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Educational Studies BS

BS Educational Studies Degree

Designed for students who want to work in education-adjacent fields outside the traditional public school classroom.

The Educational Studies program is a dynamic, interdisciplinary major that explores how people learn and how education systems influence society. Unlike teacher certification tracks, this program is designed for students who are passionate about education but envision a career path beyond the traditional PK–12 classroom.

Admissions Office

Office: AD-101 Suite
Phone: 207-859-1101
Email: [email protected]

Students will study educational theory, policy, diversity, and learning sciences to prepare for careers in:

  • Educational policy & advocacy
  • Nonprofit & community outreach
  • Curriculum development
  • Educational technology
  • Museum and informal education
  • Afterschool programming
  • Academic advising or student affairs
  • Corporate or healthcare training roles

Program Highlights:

Flexible Career Pathways: Tailored electives and internships to fit your professional goals.

Interdisciplinary Focus: Draw on courses from psychology, sociology, policy, and communication, among others.

Hands-On Learning: Fieldwork, service learning, and partnerships with local organizations are required portions of this degree, custom-tailored for your career interests.

Small Cohorts, Big Conversations: Personalized advising and collaborative, discussion-based classes.

Potential Career Pathways:

  • Education policy and advocacy organizations
  • Nonprofits and foundations
  • Museums, libraries, and cultural centers
  • Higher education administration
  • Afterschool programming
  • EdTech companies
  • Youth programs and community development

At a Glance:

  • 120 credit hours
  • 3 year option
  • Customized curriculum
  • Internships and field experiences embedded into coursework
  • Exciting opportunities for careers in education outside of classroom teaching

Core Courses May Include:

  • Foundations of Education
  • Seminar in Trauma-Informed Education
  • Adolescent Development/Child Development
  • Childhood Trauma
  • Educational Technology Trends & Innovation 
  • Multidimensionality of Play
  • Neuroaesthetics and the Arts

Professors:

Richard Biffle, Ph.D., Professor of Education
Richard Biffle, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
Virginia Dearani, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education
Virginia Dearani, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education & Chair, Lunder School of Education
Ruth Lyons, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education
Ruth Lyons, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Ashlea Gerbino
Ashlea Gerbino ’18
 

“During my four years at Thomas, I never felt like I was just a number. Professors were there to help and I also made sure to meet with tutors in the Student Success Center to get extra assistance with papers or assessments. There are a lot of resources for students!”

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