Get Your Educational Studies Degree

This is a non-certifying program within the Division of Education where you can explore the foundations of education to include developmental psychology, political advocacy, and instructional pedagogy. We prepare you to be "Learner Ready” in guiding the development of twenty-first-century learners to become contributing members of a diverse, global community through an emphasis on effective communication, leadership, and collaboration.

Educational Studies Program Highlights 

  • Become a collaborative professional, committed to advocating for all learners.
  • Prepare for careers in education-related services and non-traditional education settings. 
  • Learn about education without obtaining a public school teaching certification.

Modality & Benefits

Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends. 

Start Dates: 

January & August  

  • Semester-Based Timeline
  • Face-to-Face Instruction (some Online options)
  • In-Person Office Hours & Support
  • Relationships & Networking
  • Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience

Get a degree that fits your busy lifestyle while benefiting from in-person instruction, social interactions with classmates, and networking on campus and throughout the capital city. 

Start Dates: 

January & August

  • Semester-Based Timeline
  • Evening Classes (M-Th, 5-9pm)
  • Face-to-Face Instruction
  • Transfer Up to 90 Credits
  • 10-Hour Weekly Commitment (varies)

Educational Studies Curriculum

Major & Minor Requirements

Popular Educational Studies Classes

  • Preparation for Careers in Education
    Create lesson plans and navigate the evaluation process for South Carolina public schools.
  • Moral and Political Foundations of Teaching 
    Explore education in the United States from historical, sociological, political, and moral perspectives. 
  • Assessment of Literacy
    Use assessment tools to plan and evaluate effective reading and writing instruction.

Steady Employment Opportunities

Education occupations are expected to see above-average job growth between 2021 and 2031, with over 650,000 new jobs created over this decade (BLS).

Set a Strong Foundation

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Teacher's Assistant
  • Administrator
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Social service agencies

Online M.Ed. Degrees

Specialize with in-demand topics and become even more marketable with a master's degree. Our M.Ed. programs cultivate your leadership potential with purpose. Check out our 1-year education master's degrees.

Student Experiences

Student Experiences

"The Educational Studies Program gave me a different approach to explore my career and an alternative route to becoming a certified teacher. I was able to advance my education despite the many challenges that come with being a full-time employee, a mother of two, a wife, and a full-time student. I'm truly thankful for everything I learned during my years at Columbia College."

Latonia A. Ishmal

Educational Studies, B.A. '17, Innovation and Divergent Learning, M.A. '20

Faculty

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