The field of education provides abundant career opportunities. In addition to the ongoing demand for K-12 teachers, there is a growing need for trained education and human relations professionals.
The College of Education offers the following undergraduate programs:
Elementary Education BA
A degree in Elementary Education prepares students for licensure to teach Kindergarten through Grade 6 and includes opportunities to specialize in additional teaching areas (added endorsements) for Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Secondary Education
Students who plan to teach at the secondary level must complete requirements for two bachelor degrees: a bachelor of arts from the College of Education and a bachelor degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in the primary subject they want to teach. Majors offered are:
- Art Education (K-12)
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education (K-12)
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
- World Language Education
Elementary and secondary options for specialization (added endorsements) include reading, mathematics, physical education, Social Sciences (5-12), and special education, as well as programs for athletic coach (K-12), English as a second language (K-12), middle school (5-8), and talented and gifted (PK-12). Additional education or content area courses and/or field experiences may be required.
Science Studies BS
Science Studies majors gain substantial knowledge in two or more science subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. Courses provide experience in the application of scientific knowledge to education and society, and students learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives on science. Teacher Education Program admission is not required.
Education Studies and Human Relations BA
This multidisciplinary major prepares students who do not wish to pursue K-12 classroom teaching for a career in education or counseling-related fields. The program provides strong academic preparation, including critical-thinking and interpersonal communication skills, for a wide variety of education-related careers or graduate study.
Course Work
Course work for elementary education and secondary-level majors includes one semester of student teaching as well as pre-student teaching field experiences in schools.
All Education students must satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE Core general education requirements.
Minors
View the minor in educational psychology (Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations) and the minor in human relations (Department of Rehabilitation and Counselor Education) in the UI General Catalog to learn more.