Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

Are you passionate about teaching? Achieve your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies from Ashford University and it could be your first step toward becoming a teacher.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies builds a strong foundation for you and develops your instructional skills – including communication, group behavior, and human development. Your online courses cover topics from phonics and English language learners to curriculum and child development. Students learn to adapt instructions to meet the unique needs of diverse learners.

Career Opportunities
Prepare yourself for a rewarding future. Just a few of many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies include:

• Public school instruction (Additional education may be required.)
• Private school instruction
• Charter school instruction

Certification / Licensure Terms and Conditions
Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies by itself will not qualify a student for certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to the Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) page for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure in that state on a regular basis. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.

Specific questions related to teaching certification in Iowa should be directed to Joen Rottler, joen.rottler@ashford.edu, Ashford University's Dean of the College of Education.

Specializations
You may choose to delve into other areas of Education Studies when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. For more detailed information, see the Courses tab. Choose from the following specializations:

• Child Development
Tailor your skills to reach children at all levels. Choose the Child Development specialization for your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies degree to build awareness and understanding of the natural milestones in child development.
• Early Childhood Education Launch your career as an expert in child development when you select the Early Childhood Education specialization for your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies degree. Strengthen your skills as an educator for young people.
• Education and Public Policy Take action on behalf of our schools. Choose the Education and Public Policy specialization to develop the knowledge you need to participate and lead policy initiatives.
• English Language Learner Studies Learn how to communicate with the whole world when you choose the English Language Learner specialization in conjunction with your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies degree. Gain an understanding of the implications of diverse languages for learning and achievement, as well as techniques for teaching English.
• Instructional Design Plan for successful lessons when you add the Instructional Design specialization to your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies. These courses will enable you to evaluate technology and applications for successful learning.

Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies degree program will be able to:

• Design effective curriculum, instruction and assessment to meet the needs of diverse learners;
• Demonstrate knowledge of child and adolescent development in the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional domains;
• Identify the unique needs of special learners and adapt curriculum and instruction to meet these needs;
• Apply alignment practices of standards, instruction and assessment to identified academic, district and state standards, goals and priorities as part of the planning and material selection process; and
• Apply foundational research skills to a topic of interest in an area of education.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
• Major Course Requirements: 33 credits*
• Electives: 38 credits

Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

*In this program, 3 credits from the major also satisfy general education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies
 

Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 99 semester credits (148.5 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course. 

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

Achieve your Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies from Ashford University and take the first step toward becoming a teacher. Your online courses cover topics from phonics and English language learners to curriculum and child development.

Below you will find the courses for this program beginning with the introductory courses. You have a choice in this program, either to take a standard program composed of major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.

Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Specializations

• Child Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Education and Public Policy
• English Language Learner Studies
• Instructional Design

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(33 credits, all courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

PSY 104 Child & Adolescent Development
This course provides a basic introduction to the nature of human growth and development as it occurs from conception through adolescence. Students are provided the opportunity to explore the "what," "how," and "when" of physical motor, cognitive, emotional, moral, aesthetic, and language development. Exploration is emphasized through activities that allow students to understand and appreciate both typical and atypical development within the context of the family and society and to recognize the impact of individual, cultural, and linguistic differences on development.

EDU 304 Introduction to Education
This course is designed to provide students with a broad view of the various components involved in education and schools today. An introduction to current legislation and trends in education as well as curriculum standards will be covered. The complex diversity of students today, as well as assessment and accountability issues, will also be addressed.

EDU 324 History of American Education
History of American Education provides an overview of sentinel events, theories and important historical figures who have shaped the United States education system.

EDU 381 Curriculum & Instructional Design
Students will examine the pedagogy involved in designing, selecting and assessing curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners. The basics such as how to write learning outcomes based on academic standards to selecting the research based materials and activities to support student learning, will be covered. Evaluation of student learning will be included in the course.

EDU 382 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
Students will explore the variety of learning differences found in the classroom today including linguistically diverse students, students with mild to moderate disabilities as well as Gifted and Talented learners. Specific strategies and classroom accommodations that may be used at all levels to meet the needs of all students will be addressed. Working as a member of a collaborative team will also be covered.

EDU 352 Foundations of Educational Technology
Strategies and ideas for the use of technology to enhance learning will be explored in this course. The latest in web applications will be explored and evaluated for their instructional application.

EDU 372 Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology explores the theories of how people learn. Selected learning theories are analyzed from the perspective of teaching and learning. Developmental theory and environmental and social factors are explored as they interface with the learning process. Educational psychology's research is applied to the measurement, assessment, and evaluation of learning and the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching-learning interactions.

ESE 370 Learning & the Brain
Teaching and learning issues within a cognitive processes context are explored. This course covers the study of emotion, memory, and recall as well as early brain development and its relationship to learning.

EDU 321 Introduction to Serving English Language Learners
This course provides a sufficiently broad yet detailed exposure to the realities of teaching English Language Learners. The course is designed to prepare students to deliver content area instruction to English Language Learners with diverse abilities using the sheltered instruction approach.

