologies and practices. You will learn about the social, cultural and psychological factors that affect student learning and achievement, as well as explore various teaching strategies and instructional technologies.Ìý

The program emphasizes the integration of faith and learning, providing you with opportunities to reflect on how biblical principles apply to education. You will also have opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, service learning and other hands-on activities, enhancing your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and communication.Ìý

Why Choose Columbia International University for the BS in Educational StudiesÌý

Whether as a freshmen or transfer student, people are drawn to ×ÔοÊÓƵ through the reputation of our faculty and graduates. The program of study provides opportunities to develop lifelong personal growth as a Christ follower and hands-on practicum experiences for building a strong educational foundation.ÌýÌý

The transition to becoming a professional in the world of education is more than being trained and having the right skill set; you want someone to walk with you, modeling the heart for children and life skills to make your training effective and fulfilling. Faculty members are committed to teaching and mentoring you in preparation for a life of service. The training, personal growth and access to faculty come together with field experiences to prepare the student to impact school communities in a support position. Faculty/student working relationships are highly valued in the training process, bringing a depth of training and support beyond just the classroom. The biblical foundation guides education whether it is understanding the learner, developing personal dispositions, developing a learning culture, meeting the needs of all learners, or demonstrating excellence with integrity in a professional setting. To this end our program objectives are to help you become a:Ìý

  • Learner who explores varied educational concepts from a biblical world view.Ìý

  • Designer who recognizes the importance of effective planning.Ìý

  • Presenter who works to understand educational communication and technology techniques.Ìý

  • Evaluator who uses observations in the classroom to improve.Ìý

  • Manager who desires to build student engagement and nurturing environments.Ìý

  • Partner who collaborates with professionals in supporting children and youth development.Ìý

  • Professional who advocates for children and youth.Ìý

Overall Benefits of the degree

The educational studies program is designed to provide you with the necessary training to think biblically and serve in various educational settings worldwide. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to think critically about educational issues, as well as the nature and needs of children.Ìý

Through this program, you will gain the skills needed to serve in support roles that do not require teaching licensure in a variety of educational settings, including Christian, public, mission, home, charter, and private schools, as well as early childhood development and tutoring centers. The program prepares you to support teachers in the classroom, assist with student learning, and provide support services to children and families in need.Ìý

Additionally, the program provides a solid foundation that can serve as a base for further graduate work in related fields. With a degree in educational studies, you may choose to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching, Education Administration, or Counseling, among other graduate programs.Ìý

The program emphasizes the importance of integrating biblical principles in education, preparing you to serve with a biblical worldview. You will also have opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, service learning, and other hands-on activities.Ìý

By completing this program, you will be equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, promoting educational excellence and instilling biblical values in educational settings around the world.Ìý

Featured Faculty

What Will I Study?

In addition to the undergraduate core, here are degree specific-courses you can expect to take:
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  • EDU 2110 Foundations of Education

    This course is an introductory study of the historical, social, philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical "foundations" of education, designed for those preparing to become professional educators. You will develop the tools to articulate a personal philosophy of education, with an emphasis on the social context of urban schools and an understanding of biblical principles relating to education.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3135 Contemporary Educational Issues

    Through the use of group discussion, centered on selected educationally-related literature, students will develop familiarity with important historical and contemporary educational issues and the ability to critically interpret and discuss. This course is repeatable.

    1.00 credit hour
  • EDU 3320 Curriculum Theories and Principles of Learning

    A survey of instructional methods and curriculum, including learning/thinking processes for elementary and early childhood, personality factors, unit and lesson planning, assessment skills and diagnostic and prescriptive procedures, and the needs of exceptional children.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3720 Instructional Design for Curriculum and Assessment

    This course provides the theoretical and practical foundation for the design and management of instruction and for the use of formal and informal assessment strategies including assessment through observation and documentation in early childhood and elementary education. The course provides the prospective teacher with opportunity to plan instructional units and develop assessments appropriate for early childhood and elementary students, assess learning based on knowledge of subject matter, child development, the community, and curricular goals. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2310 United States History and Government

