Educational Studies Major
Program Overview
What is an educational studies degree?
You know how to connect with children and youth, and your passion is teaching – but in ways that make take you beyond the traditional classroom setting. A degree in educational studies from Furman builds on your strengths and develops the skills you’ll need to make a difference in students’ lives, wherever you find them. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
Why study educational studies at Furman?
Intended to grant opportunities to engage students in the study of education as a field of inquiry, educational studies provides an individualized and integrated pathway aligned within a liberal arts curriculum. A primary outcome of Furman’s educational studies program is giving students an unparalleled foundation for securing graduate school admission or starting a career in a chosen field. Each Furman student will engage in assignments that are meant to sharpen critical thinking, oral and written communication, and problem solving skills. Students can also apply organizational and analytical competencies to shape unique learning environments. Students also have the opportunity to combine their collaborative spirit with an in-depth awareness of social issues facing the world of education. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
How will you learn?
Of the nine education classes required in educational studies, at least six of them require an accompanying engaged learning experience within a wide range of community settings and age or grade levels. An individualized internship tailored to your own field of study or career goals prepares you for what’s next. Three-week May Experience study away programs in Australia/New Zealand and Finland/Czech Republic or a semester-long program overseas invite you to examine education through a global lens.
Careers for educational studies majors
Students completing the educational studies program often enter graduate programs and pursue careers in these vocations:
- Child development or child life specialist
- Private or public school educator
- Speech pathologist
- Camp director
- Student life/higher education administrator
- Children and youth ministry roles
- Educational policy advocate
- Nonprofit manager
Featured educational studies courses
-
50%Students who go on to graduate school
-
86%Participate in at least one internship
-
36%Students who double major
Our faculty
Katie Kelly
George Lipscomb
Judy Stuart
The educational studies major is designed for students seeking careers working with children and youth in environments other than a traditional classroom setting. Our graduates often go to graduate school and pursue fields such as child development, private and public education, speech pathology, camp directorship, student life/higher education administration, children and youth ministry, educational policy advocacy, and nonprofit management. Some of our graduates have landed employment in hospitals, in faith-based organizations, clinical settings or in local or state government agencies.
The annual average salary for educational studies majors is $52,000, according to payscale.com.
The educational studies B.A. at Furman is a four-year program.
