Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies Initial Program – Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure
Overview
Take Steps to Your Bachelor's in Educational Studies
Deepen your understanding of education and instruction and inspire change with a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies degree. Offered online and on Grand Canyon University's main campus by the College of Education, this educational studies degree program critically examines pedagogical practices and delves into classroom teaching concepts from an analytical perspective. Using knowledge gained from our intense curriculum, you can prepare for a future career that aims to improve the 21st century learning environment.
In small, dynamic academic settings, immerse yourself in faculty-led discussions that encourage student reflection and innovation. In this educational studies program, emphasis is placed on early and adolescent literacy and developing student curriculums based on assessment indications. A review of leadership planning and legal round out coursework and provide strategies to ensure your future compliance with education laws. In a culminating internship experience, integrate your faith with learning, leading and serving in a nontraditional school setting to demonstrate your learning.
Degree Outcomes
Gain Insight in Teaching and Learning
In the Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies degree program, you gain foundational skills that focus on developing and applying fundamental pedagogical practices to a variety of settings. In addition, you study educational psychology, literacy, diversity, instructional technology, communications and classroom management to enhance your teaching practices in alternative learning environments.
What You Will Learn
Focus on Leadership Styles in the Educational Studies Curriculum
In the educational studies program, you study topics such as:
- Leadership styles and methods for academic environments
- Classroom engagement and management techniques
- Teaching strategies for K-12 students
- Curriculum development and tactics for evaluation and assessment
Career Outcomes
Career Options with a Degree in Educational Studies
Common jobs following the Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies degree include trainer, policymaker, curriculum specialist, program director and education advocate. Potential places of work include nontraditional school settings, nonprofit organizations, private elementary schools, daycares, early childhood education centers and social service agencies.
Course List
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4 credits
- UNV-103, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4 credits
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4 credits
- PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to provide an overview of the education profession for students who are inspired to be teachers. A brief survey of the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed is presented. Students explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides future teachers the opportunity to examine the use of technology in the 21st century classroom. In addition to studying and utilizing a variety of technologies, such as computer software and hardware, students develop a personal technology philosophy and classroom technology plan designed to enhance and shape their teaching skills and knowledge to better utilize emerging technology. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides a thematically arranged study of the theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices. Behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, and instruction are explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of the unique learning needs of exceptional students. Special focus is given to the referral process appropriate instructional modifications and accommodations for exceptional students, hot topics and trends, and IDEA law. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course examines the relationship of cultural values to the formation of self-concept and learning styles. The roles of prejudice, stereotyping, and cultural incompatibilities in education are also evaluated. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course looks at research in language and literacy development, with an emphasis on effective instructional strategies (such as phonemic awareness and decoding) in Birth to Age 5/Pre-K and K to Age 8/Grade 3. NAEYC Standards 1-5 are the focus of study. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
EED-475: Curriculum, Methods and Assessment: Literacy and Language Arts 4-8 Total Credits: 4 credits
Course Description
This course is designed to develop a coherent, assessment-based, data-driven program fostering literacy in the classroom. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed decisions based on assessment data in literacy and language instruction. The course includes discourse theory as it pertains to the teaching of reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on planning and delivery of lessons in reading comprehension, literature, phonics, writing, oral language, vocabulary, and evaluation of learning. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-215 or EDU-210.
Course Description
This course is designed to allow prospective teachers the opportunity to learn techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is given to the establishment of a realistic discipline plan to manage student behavior, as well as engagement and management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, classroom procedures, and physical space with consideration of diverse populations and environments. Prerequisites: EDU-230, and either EDU-210 or EDU-215.
Course Description
This course is a study of literature written for children Birth to Age 5/Pre-K and K to Age 8/Grade 3. There is an emphasis on the different genres, examining each one's characteristics and contexts for use. Relevant teaching strategies and learning activities pertaining to each genre are also explored. Other topics covered in this course include criteria for evaluating, analyzing, and selecting children's literature, the integration of literature across the curriculum, and the involvement of families. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Participants examine legal issues, recent court decisions, and current law relating to special education. Special attention is given to compliance, student and parent rights, local state and district policies and procedures, and advocacy through community organizations. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SPE-226.
Course Description
This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding, evaluating, and implementing effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy. A graduate in adolescent literacy should be able to recognize and assess the defining elements of literacy, from decoding skills to higher level critical thinking applications. Subsequently, teachers should be able to understand, evaluate, and promote effective literacy pedagogy as it relates to the adolescent learner. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course focuses on servant leadership and ethical leadership, explores how servant leadership is different from other styles of leadership, and examines how this connects to ethics, accountability, and being a responsible leader. Also PSC-410.
Course Description
This course examines the importance of creating innovative work environments in small-, medium-, and large-scale organizations in order to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the firm. Innovation is explored from the perspectives of product development, internal process improvements, and strategic shifts. Students have the opportunity to participate in an experiential innovation project. Also AMP-435.
Course Description
This course provides students with an opportunity to consider the integration of their faith with their work and vocation. Students will consider their own meaning of faith, the interaction of their chosen field with the integration of faith through learning, leading, and serving. Students will develop a project/plan that will allow them to synthesize these skills through the development and implementation of a project or plan that utilizes these resources gained while in the educational studies program. Students complete on-site work in non-traditional settings that allow them to integrate faith in learning, leading, and serving. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area.
Program Locations
Campus
Online
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
On-campus program disclosures (48 months) Online and Evening program disclosures (48 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.