    In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 3330 Psychology of Learning

    This is an in-depth study of learning, motivation, and change, and the implications this will have for teaching and counseling methods. You will focus on historical and modern cognitive research and testing, especially within the academic, relational, emotional, and spiritual arenas. You will also give particular attention to the development of biblical perspectives of learning theory.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ASL 2110 American Sign Language 1

    Introductory course to learning and understanding ASL. Includes receptive and expressive readiness activities; sign vocabulary; grammatical structure; receptive and expressive finger spelling; and deaf culture, values and rules of behavior of the deaf community.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3820 Bible for Teachers

    In this course, you will develop a philosophy of Bible teaching and learn to follow a preparation procedure that will ensure that the purpose for which Scripture was given will be accomplished in your own teaching. You will focus specifically on how to plan a Bible curriculum with courses of study, units, and daily lessons, following the pattern of biblical revelation and teaching the biblical material with integrity.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3418 Teaching and Assessing Children of Poverty

    This course will focus study on purposeful teaching and assessment, specifically as they relate to children of poverty. Topics will include trends in teaching students in poverty, brain-based learning, growing with purpose, early literacy and language development, and use of experiences of children in poverty. Authentic formative and summative assessment processes will be explored to provide guidance for teachers evaluating children in poverty.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3432 Methods of Inquiry-Based Learning in the Content Area

    Focuses on teaching early childhood and elementary social studies, science, and health. Emphasis is placed on designing developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based instruction using methods and materials to promote learning in early childhood and elementary years.

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3541 Learning Environment and Classroom Management

    This course is designed to introduce a variety of class management models, with analysis and application emphases. Implications for both early childhood and elementary settings are studied. Classroom environmental arrangements; time management factors; children of diverse backgrounds and needs; mental-, emotional -, social-and/or physical differences; and preventive, supportive, and corrective discipline are addressed. Large and small group management and components of effective physical, social, emotional, and academic learning environments are examined.

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3660 Integrating Enrichment Areas

    This course introduces the enrichment areas (visual arts, music, drama, and physical education), focusing on enriching learning environments and instructional design through developmentally appropriate practice for early childhood and elementary education. Students actively participate in learning activities involving the arts as they design and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and inter-disciplinary learning. Students learn the biblical basis for encouraging creativity through these enrichment areas.

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3711 Teaching Methods and Assessing the Young Child

    This course is designed to emphasize observation and multiple forms of assessment: connecting with children and families; implementing curriculum; and strategies, experiences, and tools for teaching and learning that promote quality experiences, appropriate materials and methods, and authentic assessment techniques that promote emergent literacy, mathematical thinking, problem solving, social/personal development, creativity, critical thinking, and learning through play and movement. Age-appropriate content areas, individualization, and integration are also addressed so that students can prepare, implement, and evaluate experiences that encourage constructive development and learning for all children. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3721 Integrating the Early Childhood Curriculum

    Students will study early childhood development and learning; family and community relationships; and early childhood curriculums, including the interdisciplinary, thematic approaches and the standards of the early childhood profession in order to understand the needs of the young child. Students will then be assisted in integrating their understandings to develop programs and partnerships, make informed decisions, use developmentally appropriate curriculum, materials, and methods, and create healthy and supportive environments for all children. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3723 Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood

    Helping students in the development of emergent literacy skills, which includes pre-reading, writing, and communication is necessary. This course will enable the educator to review developmentally appropriate methods to help students as they begin to use stories, songs, objects in learning to communicate with others through language and the written word. Letter recognition, identifying vocabulary, and exploration of books are a few concepts that will be addressed. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3810 Students with Diverse Needs

    This course will expose students to various areas of exceptionality including definitions, incidence, and educational needs. Regulations governing the education of the disabled, options of serving special needs, and the modification of regular classrooms to accommodate exceptional children will be studied.

