Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies

The field of education is vast and ever-evolving. A degree in Educational Studies can help open doors to a wide range of career paths. From traditional teaching roles to roles in international and nonprofit organizations, the possibilities are endless. Aspiring educators study the liberal arts, Bible and theology, educational foundations, learning theory, human psychology, intercultural communications, and instructional design. There are several field experience opportunities for students to practice and demonstrate their skills in settings conducive to their degree and career path (e.g. businesses and non-profit organizations).

Looking to Become a Washington State Certified Teacher?

Future teachers seeking teacher certification should consider the BA to MIT Pathway. The Master in Teaching degree is the only Northwest University program that leads to Washington State Teacher Certification. Northwest undergraduates can apply up to ten credits to their NU Master in Teaching (MIT) degree – a significant financial and time savings. Contact your advisor to learn more about this pathway.

Hear From One of Our Graduates

Listen as Kekoa Cerbana reveals what excites him most about teaching and how NU prepared him for a deeply meaningful career.

Program Concentrations

Elementary Education

This concentration prepares students to become professional teachers for both public and private schools from kindergarten through 8th grade. Aspiring teachers will gain a foundational knowledge in learning theories, instructional design, and subject methods. This is a non-licensure degree; students who wish to become Washington state certified teachers are encouraged to explore the BA to MIT pathway.

Community Programming

This concentration prepares students to work in youth educational setting outside of P-12 settings. Career options include working in youth ministries, community organizations, missions, and community centers.

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.

Secondary Education

Students who are interested in a career as a high school or middle school teacher are encouraged to major in their chosen discipline (English, science, exercise science, etc.) and include education courses in your undergraduate schedule.

School of Education Outcomes

The School of Education (SOE), 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 SOE programs. In the SOE 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 such as course descriptions and graduation requirements for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog