Education Studies is a non-certification option that allows students interested in non-K-12 school settings to study the complexities of how people learn. This degree is designed to introduce students to the meaning and purpose of education including the nature and purpose of liberal arts. This major is combined with a second major such as public health, religion, business, social work, or psychology to prepare students for employment in hospitals, nonprofits, educational entrepreneurship, and government agencies to name a few.
Why Study Education Studies at La Salle?
Students majoring in Education Studies gain knowledge enabling them to be informed citizens, teachers, and parents who understand how to interact constructively with educational organizations and schools. The Education Studies major amplifies the Lasallian mission of justice and community engagement. Grounded in the principles and practices of social justice and equity, this degree prepares students to center the notion of community by privileging the linguistic and cultural resources of their educational context, valuing engaged scholarship and advocacy practices, and seeking leadership opportunities to make transformative change.
This three-credit course will use the rich resources of the great city of Philadelphia to provide prospective educators with a general introduction to the roles, responsibilities and skills necessary for success in the profession, whether they pursue traditional classroom teaching roles or non-traditional roles in alternative learning settings that may include non-profits, youth service organizations, and cultural/arts/science venues. During this course you will explore a number of cultural and historic venues as you travel about the city under the close guidance of education department faculty members. You will meet some interesting citizens who have lived out their lives in the city, engage in lively seminar discussions focused on your explorations, and hone your creative skills by completing assignments carefully deigned to help you develop your critical thinking abilities.
EDC 104 – Educational Diversity in America
From both developmental and ecological perspectives, this course explores the diversity of individuals in society and schools, including race, ethnicity, regional background, exceptionality, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and religion. Personal beliefs and attitudes surrounding issues of human diversity and its impact on the family, community, and society are examined. The course provides an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in educating students from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities.
EDC 306 – Foundations of American Education: Developing A Critical Understanding of Educational Thought and Practice
This course promotes disciplined analysis of the meaning and effects of educational institutions and provides resources for developing a critical understanding of educational thought and practice. This course also encourages the development of value positions regarding education and schooling in America based on critical study. Students gain resources for the development of policy-making perspectives and skills. Open to nonmajors.
Education Studies majors have an expanded career field outside of the traditional PK-12 classroom. Graduates can seek employment in the following areas:
The public sector, local, state or federal governments.
The private, for-profit sector, including industries & trade associations.
The public or private, not-for-profit sector, hospitals, museums, foundations, associations, or charitable organizations.
Accreditation
La Salle University’s program of study is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
