The Division of Educational Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of education with a special emphasis on urban, multicultural, psychological, and comparative issues. In particular, the Division seeks to provide students with a foundation for understanding the social and cultural context in which education occurs and for interpreting the complex relationships among education, t
he individual, and society. Interdisciplinary in its requirements, the Educational Studies Major (Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies) provides a foundation that is appropriate for students who may choose to enter a teacher certification program at the graduate level as well as for students who may later wish to embark upon other careers in education. The major is also appropriate for students who intend to pursue graduate study in other areas such as law or business but who need a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of educational issues in order to contribute to meaningful decision making in their professional and private lives. Courses taken to meet the requirements for the major may not be taken under the S/U option. In addition, to fulfill graduation requirements, a grade of "C" or above must have been obtained in each course taken for the major. The Educational Studies Minor offers students an approach to the study of education that encourages breadth of knowledge in areas the Division faculty view as central. A minor in educational studies may serve as foundation, although more limited than the major, for students who will later consider teacher certification programs at the graduate level or perhaps pursue other careers in education, law, or business. Please note that this minor does not meet the requirements for teacher certification. Courses taken to meet the requirements for the minor may not be taken under the S/U option. In addition, to fulfill graduation requirements, a grade of "C" or above must have been obtained in each course taken for the minor. The Division also offers an Honors Program that provides Educational Studies majors with the opportunity to distinguish themselves by writing a thesis on an intellectual problem of importance to the discipline of education. Students who have demonstrated their capacity for such work are invited by the Division in the spring of their junior year to participate in the Honors Program during their senior year. The honors student proposes, conducts, writes, and defends an honors thesis under the supervision of a 3-member faculty Thesis Committee. The thesis is evaluated by the Committee and, if it is approved for some level of honors, this distinction is recorded on the student's diploma. In addition, the Division is host to INCITE [Inspiring Necessary Change In & Through Education], an organization composed of EDS majors and minors whose aim is to promote programs and activities related to educational concerns on campus and throughout the Atlanta area.
