School of Education announces new education studies minor

LAWRENCE – A new minor in education studies will provide students at the University of Kansas a solid grasp of essential theory and research in education, along with an opportunity to focus on particular aspects of educational systems.

The study of education expands opportunities in a variety of career paths for students, from public service, social work and human development to psychology, applied behavioral sciences and more. The minor in education studies does not lead to teacher licensure, nor does it prepare students to teach in a classroom setting. Rather, it offers a broad introduction to education as a field of study and as a fundamental human activity.

The minor was developed in response to student interest.

“Many students at KU express a desire to enroll in education course options without committing to becoming a teacher and see value in better understanding the intersection of education with society and their chosen major,” said Kelli Thomas, associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs. “While many education classes are already open to non-majors, the addition of the minor provides an opportunity for students to pursue their education interest in a more substantial manner.”

Students who declare the education studies minor at KU are required to take 18 customizable credit hours of coursework, which includes only one specified course: ELPS 250, Education & Society. Other course requirements are designed to address three specific themes of education:

• Diversity perspectives in education
• Educational psychology & human development
• Ethical, legal and international perspectives in education.

Minor declarations are now being accepted online for the fall 2016 semester. Interested students may contact the department at 785-864-3726, soeadvising@ku.edu, or visit soe.ku.edu/minor.

“We are a top-ten ranked public school of education and are thrilled to widen the access to our curriculum to additional students at KU,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education. “We can already envision the impact that our future graduates will make using the knowledge they gain through the education studies minor.”

The School of Education at KU is composed of five academic departments: curriculum & teaching; educational leadership & policy studies; educational psychology; health, sport, & exercise sciences; and special education). The required curriculum for the minor in education studies will be offered as a combination of courses from four of the five departments.

The School of Education is a nationally ranked school, serving educators to prepare them as leaders.