By earning an educational studies degree, you can gain insight into the policies, processes, law, and theories involved in the field of education.
This field is vast. A bachelor’s in educational studies can be a stepping stone to a career as a teacher. It can also lead to professional opportunities that regulate, plan, and administer education to children, adults, and senior citizens alike.
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You can read on to learn more about BAES programs and see if this is the degree path for you.
Online Educational Studies Degrees
If you are interested in the theory, practice, and procedures of education, an educational studies major could be a way to explore these topics in greater detail.
Choosing an educational studies major for your undergraduate degree can be the first step toward many different career opportunities. Those who pursue a bachelor’s degree in educational studies are tasked with learning a variety of topics, including:
- The role of culture and society in educational opportunities
- How teaching and learning are achieved at all life stages
- The importance of creating educational programs that are meaningful to students
- Various teaching styles and educational theories
- How to communicate with different populations of students
As a result, those who graduate with an educational studies major often pursue professions in settings such as community centers, private or charter schools, or adult education. They may also end up working in hospitals, health clinics, museums, or arts centers.
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Professionals who have a BAES degree often work in social and community settings, providing health education, career skills, and social service solutions. They may also continue their education to work as policy makers, activists, or leaders within a non-profit setting.
Others prefer to work with children. While most educational studies programs do not lead to teacher certification or licensing, you may be qualified to work at a charter or private learning institution following the completion of your degree.
Common Online Bachelor in Educational Studies Concentrations
Students who declare an educational studies major often choose to focus their studies on a particular aspect of the field. Some common educational studies concentrations include:
- Career-Focused Education. This type of program focuses on trade skills and vocational training for people of all ages.
- Educational Technology. This concentration allows students to explore and analyze technology intended for educational use.
- English Learning. In this concentration, you can learn how to teach the English language to students at every stage of life.
- Health and Physical Education. Our health and physical abilities change throughout our lives, and this type of program teaches you how to encourage learning and development within these changes.
- Education Policy and Ethics. This program concentrates on the development of educational programs and policies, including social and cultural variables.
Each school may have its own variety of educational study concentrations and courses available. You could work with an academic advisor to determine if a specific concentration is right for you.
Educational Studies Careers & Salaries
There are many potential career paths for those who earn their bachelor’s in educational studies. Depending on your area of concentration, you might choose a role in which you’ll provide education directly or work for services that create educational plans.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths associated with educational studies.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $59,720 |
| Social Workers | $50,390 |
| Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers | $48,860 |
| Preschool and Childcare Center Directors | $47,310 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Preschool Teachers | $30,210 |
| Teacher Assistants | $29,360 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,490 |
BAES degree programs are not directly connected to teaching licensure, but graduates may choose to continue their education or training to obtain licensure and qualify for more teaching roles.
Educational Studies Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
Given the wide range of topics included in an education studies major, the courses offered at each school can vary. Here are some of the courses you might encounter when pursuing a bachelor’s in educational studies:
- Culture and Education: In this course, you’ll examine how different cultures view the topics of knowledge, experience, and education.
- Human Growth and Learning: This course provides insight into how people learn at various stages of their life and development.
- Adolescent Social Development: This course outlines how physical, mental, emotional, and social elements can impact how young adults process new information.
- Foundations and Principles of Health Education: In this course, you’ll learn how to teach individuals of all ages about their health and body.
- Arts Learning: Art and education have long been intertwined in helping students learn about the world and how to express themselves, and this course will examine this intersection.
- Cultural Psychology: This course may help you appreciate how different cultures can process education in different manners.
- Computer Systems for Teachers: In this course, you’ll explore the various programs available to those in the field of education.
- Race, Culture, and Personal Identity in the Classroom: This course examines the many personal factors that can impact a student’s performance in an educational setting.
- Human Rights Theory: As educational studies majors may be employed in a variety of settings, this course helps unveil ethical and moral concerns across many fields.
- Foundation of Sex Education: For those entering a social service or community health field, knowing how to connect with others on specific topics can be fundamental.
The courses you take will also depend on your concentration.
Admissions Requirements
Different schools can have their own unique admissions requirements, so it’s beneficial to review the application processes for all of the schools that interest you.
Some common BAES degree admission requirements include:
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Many schools have minimum GPA requirements as well. Some may also request an entrance interview as part of the admissions process.
Accreditation
When it comes to selecting a bachelor’s in educational studies program, it’s strategic to give special consideration to those with regional accreditation.
Schools that receive regional accreditation are found to meet rigorous educational standards. As a result, they are considered reputable options. You can visit CHEA, or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, to check a school’s accreditation status.
