Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
The major Educational Studies prepares students for professional careers in education related fields. Aspiring educators study the liberal arts, Bible and theology, educational foundations, learning theory, human psychology, intercultural communications, assessment, and instructional design. During an internship, students practice and demonstrate their skills settings conducive to their degree and career path (e.g. businesses and non-profit organizations).
Top-Rated Teacher Preparation Program
Northwest University is one of five schools in Washington state to receive the highest ratings by the National Council on Teacher Quality.
Program Concentrations
Community Planning
This concentration prepares students to work in youth educational settings outside of P-12 education. Career options include working in youth ministries; community organizations like Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA; missions; and community centers.
Elementary Education
This concentration prepares students to become professional teachers for both public and private schools from kindergarten through the 8th grade. Aspiring teachers study instructional methods for the varied subjects required for elementary teaching: reading, mathematics, visual arts, drama, language arts, science, health and fitness, social studies, and music.
Instructional Design
Students graduating with this degree will be prepared for careers in curriculum development, corporate training, human resources, project management, and customer service. Students in this program tend to be natural leaders, life-long learners, and service-oriented.
International Education
Students in this concentration likely are preparing to teach English in various settings (e.g. mission field, international schools, overseas, or in the refugee and immigrant communities). Other careers supported by this degree include advocacy work, community development, and adult education. Completion of this concentration can lead to an Advanced TESOL certificate as well.
College of Education Outcomes
The College of Education, directed by broad research and theory, and in accordance with state & industry standards, prepares educators in nine specific proficiencies. These outcomes guide our candidates’ experience throughout all of our COE programs. In the COE we aim toward the following outcomes:
Holistic Educators
- Candidates identify the influences of cultural background and situation for each learner;
- Candidates demonstrate culturally responsive pedagogy aimed at the holistic learning of all;
- Candidates equip learners to appropriately engage their unique backgrounds in their own academic, social, and emotional development.
Adaptive Educators
- Candidates identify the different ways in which people acquire, demonstrate, and reinforce content knowledge and procedures;
- Candidates demonstrate differentiated instruction, adapting where appropriate to meet learner needs while remaining aligned with learning objectives;
- Candidates equip learners to adjust their own learning strategies and practices in order to overcome learning obstacles.
Learner-Focused Educators
- Candidates identify a variety of assessment tools through which to monitor and promote positive impact on learning;
- Candidates demonstrate reflective instruction, analyzing work in order to further develop their own pedagogical practices;
- Candidates equip learners to reflect on their own learning by identifying learning targets and their progress toward them.
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog