The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers both a bachelor's degree with two concentration options and a minor in Educational Studies.

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Educational Studies (B.S.E.) is a customizable degree for all students within the College of Education and Health Professions. It focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching. This degree, in itself, does not include licensure. Students completing this program will have the cognitive ability to apply teaching strategies to a variety of employers such as private sector businesses, nonprofit organizations and community agencies. With additional training and licensure, students can also work in school settings.

Requirements for B.S.E. in Educational Studies with Mixed Educational Environments Concentration

State Minimum Core 135
General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103) 2
Educational Base Courses
CIED 1013Introduction to Education3
or PHED 1003 The Physical Education Profession: An Overview
or EDST 2003 Introduction to Educational Studies
CIED 3023Survey of Exceptionalities3
CIED 3033Classroom Learning Theory3
CNED 3053The Helping Relationship3
or CNED 4003 Classroom Human Relations Skills
or 3 hours elective if PARA
EDST 3113Legal Developments in Education3
EDST 3203Multicultural Education Issues3
EDST 3223American Educational History3
EDST 3333Children's & Young Adult Literature in Educational Settings3
EDST 399VSpecial Topics in Educational Studies3
or EDST Program Coordinator-Approved Upper-Level Elective
EDST 4003Philosophy of Education3
EDST 4113Teaching and Funding Outdoor & Informal Education3
EDST 4213Religion, Education, & Religious Education3
Elective Hours31
Concentration hours (see below for specific courses)18
Total Hours120
1

For courses, go to the State Minimum Core requirements.

2

 Pre-requisite for CIED 3033, CNED 3053, and CNED 4003.

Requirements for Mixed Educational Environments Concentration

Choose one of the following3
Introduction to Communicative Disorders
Terminology for the Health Professions
Leisure and Society
Rural Families and Communities
Introduction to Social Work
Choose one of the following3
Career Development
Introduction to Public Health
First Responder-First Aid
Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation
PBHL 3663
Multicultural Health
Child Advocacy I: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
Human Diversity and Social Work
Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
Child Welfare: 21st Century Perspectives
EDST 3913Formal Classroom Internship in Education3
Or program approved upper level elective 1
EDST 3003Formative Readings for Cultural Education3
EDST 3923Informal Based or Outdoor Internship in Education3
Or program approved upper level elective 1
EDST 4933Capstone Seminar and Final Internship in Education 23
Total Hours18
1

Approved electives include: AAST 4153,  AAST 3123, ANTH 3213, ANTH 3123, ANTH 3263, ARED 3013, ARED 3103, CATE 3003, CATE 4073, CIED 4413, CIED 4463, COMM 3383, COMM 3433, ENGL 3103, ENGL 3263, HIST 3003, HIST 3033, JWST 4013, PBHL 3633PHED 3203, PHED 3903, PHIL 3203, PHIL 4203, PHIL 4303, PLSC 3203, PSYC 3093, PSYC 3103, RESM 3023, RESM 3073, RESM 3093, SCWK 3233, SCWK 3633, SCWK 4143, SOCI 3193, SOCI 3223, SOCI 3263, SPED 4173, SPED 4413, SPED 4423, SPED 4463, SPED 4483, and STEM 4033

2

EDST 4933 includes 100 hours of internship and 20 hours of coursework

Educational Studies B.S.E. With Mixed Educational Environments Concentration Eight-Semester Plan

Students wishing to follow the eight-semester degree plan should see the Eight-Semester Degree Policy for university requirements of the program.

First YearUnits
FallSpring
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.1)3  
Mathematics - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)3  
Science - State Minimum Core w/lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)4  
Social Science - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)3  
Fine Arts/Humanities - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)3  
CIED 1013 Introduction to Education
or PHED 1003 The Physical Education Profession: An Overview
or EDST 2003 Introduction to Educational Studies
  3
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.1)  3
Social Sciences - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)  3
Humanities/Fine Arts - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.2 or 3.1)  3
Elective  2
Year Total: 16 14
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpring
PSYC 2003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)3  
Science - State Minimum Core w/lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)4  
U.S. History or Government - State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2)3  
Elective5  
EDST 3003 Formative Readings for Cultural Education  3
Choose one of the following  3
CDIS 2253 Introduction to Communicative Disorders
PBHL 2663 Terminology for the Health Professions
RESM 2853 Leisure and Society
HDFS 2603 Rural Families and Communities
SCWK 2133 Introduction to Social Work
Elective  9
Year Total: 15 15
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpring
EDST 3113 Legal Developments in Education3  
EDST 3203 Multicultural Education Issues3  
EDST 3333 Children's & Young Adult Literature in Educational Settings3  
CNED 3053 The Helping Relationship
or CNED 4003 Classroom Human Relations Skills
3  
CIED 3033 Classroom Learning Theory3  
EDST 3223 American Educational History  3
EDST 3913 Formal Classroom Internship in Education  3
Or Program Approved Upper Level Elective1
EDST 4113 Teaching and Funding Outdoor & Informal Education  3
CIED 3023 Survey of Exceptionalities  3
Elective  3
Year Total: 15 15
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpring
EDST 3923 Informal Based or Outdoor Internship in Education3  
Or Program Approved Upper Level Elective1
EDST 4213 Religion, Education, & Religious Education3  
Choose one of the following3  
HRDE 3123 Career Development
PBHL 3443 Introduction to Public Health
PBHL 3633 First Responder-First Aid
PBHL 3643 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation
PBHL 3663
PBHL 4643 Multicultural Health
SCWK 3013 Child Advocacy I: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
SCWK 3193 Human Diversity and Social Work
SCWK 3233 Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
SCWK 3633 Child Welfare: 21st Century Perspectives
Elective6  
EDST 399V Special Topics in Educational Studies  3
EDST 4003 Philosophy of Education (Satisfies General Education Outcome 5.1)  3
EDST 4933 Capstone Seminar and Final Internship in Education (Satisfies General Education Outcome 6.1)2  3
Elective  6
Year Total: 15 15
 
Total Units in Sequence:  120
1

Approved electives include: AAST 4153,  AAST 3123ANTH 3213ANTH 3123ANTH 3263ARED 3013ARED 3103CATE 3003CATE 4073CIED 4413CIED 4463COMM 3383COMM 3433ENGL 3103ENGL 3263HIST 3003HIST 3033JWST 4013PBHL 3633,PHED 3203PHED 3903PHIL 3203PHIL 4203PHIL 4303PLSC 3203PSYC 3093PSYC 3103RESM 3023RESM 3073RESM 3093SCWK 3233SCWK 3633SCWK 4143SOCI 3193SOCI 3223SOCI 3263SPED 4173SPED 4413SPED 4423SPED 4463SPED 4483, and STEM 4033

2

EDST 4933 includes 100 hours of internship and 20 hours of coursework

Requirements for B.S.E. in Educational Studies with Para-Professional Transition Concentration

State Minimum Core 135
General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103) 2
Educational Base Courses
CIED 1013Introduction to Education3
or PHED 1003 The Physical Education Profession: An Overview
or EDST 2003 Introduction to Educational Studies
CIED 3023Survey of Exceptionalities3
CIED 3033Classroom Learning Theory3
CNED 3053The Helping Relationship3
or CNED 4003 Classroom Human Relations Skills
or 3 hours elective if PARA
EDST 3113Legal Developments in Education3
EDST 3203Multicultural Education Issues3
EDST 3223American Educational History3
EDST 3333Children's & Young Adult Literature in Educational Settings3
EDST 399VSpecial Topics in Educational Studies3
or EDST Program Coordinator-Approved Upper-Level Elective
EDST 4003Philosophy of Education3
EDST 4113Teaching and Funding Outdoor & Informal Education3
EDST 4213Religion, Education, & Religious Education3
Elective Hours31
Concentration hours (see below for specific courses)18
Total Hours120
1

For courses, go to the State Minimum Core requirements.

2

 Pre-requisite for CIED 3033, CNED 3053, and CNED 4003.

Admission into the Concentration: This concentration is intended for para-professionals (or equivalent) in an Arkansas school district (or other related education provider). The nine hours of internship course credit, taken at the end of the degree, requires students to be at an educational site performing supervised para-pro related activities. Prior to admission to the concentration, applicants also must have completed a Para-Professional Associate Degree in Education or related field, OR have completed the following 60 hours of coursework (or equivalent):

  • ENGL 1013 - Composition I
  • ENGL 1023 - Composition II
  • Mathematics - State Minimum Core
  • Sciences - State Minimum Core w/Lab
  • Social Sciences - State Minimum Core
  • PSYC 2003 - General Psychology
  • U.S. History or Government - State Minimum Core
  • Fine Arts/Humanities - State Minimum Core
  • CIED 1013 - Introduction to Education OR PHED 1003 - The Physical Education Profession OR EDST 2003 - Introduction to Educational Studies
  • 22 hours of electives

