Introduction
The educational studies major provides students with the opportunity to study the discipline of education as it relates to other liberal arts disciplines. Educational studies fosters within students a deep understanding of the complexity of education and schooling as well as an ability to think critically about the ways in which education intersects with a broad range of social, cultural, political and economic forces. Using multiple lenses to study the psychological and social foundations of education in both contemporary and historical contexts, educational studies majors are prepared to participate in the decision making required as stakeholders in the educational processes within our society.
Courses appropriate for prospective majors
EDST 120, Contemporary Issues in American Education
EDST 130, History of American Education
EDST 140, Educational Psychology
Courses that fulfill distribution requirements
Social Sciences (Division II):
All EDST courses count towards the Social Sciences (Division II) distribution requirement.
U.S. Diversity:
EDST 120, Contemporary Issues in American Education
EDST 130, History of American Education
Writing in the Discipline (WID):
EDST 260, Introduction to Educational Research
Suggested curricular flow through the major
First Year:
EDST 120 (spring only) or 130 (fall only) and 140
Second Year:
EDST 250 (fall only) and 260 (spring only) plus two non-departmental electives
Third Year:
EDST 300 or 310 (both fall only)
Fourth Year:
Two EDST 300-level electives and 470
Opportunities for off-campus study
Educational Studies majors are encouraged to study abroad, taking coursework that informs them of the education systems in the countries in which they are studying and to seek out internships in education that might include both school and non-school settings (such as museums). Through the Center for Global Study and Engagement at Dickinson, the department has identified the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen as the primary study abroad site for our students. Appropriate coursework taken at DIS-Copenhagen will transfer toward the Educational Studies elective requirements.
Additional Remarks
Educational studies majors choose one of two possible concentrations.
Concentration in Teaching and Learning
This concentration prepares students for:
- teaching in private schools
- teaching in non-school settings such as museums, child care centers, environmental centers
- post-baccalaureate or graduate teacher certification programs
- graduate studies in fields such as educational psychology, school psychology, guidance counseling
Concentration in Education and Society
This concentration provides a foundation for those with career or graduate studies interests in areas related to:
- educational policy
- educational funding
- school law
Educational studies majors and minors are eligible for membership in the international educational honor society, Kappa Delta Pi, after they have completed at least eight Dickinson courses, and have declared their education major or minor. Admission to Kappa Delta Pi will be based on academic grade point average and service to the education profession. For more information, see the Student Organizations section of the Academic Bulletin.
