Overview

The Education Sciences major promotes an understanding of education and learning systems, policy, and outcomes in traditional and non-traditional contexts. This degree prepares individuals for a variety of career paths and for graduate school.

This major is not a teacher or educator preparation program, rather an exploration of the educational and psychological foundations, research and policy as applied to instruction, learning, and professional development in school and community settings. Core courses serve as an introduction to the many fields of professional practice and research. Students may develop a General Studies curriculum or may choose a specialization in Disabilities in Society, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Psychology and Research, Educational Technology, or Schools, Society and Policy.

Graduates of the major would be prepared for a career in a government, non-profit, or education setting and for graduate studies. It would be appropriate for students interested in leading discussions about schools and education, informing policy, optimizing e-learning, advocating for accessibility, and supporting the mission of institutions of learning.

Education Science Program Curriculum

Students must complete 30 credits of coursework for the education sciences major to include a 15-credit core and a 15-credit specialization. The specialization must be declared no later than semester 6. Each specialization’s coursework requirements are specified after the Critical Tracking section. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in a course for it to be applied to the major. A minimum 15 credits of major-related courses must be completed at the University of Florida.

All education sciences majors are required to attend colloquia, contribute to seminars, and participate in experiential learning.

Required Courses

Critical Tracking Courses

  • EDF 1005 Introduction to Education
  • EDF 2085 Teaching Diverse Populations
  • EME 2040 Introduction to Educational Technology

Core Courses

  • EDF 3210 Educational Psychology
  • EDF 3604 Social Foundations of Education
  • EDF 3423 Educational Research Design
  • EEX 2000 Impact of Disabilities: Home, Community and Workplace
  • EME 3813 Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments

Capstone Courses

  • EDG 2021 Critical Issues in Education (S/U; A colloquium series that explores current education issues and research. Guest lectures from faculty)
  • EDG 4931 Senior Seminar Education Sciences (S/U; Seniors present findings/summary of experiential learning)
  • EDG 4078 Experiential Learning in Education (Research, Internship, Service Learning, Study Abroad)

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    Education Science Specialization

    Students majoring in Educations Sciences can choose from the following specializations:

    Disabilities in Society

    Stimulating coursework expands your knowledge of how to positively impact the lives of individuals with special needs. By providing a lens to view the unique perspectives and roles of individuals with disabilities in society, this specialization will help to shape your view of work in your field of choice and involvement in your community. Awareness will change you.

    Educational Technology

    Ed Tech goes far beyond tablets and smartboards. This focus is designed to establish a background understanding of the industry and help students cultivate the skills needed to succeed in this growing field. From instructional design to virtual or augmented reality learning environments, we have carefully crafted a sequence of courses to engage you in this growing field.

    Education Psychology & Research

    Build a highly-valued skillset through the application of data analysis, research design and evaluation techniques. This specialization provides focused coursework on the psychology of learning and the application of educational research.

    Schools, Society & Policy

    Our shared belief is that schools are shaped by larger societal forces like politics, culture, economics, and values. We enlist perspectives from history, philosophy, sociology and cultural studies to explore the inter-relationships between schools and society. Discover and apply knowledge to address and resolve pressing issues in schools, education policy and society.

    Early Childhood Studies

    Early Childhood Studies aims to provide students an understanding of the transdisciplinary field of early childhood through exploring the intersections among early care and education, health/mental health, and family support systems. The scope of courses provides a base in which we explore the science, policy, and implementation of early childhood development, learning, health, and well-being from child- and family-centered and developmental equity perspectives. Emphasis is placed on practices and policies used within and across these systems to support equitable outcomes and thriving children, birth to 5-years old, and their families.