Para-Professional Transition Concentration

EDST 3313Trauma Based Educational Practices3
EDST 4033Understanding Professional Teaching Standards I3
EDST 4043Understanding Professional Teaching Standards II3
Internship 9
Para-Professional Internship (2 enrollments for a total of 6 credit hours)
Capstone Seminar and Final Internship in Education
Total Hours18

Educational Studies B.S.E. with Para-Professional Transition Concentration Eight-Semester Plan

Students wishing to follow the eight-semester degree plan should see the Eight-Semester Degree Policy  for university requirements of the program. 

First YearUnits
FallSpring
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.1))3  
Mathematics – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1)3  
Science – State Minimum Core w/lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)4  
Social Sciences – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)3  
Fine Arts/Humanities – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)3  
CIED 1013 Introduction to Education
or PHED 1003 The Physical Education Profession: An Overview
or EDST 2003 Introduction to Educational Studies
  3
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) ((Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1))  3
Social Sciences – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)  3
Humanities/Fine Arts – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.2 or 3.1)  3
Elective  2
Year Total: 16 14
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpring
PSYC 2003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103) ((Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3))3  
Science – State Minimum Core w/lab (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)4  
U.S. History or Government – State Minimum Core (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2)3  
Elective5  
EDST 4033 Understanding Professional Teaching Standards I  3
EDST 4043 Understanding Professional Teaching Standards II  3
Elective  9
Year Total: 15 15
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpring
EDST 3113 Legal Developments in Education3  
EDST 3203 Multicultural Education Issues3  
EDST 3333 Children's & Young Adult Literature in Educational Settings3  
EDST 3313 Trauma Based Educational Practices3  
CIED 3033 Classroom Learning Theory3  
EDST 3223 American Educational History  3
EDST 4113 Teaching and Funding Outdoor & Informal Education  3
CIED 3023 Survey of Exceptionalities  3
EDST 4933 Capstone Seminar and Final Internship in Education  3
Elective  6
Year Total: 15 18
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpring
EDST 4213 Religion, Education, & Religious Education3  
EDST 399V Special Topics in Educational Studies3  
EDST 4993 Para-Professional Internship13  
Elective9  
EDST 4003 Philosophy of Education  3
EDST 4993 Para-Professional Internship1  3
Elective  3
Year Total: 18 9
 
Total Units in Sequence:  120
1

Students must successfully complete two enrollments for degree completion.

Minor in Educational Studies

The minor in Educational Studies is open to any majors interested in acquiring valuable knowledge in the complex field of education. Educational Studies approaches the entire field of education from a non-centered perspective examining a variety of educational systems where an interdisciplinary perspective is highly valued. Educational Studies is not a P-12 pedagogical or skills based training program designed for the end goal of formalized P-12 classroom instruction.   

The 15-credit-hour minor in Educational Studies is not a teacher licensure program. These courses are designed to prepare a student and future graduate to understand how systems of education affect communities, states, and the nation in matters beyond teaching. A minor in Educational Studies can provide the necessary background exposure to future career or graduate work in the following areas: counseling, social work, ministry, teacher licensure via alternative certification, library/media services, educational technology, educational reform and policy, or higher education.

Students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 for all coursework in the minor to be awarded the minor.

Course Requirements

Choice of:3
Introduction to Educational Studies
or 3000 level EDST or CIED course
EDST 3113Legal Developments in Education3
EDST 3223American Educational History3
Choice of:3
Special Topics in Educational Studies
or any 3000 or 4000 level EDST course
EDST 4003Philosophy of Education3
Total Hours15

Courses

EDST 2003. Introduction to Educational Studies. 3 Hours.

The course explores the field of education through the lens of educational studies, a unique interdisciplinary association of looking at education as a function of society, psychology, politics, religion, and economic interests. This course introduces non-education field students to the difference between the various fields of study within education, including, but not limited to: instruction, curriculum, comparative education, multicultural education, informal education, content education, pedagogy, education policy, support services, and community education. No field observation hours are required for this course. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)

EDST 3003. Formative Readings for Cultural Education. 3 Hours.

