Schools, Society and Policy
The undergraduate schools, society and policy (SSP) specialization is one of the choices available for UF education science majors. This specialization provides a strong foundation for careers in schools, government, social services, nonprofit organizations and public service. It also prepares students to pursue graduate programs in a variety of fields. Courses in this specialization combine history, philosophy, sociology, and other disciplines to explore the relationship between education and societal progress. By studying the interconnectedness of education, society and policy, our graduates leave prepared to assess educational possibilities in formal and informal settings.
Program Highlights
Education and our experiences with it fundamentally shape who we are. We designed the schools, society and policy specialization for students in the education science program who want to deepen their understanding of contemporary educational challenges and practices. We introduce students to many disciplines and theoretical perspectives related to education. This approach emphasizes research, analytical thinking, clear communication and problem-solving. These skills are valuable in a wide range of careers, professional programs and graduate programs, including law, counseling, education policy and more.
Our program requires an experiential learning course. Students work with their advisor to identify a pathway that aligns with their interests and goals. Recent graduates have undertaken independent research, research in collaboration with a faculty member, and hands-on learning in a community-based setting to fulfill this requirement.
Get the details on the UF education sciences program.
Schools, Society and Policy Specialization Required Courses
- EDF 3083: International and Comparative Education
- EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
- EDF 3609: Sociological and Historical Foundations of Education
- EDH 3410: Introduction to Education Policy
- EDF 4930: Schools on Screen: American Education in Popular Media
2026-27 Schools, Society and Policy Courses
- EDF 3604: Social Foundations of Education
Introduction to major social, political, economic, and cultural issues that impact education. Some sections of this course fulfill the UF Undergraduate Writing Requirement.
Fall 2026
- 3 online, asynchronous sections
- 1 face-to-face section: Mondays, periods 5-6 and Wednesdays, period 5
Spring 2027
- 2 online, asynchronous sections
- 1 face-to-face section: Tuesdays, periods 3-4 and Thursdays, period 3
- EDF 3514: History of Education in the U.S.
Historical survey of educational development in the U.S. and the relationship between schools, intellectual movements, and social change.
Fall 2026
- 1 online, asynchronous section
- 1 face-to-face section: Tuesdays, periods 7-8 and Thursdays, period 8
Spring 2027
- 1 online, asynchronous section
- 1 face-to-face section: Mondays, periods 3-4, Wednesdays, period 3
- EDF 3609: Sociological and Historical Foundations of Education
Exploration of critical, interdisciplinary theory and its real-world implications for education in formal and non-formal settings.
Fall 2026
- 1 online, asynchronous section
- EDF 3083: International and Comparative Education
Introduction to international and comparative perspectives in education and the global connections between education, economics, and society.
Fall 2026
- 1 online, asynchronous section
- EDF 4930: Schools on Screen
Examination of how movies and television have portrayed educators and students over time and how those representations have shaped popular impressions of American schooling.
Spring 2027
- 1 online, asynchronous section
- EDH 3410: Introduction to Education Policy
Exploration of the history and purpose of education policy, key federal and state policies impacting K-12 and higher education, and theoretical and conceptual approaches to policy analysis.
Spring 2027
- 1 online, asynchronous section
For complete course descriptions and schedule, consult the UF Undergraduate Course Catalog. Have questions about our courses? Unsure if the B.A. in Education Sciences with the Schools, Society and Policy specialization is a good fit for you? Email coordinator Briana Bivens, Ph.D.
Take Courses Online
or On Campus
Questions?
If you have additional questions, please email the program coordinator, Briana Bivens, Ph.D.