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Most employers and professional associations prefer candidates who have completed education at an accredited institution. In addition, your ability to receive federal financial aid can be tied to attending an accredited school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you wish to explore opportunities for needs-based financial assistance, you could start by completing the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Common forms of federal aid include student loans, grants, and work study programs. Your state may offer aid opportunities as well. Additionally, many schools offer scholarships for incoming students who qualify. You could speak with an admissions counselor to determine if you’re eligible for your school’s financial aid options.
Employers and various community or professional groups could also offer tuition assistance for qualifying students.
What Is an Educational Studies Degree?
An educational studies degree is a way to learn about the theories, ethics, policies, and practices of education. Combining social, cultural, and technical aspects, the education studies major may be prepared for a variety of future careers.
Graduates might pursue roles in hospitals and clinics, museums and public arts centers, non-traditional educational settings, social work, non-profit organizations, and policy making, among others. An educational studies degree is designed to prepare students for professions in which they may provide learning opportunities for a variety of individuals of all ages.
Is Education Studies a Good Degree?
Yes, education studies is a good degree for many undergraduate students. Earning your bachelors in educational studies could be the first step toward working in a field that helps expand the knowledge of many different people.
You may choose to work in health or community services providing outreach, or you might pursue opportunities in private education institutions. Additionally, many graduates of BAES programs continue their career in social work or social services, creating opportunities for underserved populations through education.
You may also wish to use your education studies major as a starting point for additional degrees in educational, political science, or legal fields.
Who Is the Bachelors in Educational Studies For?
A bachelor’s in educational studies focuses on the study of education itself, exploring teaching theories, policies, and practices.
With a focus on the social, ethical, and cultural impact of education, this type of degree can lead to a variety of career paths. This degree path is beneficial for those who want to teach in non-licensure positions. This could include roles at charter or private schools. A BAES could also act as a foundation for further education, especially for those who do want to pursue a teaching license.
A degree in educational studies could also prepare you for non-teaching jobs in education. This could include positions in social work, community service, and training and development.
What Can You Do with an Educational Studies Degree?
Educational studies degree holders may choose from many career paths. While it does not generally lead directly to teaching certification, graduates have many potential teaching and non-teaching career options. Those who create educational programs for museums, health organizations, community initiatives, and more may also have a background in educational studies.
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Some graduates choose to work in education administration, such as running or operating a preschool, daycare, or charter school. Others go on to teach in private or charter schools. You could also pursue further education to obtain a teaching license.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor Degree in Education Studies?
The length of time it takes to complete a bachelors degree in educational studies depends on your school’s academic calendar and your personal enrollment.
For those who attend a school with a traditional 16 week semester program, full-time students can generally complete their bachelor’s degree in 4 years. If your school follows an 8 week semester calendar, you can often earn your degree in less time if you are enrolled full-time and year-round.
Factors such as independent study, practical experience courses, and internships may also impact how long it takes to earn an online bachelor degree in education studies.
What’s the Difference Between a BS vs. BA in Educational Studies?
While a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies (BAES) and a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies sound very similar, there are a few key differences.
| Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Science |
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Some of the programs you research may be very similar, so it could be helpful to take a look at a program’s course guide and credit requirements to determine whether a BS or BA is right for you.
Is a Bachelor’s in Education Studies Degree Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s in education studies degree is worth it for many students. Educational studies majors may have the opportunity to explore a variety of professional and educational opportunities.
An education studies program can introduce you to how educational programs are created and why policies and procedures exist within the world of education. This degree might be your next step toward a career in education law, administration, or technology.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% job growth for education, training, and library occupations over the next ten years. With many fields and concentrations to explore, a bachelor’s in education studies can be a versatile degree option for many students.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Educational Studies Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies. The program consists of 41 classes that are each 7.5 weeks long. Students in the program must choose a complementary professional track outside of education and participate in three internships. The program aims to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in education and administration.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Athens State University offers a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies that can be completed online or on campus. The degree is designed to prepare students to work in educational settings other than traditional classrooms, such as charter schools and community programs. The curriculum seeks to develop students’ basic pedagogical knowledge and communication skills.
Athens State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Bachelor’s in Education Studies program from Bay Path University offers studies in child development, special needs, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. The program aims to prepare graduates for work in day care centers, community programs, and elsewhere. The degree can be earned in a fully online format.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Buena Vista University offers a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies that is designed for students planning to pursue education-related careers other than becoming a licensed teacher. The degree can be earned on campus or in a hybrid program. Coursework includes History of American Education, Introduction to Exceptional Learners, Literacy Foundations I, and more.