This course examines some of the historically important readings stemming from identification of the America Reads project produced by the Library of Congress (2014-2016). Special attention will be devoted to the understanding of the relevance of these historical documents and texts to the American identity. The course will focus on the role education plays in the creation of the current society through cultural transmission. The role of education through public schooling in the formations of citizens has been historically documented and deemed necessary under American political thought. This course is constructed to establish linkages of educational trends in the promotion of literacy and the popularization of popular cultural literature of the 18th, 19th, and 20th century that has shaped the social, economic, environmental, and political landscape that a citizen may navigate over their lifetime. (Typically offered: Spring)

EDST 3003H. Honors Formative Readings for Cultural Education. 3 Hours.

This course examines some of the historically important readings stemming from identification of the America Reads project produced by the Library of Congress (2014-2016). Special attention will be devoted to the understanding of the relevance of these historical documents and texts to the American identity. The course will focus on the role education plays in the creation of the current society through cultural transmission. The role of education through public schooling in the formations of citizens has been historically documented and deemed necessary under American political thought. This course is constructed to establish linkages of educational trends in the promotion of literacy and the popularization of popular cultural literature of the 18th, 19th, and 20th century that has shaped the social, economic, environmental, and political landscape that a citizen may navigate over their lifetime. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to EDST 3003.

EDST 3113. Legal Developments in Education. 3 Hours.

This lecture provides an overview of issues in the field of education coming out of legal developments in the United States over the last two centuries involving the legal basis for public schooling, Constitutional issues in public schools, and contract law governing private schooling. Special interest is paid to education legislation and case law on educational issues. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 3203. Multicultural Education Issues. 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to give pre-service educators an opportunity to explore various facets of multiculturalism and their implications for future practice. We will examine the impact of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of social group identities on teaching and learning as they relate to contexts in multiple learning environments. While this course is broad in scope, the primary aim is to assist future educators in exploring what it means to be an educator in a society that is multicultural, within a vast educational system (public and private) which is stratified according to multiple factors. Students should not be in enrolled in EDST 3203 & CIED 4403 during the same semester. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 3223. American Educational History. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to offer a comprehensive study of the history of the American education system. Students completing this course will be able to document the diverse and often competing influences into what has become the public school structure, as well as, the second system of American schools, parochial schools, arising out of the schooling conflict of the 1880's. Starting with the development of literacy skills and the formation of township or colony schools, the linage of schooling will be investigated from the late 1600's to the present time. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

EDST 3223H. Honors American Educational History. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to offer a comprehensive study of the history of the American education system. Students completing this course will be able to document the diverse and often competing influences into what has become the public school structure, as well as, the second system of American schools, parochial schools, arising out of the schooling conflict of the 1880's. Starting with the development of literacy skills and the formation of township or colony schools, the linage of schooling will be investigated from the late 1600's to the present time. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to EDST 3223.

EDST 3313. Trauma Based Educational Practices. 3 Hours.

Socio-emotional learning and trauma-based classroom instruction are needed pre-professional knowledge bases for classroom teachers that shape classroom management practices and student-engagement relationships. This course focuses on identifying and understanding daily classroom interactions with students having previously experienced out-of-school trauma that manifests itself in classroom environment. This course is intended for teacher-educators to modify student relationship engagement and not intended for diagnosis or clinical practices. Prerequisite: EDSTBS-PARA major. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 3333. Children's & Young Adult Literature in Educational Settings. 3 Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of children's, adolescent, and young adult literature across educational settings, both formal and informal. Picture books, novels, informational texts, and the novelization of movies and vice versa for children and adolescent audiences will be explored. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 3913. Formal Classroom Internship in Education. 3 Hours.

The internship is a prearranged onsite work experience serving in an educationally related field. The formal classroom internship is taken after the completion of CIED 1013 and either along with or after the completion of CIED 3033. Locations have been selected by the EDST program and Office of Teacher Education. Internships my be served at a variety of public or private based educational services or agencies. The internship experience must include a minimum number of practical work hours (120), reflective journaling, mid-semester evaluation, and final report. All arrangements for internships are coordinated through the COEHP Office of Field Placement by the Director of Field Placement. State of Arkansas background checks may be required for individuals completing internships at locations serving populations of minors. Prerequisite: CIED 1013. Pre- or Corequisite: CIED 3033. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

EDST 3923. Informal Based or Outdoor Internship in Education. 3 Hours.