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3815 Children in Poverty

    This course will address the definition, nature, and needs of children in poverty. Essential issues, such as risk indicators, health issues, the hidden rules of poverty, the need for self-efficacy, and learned optimism will be examined. Family and community partnerships necessities will be addressed. This course is in keeping with a growing educational need, but also God's heart for the poor and children.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3920 International Teaching Practicum

    This course will enable you to experience education in a cross-cultural environment. You will observe schools and teachers and interact with other national educational personnel and students. You will teach in schools and receive pre-service orientation, on-site orientation, field supervision and post-field experience, including debriefing and evaluation.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3935 Teacher Education Internship

    This internship provides opportunity for practical experiences in education. This may occur in an international or cross-cultural setting, or in North America. An internship fee is charged. (1-3) Note: cumulative/repeatable course, $100 internship fee for undergraduate in lieu of tuition.

    1.00 credit hour
  • ICS 3140 Cultural Anthropology

    In this course, you will study cultural anthropology for the purpose of equipping followers of Christ to be competent interpreters of culture in 21st Century global contexts.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MIN 3715 Counseling Children, Youth, and Families

    This course will help you understand the needs of children, adolescents, and families. This course will give you a framework for utilizing individual and family systems model as well as other theories and practical techniques for counseling.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 3440 Elementary Music Methods

    A study of the various methods and materials used in the teaching of choral and general music in kindergarten through grade six including curriculum design with national and state music standards; emphasis on effective teaching strategies; classroom management and discipline, instructional clarity, teacher responsibilities inside and outside the classroom, and multicultural and diverse populations. Includes a field experience component as well as selection, evaluation and use of educational software. Students will develop skills in singing, movement, directive listening, writing, and in developing creative assessments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 3370 Human Growth and Development

    In this lifespan course, you will examine developmental psychology covering the stages of physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual growth of the individual from conception to adulthood. You will analyze significant terms, theories, methods of assessment, and the biblical nature of the developing person. Special attention will be given to the cultural diversity of developing persons in varied learning environments.

    3.00 credit hours

Accreditation and Accolades

SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Career Path Opportunities

  • Assisting teachers in public and private schoolsÌý

  • Teaching in an early childhood development centerÌý

  • Pursuing further training such as a Master of Arts in TeachingÌý

  • Tutoring students through tutoring servicesÌý

  • Working with youth through youth development servicesÌý

  • Mentoring youth in at-risk programsÌý

  • Coordinating community outreach programs with an educational focusÌý

  • Caring for children in afterschool and daycare environmentsÌý

  • Substitute teaching in public and private schoolsÌý

Top FAQs

Does this program include practicum experiences?

Yes, this program includes practicum experiences that provide guided hands-on teaching opportunities in local Christian schools. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, working with students under the guidance of experienced teachers. Practicum experiences are a valuable part of the educational studies program, providing students with practical experience and helping them to develop their teaching skills.

Does this major allow room for minors or electives?

Yes, the Educational Studies Major allows for minors or electives. The major itself requires 30 credit hours, while an additional 54 credit hours are required for Bible, General Education, and Leadership Development. This structure provides students with 36 credit hours of free electives that can be used to pursue a minor or a double major in addition to the Educational Studies Major. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Is this an online program?

This program is primarily face-to-face, but some courses are available in an online format. This hybrid approach provides students with the opportunity to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of online learning while still benefiting from in-person instruction and interaction. The online courses are designed to be engaging and interactive, with opportunities for students to collaborate with classmates and engage with course materials.

Is there much flexibility in this program?

Yes, there is significant flexibility in this program. The 36 credit hours of free electives can be arranged to allow for a double major or a minor in addition to the Educational Studies Major. This flexibility provides students with the opportunity to pursue a wide range of interests and career goals while still receiving a strong foundation in education principles.

Does this program require Praxis Core testing?

No, this program does not require Praxis Core testing. While some education programs require Praxis Core tests as a prerequisite for admission or graduation, this program does not have this requirement. This allows students to focus on their coursework and practical experiences without the added pressure of standardized testing. However, students should be aware that some states may require Praxis Core testing for teacher licensure, so it is important to research the specific requirements of the state in which you plan to work.

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