EDU 371 Phonics-Based Reading & Decoding
Overview of research, curricular content, and instructional practices associated with Research Based Systematic Phonics Instruction (RBSPI) and other methods for teaching reading. Emphasis on methods mandated by Arizona legislation. Covers the history of written language, alphabetic reading and writing systems, and implementation of effective methods for reading instruction. Note: students enrolled in EDU 371 will be required to find their own student to teach as a practicum for this course. This can be a child or adult, age 5 and above. The time commitment required will be approximately 180 minutes per week ,for three weeks, begin the second week of this course. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

EDU 498 Education Studies Capstone
This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply learning from their professional program of study in a comprehensive manner. Students will also assess the impact of their educational experiences on their ethical perspectives and critical thinking skills. Students will reflect on and evaluate their personal and professional growth, the benefits of lifelong learning, knowledge and strategy evaluation, and the impact of these elements on their future.

Specializations

You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of education studies when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits each. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Choose from the following specializations:

Child Development

ECE 205 Introduction to Child Development
An overview of child development from birth to age eight will be covered in this course. Specific developmental milestones related to language, physical and social development. The significance of these developmental milestones as related to educational planning will be discussed.

ECE 351 Play & Learning for the Young Child
This course will explore the critical role that play has in the development of young children. Students will study the major theorists and their ideas on the role of play in learning. Various forms of play will be reviewed and the benefits of each type of play activity discussed. Ideas for implementing play and centers into an early childhood setting will be shared.

ECE 332 Child Development
This course provides a basic introduction to the nature of human growth and development as it occurs from conception through early childhood. Students learn about motor, cognitive, social, emotional, moral, aesthetic, and language development in early childhood.

ECE 355 Understanding Behavior & Family Dynamics
This course explores developmental theory and the relationship to the socialization and education of young children in child rearing, caring, and education. Special emphasis will be placed upon exploring how the child is viewed in the context of his or her family and the community at large.

Early Childhood Education

ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education including history, philosophy, advocacy, public policy, issues, trends, and careers.

ECE 315 Language Development in Young Children
This course provides an introduction to the developmental stages of language acquisition in young children from birth to the age of six. The focus of the course is on the facilitation of language acquisition in young children.

ECE 311 Early Childhood Curriculum & Methods
This course focuses on curriculum development in early childhood and teaching strategies with a developmentally appropriate approach. Students will prepare curriculum and practice teaching strategies which illustrate the characteristics of play and creativity. The guidance of young children to include behavior management and creating positive learning environments will also be emphasized.

ECE 335 Children's Literature
Students learn how to select and use children's books and other media relating to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of babies and preschool-aged children.

Education and Public Policy

EDU 108 Introduction to Policy & Education
This course examines the theory, analysis, development and implementation of educational policy. It will explore the reasons for change in educational policy, ways to track its' evolution, and manners in which educational policy may be influenced. The history of educational policy will also be explored.

EDU 363 Education & Social Justice
The influences of educational policy and its convergence with social justice will be studied in this course. Issues of race, gender, sexuality, globalization, and other multicultural issues within the study of politics and policy will be explored throughout this course.

EDU 428 Student Achievement in Public Schools
This course will examine various factors influencing student achievement in public schools. Influencing factors will include motivation theories, as well as the impact of families, teachers and schools on student success. Issues of equity and access to quality educational programs will be considered.

EDU 365 Politics of American Education
The political dimensions of policy formation/implementation in education and the use of power to influence educational policy will be explored. Conflict resolution and the analysis of consequences and impact will be examined.

English Language Learner Studies

ELL 240 Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners
This course explores strategies and techniques to support the success of language and culturally diverse students. The values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and their implication for teaching are considered. Research-based instructional approaches to developing English learner literacy will be examined.

ELL 355 Methods, Materials, & Technology for Learning a Second Language
Strategies for English Language Learners in the content areas while maintaining a language development focus will be illustrated. Specific strategies, materials, technology, and learning activities will be examined to support learning.

ELL 359 Contemporary Issues in English Language Instruction
Historical influences on instructional design in second language education will be explored. National and state standards for all learners and the implication for ELL instruction will be analyzed. Dual language instruction, bilingual education, and the politics of this as contrasted to English Language immersion programs will also be examined.

ELL 420 Testing & Assessment for ELL Students
Various tools and methodologies for assessing English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing for both ELL children and adults will be critiqued. Formative and summative assessments will be explored with an emphasis on the application and appropriateness of their use for instructional design.

Instructional Design

EDU 120 Principles of Instructional Design
This introductory course will cover learning theories including behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist and social learning as well as examine their relationship to instructional practices and course design. Basic principles and vocabulary for e-learning will be introduced. Additional topics covered will include factors that influence learning including motivation, learner engagement and learning styles. Students will begin to identify learning outcomes that can be addressed in an e-learning setting.

EDU 232 Instructional Design for E-Learning
Students will be introduced to a variety of instructional design strategies and address the selection of specific strategies to address learning needs in an educational or training environment. The role of needs assessment to inform design and formative evaluation to monitor instructional effectiveness will be addressed in this course.

EDU 335 Design Concepts & Applications
The application of instructional design for online learning will be emphasized as students apply their knowledge to analyze, select and design instructional strategies that are most effective for engaging and teaching online learners. Students will learn methods for managing and delivering online instruction utilizing course management tools and multimedia technologies in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.

EDU 336 Evaluation of E-Learning
Students will examine the components of online instruction and classroom design for high quality standards. Learners will evaluate and assess instructional design and its impact on student learning through a review of various sites and programs. Tools for evaluation of instructional material will be reviewed.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

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