The internship is a prearranged onsite work experience serving in an educationally related field. The informal/outdoor internship is taken during or after taking EDST 4113. Locations have been selected by the EDST program and Office of Teacher Education; during the summer, students may petition for a camp based informal experience that is outside of the typical semester offering. Internships my be served at a variety of public or private based educational services or agencies. The internship experience must include a minimum number of practical work hours (120), reflective journaling, mid-semester evaluation, and final report. All arrangements for internships are coordinated through the COEHP Office of Field Placement by the Director of Field Placement. State of Arkansas background checks may be required for individuals completing internships at locations serving populations of minors. Prerequisite: EDST 4113. Pre- or Corequisite: CIED 3033. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)

EDST 399V. Special Topics in Educational Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Discussion and advanced studies on selected topics in educational studies. Special focus on recent and emerging topics in education. Junior (3000) level course offerings. Course may be repeated only for unique topic enrollments. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 15 hours of degree credit.

EDST 399VH. Honors Special Topics in Educational Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Discussion and advanced studies on selected topics in educational studies. Special focus on recent and emerging topics in education. Junior (3000) level course offerings. Each offering of EDST 399VH must be unique. Student may not repeat the same topic for degree credit multiple times. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 15 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to EDST 399V.

EDST 4003. Philosophy of Education. 3 Hours.

This course provides a review of philosophical ideas in education and an introduction to research, methodologies, foundation theories in education. Students explore historical ideas in philosophy pertaining to education and how those ideas contribute to current educational practices. Students in the course learn about the nature of research, both theoretical and applied, and the process of developing future research based agendas. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

EDST 4003H. Honors Philosophy of Education. 3 Hours.

This course provides a review of philosophical ideas in education and an introduction to research, methodologies, foundation theories in education. Students explore historical ideas in philosophy pertaining to education and how those ideas contribute to current educational practices. Students in the course learn about the nature of research, both theoretical and applied, and the process of developing future research based agendas. Prerequisite: Honors standing and (junior or senior standing). (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to EDST 4003.

EDST 4033. Understanding Professional Teaching Standards I. 3 Hours.

This course provides preparation and review for the required initial post-graduation licensure testing requirements mandated by the State of Arkansas. Currently these testing requirements are Pearson Education's Foundation of Reading, Educational Testing Services' Praxis Series Assessments: Core Academic Skills for Educators, Principles of Learning & Teaching, and Specific Licensure Area Content Assessments. Prerequisite: EDSTBS-PARA major. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 4043. Understanding Professional Teaching Standards II. 3 Hours.

This is the second course in the professional test preparation series. This course provides preparation and review for the required initial post-graduation licensure testing requirements mandated by the State of Arkansas. Currently these testing requirements are Pearson Education's Foundation of Reading, Educational Testing Services' Praxis Series Assessments: Core Academic Skills for Educators, Principles of Learning & Teaching, and Specific Licensure Area Content Assessments. Prerequisite: EDSTBS-PARA major and EDST 4033. (Typically offered: Spring)

EDST 4113. Teaching and Funding Outdoor & Informal Education. 3 Hours.

In-depth exploration of natural/outdoors education and informal education and grant writing for education will be covered. Methods and techniques in the preparation and delivery of teaching in nontraditional instructional settings (informal education) will be developed. Course participants will be required to teach an outdoor and/or informal education class and participate in a collaborative grant application process. (Typically offered: Spring)

EDST 4213. Religion, Education, & Religious Education. 3 Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction on the influences of religion in education, particularly in relation to the dynamic of religion in public education in the United States. Students in the course learn about the nature of the study of religion, religious studies, and religious education, as well as the teaching of religion. Prerequisite: Junior or senior level standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

EDST 4933. Capstone Seminar and Final Internship in Education. 3 Hours.

The capstone course provides students with a culminating experience for Educational Studies. The course provides an opportunity for students to develop a portfolio of their learning and to evaluate their overall program performance in preparation for completion of their degrees. This course contains 100 hours of internship experience and will serve as the final internship experience for EDSTBS majors. This course includes 20 hours of coursework along with the required internship experience. This course should only be enrolled in after the completion of EDST 3913 and EDST 3923 and during the students final year of coursework. All internship placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement and the Director of Field Placement. Prerequisite: EDST 3913, EDST 3923, and senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

EDST 4993. Para-Professional Internship. 3 Hours.

120-hour field/formal classroom-based experience including lesson planning, classroom activity, classroom management, and reflective experience integration. Prerequisite: Admission into the EDSTBS-PARA major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.