Buena Vista University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor’s in Education Studies from Campbell University can be earned 100% online. Courses are offered in convenient 8 week terms. Field experiences may be completed at convenient locations. The program is designed to help graduates meet North Carolina teacher licensing requirements in either elementary education or special education.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Central Methodist University offers a non-certification Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies program that can be attended online or on campus. CMU’s online classes are 8 or 16 weeks long. Students in the program must participate in hands-on learning projects and field experiences. Prospective students can apply to the program after gaining acceptance to CMU.
Central Methodist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Franklin University’s BS in American Education Studies is available 100% online. Graduates of the program may continue to graduate school or pursue work in private schools, charter schools, and daycare settings. Course options include Education in Diverse Society, The Teaching of Phonics, Instructional Planning, Applying Educational Psychology to Instruction, and more.
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies that can be earned online and on campus. Online classes are 8 weeks long, and on-campus classes are 15 weeks long. The program focuses on alternative learning environments. Course options include Early Literacy Development, Educating the Exceptional Learner, Cultural Diversity in the Classroom, and more.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from Kansas State University can be earned 100% online. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in educational policy, curriculum development, international teaching, and other related fields.
Course options include Schooling and Popular Culture, Introduction to Adult Education, Introduction to Human Development, Educational Psychology, and more. Students in the program are also required to participate in internships.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Maranatha Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies. The program is designed to be flexible for non-traditional students. MBU provides a Christian education and has a bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway that can help students get a head start on their graduate degrees.
Maranatha Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
St. Petersburg College offers a BS in Educational Studies and Community Leadership. There are three subplans available: Early Childhood Education, Educational Interpreting, and Interdisciplinary. All three subplans are available in a fully online format. The program is designed to prepare students for education-related careers outside of traditional school settings.
SPC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
SUNY Empire State College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. This 124 credit program is available 100% online. Each class lasts a full semester, but there are no set login times. Classes are taught by the same faculty as those on campus, and online students have access to personal tutors.
SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Arizona offers an online program for a BA in Educational Studies. The courses are provided in an accelerated format. Each course is taken one at a time and is 5 to 6 weeks long. Coursework includes Introduction to Serving English Language Learners, Foundations of Educational Technology, Exceptional Learning and Inclusion, and more.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Arkansas offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Educational Studies. The program is 100% online and can be started in the spring or fall. Prospective students must be employed by Arkansas schools or by organizations that provide services to Arkansas schools.
The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from the University of La Verne can be earned entirely online. Courses are asynchronous, and there are five start dates each year. The program is designed to provide online students with the same support as those on campus. Online students have the option to take some classes on campus if they wish.
The University of La Verne is accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of Missouri offers a Bachelor of Educational Studies that can be earned 100% online. This interdisciplinary program allows for a high level of personalization. Coursework includes Introduction to Research in Educational Settings, Web Design and Development, Data and Decision Making for Education Leaders, and more.
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Warner University’s online BA in Education Studies program is intended for working adults, especially those who work as paraprofessionals or substitute teachers or in similar roles. The program teaches from a Christian worldview and provides preparation for the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. Courses are taken 2 at a time in sessions that are 8 weeks long.
Warner is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Webster University offers a Bachelor of Education Studies with emphases in Global Education, Preschool Education, Primary Education, and English Education. Course options include Foundations of Education, Instructional Design, Education of Students with Exceptionalities, Learning, Teaching, and Assessment, and more.
Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University offers an online, non-licensure program for a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. The program is completed one course at a time so that students can complete it at their own pace. Course options include Managing Engaging Learning Environments, Fundamentals of Diverse Learners, Assessing Impact on Student Learning, and more.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Wilmington University offers a non-licensure Bachelor of Science in Education Studies. Classes begin every 8 weeks, and students can choose from daytime, evening, or online options. The program is designed to provide optimal flexibility. It seeks to prepare students for education-related careers other than public school classroom teaching.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Bachelor of Educational Studies Online
A bachelors in educational studies is a versatile degree, and accredited schools can offer a variety of program options and concentrations.
A bachelor’s of educational studies degree could be a step toward a range of career paths that don’t require teaching licensure. It can also act as a foundation for graduate studies in the field. If you’re interested in pursuing an educational studies degree, you might consider earning it online. Education degree online programming from accredited colleges or universities tends to offer more flexibility and convenience.
You can take a look at the various bachelor of educational studies online programs to consider which ones best match with your professional interests.
