Educational Studies

The Educational Studies program offers co-constructed, relevant, theory-based, and experiential learning opportunities. With a focus on social responsibility, this program prepares graduates to engage and be successful in diverse educational contexts. We foster the emergence of globally-minded and self-actualized educators who are discerning and adaptable forward-thinkers.

Overview After Principia Faculty

You’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of educational theory and group management and get practice building learning communities. You'll also put theory into practice through lesson and curriculum design. In the process, you'll be developing strong skills in communication, critical thinking, experiential learning, inquiry-based teaching and learning, leadership, and the use of technology.

Major and Minor Offered

Educational Studies (BA major, minor)

Educational Theory and Practice Concentration
The educational studies concentration in theory and practice offers students an in-depth knowledge of educational theory and group management along with opportunities to build learning communities and put theory into practice through lesson and curriculum design. Students visit a wide variety of schools, which contributes to their knowledge of the American educational system. They also consider the role of teachers, learners, parents, community members, and leaders in educational reform, and they develop strong skills in communication, critical thinking, experiential learning, inquiry-based teaching and learning, leadership and the use of technology.
Outdoor and Experiential Theory and Practice Concentration
The concentration in outdoor and experiential theory and practice takes advantage of the College's 2,600 acre campus to provide experiences that
emphasize leadership, outdoor program design, environmental ethics, outdoor and adventure education, experiential teaching and learning theories and methods, program planning and delivery, team building, lesson-plan design, hard and soft skill development, and communication skills..

Why Study Educational Studies at Principia College?

Our program is student-centered, innovative, collaborative, and experiential.
Our students do a three-week internship at a local school.
Principia faculty lead field trips to a variety of schools in Missouri and Illinois.
Our graduates successfully gain employment or entrance into graduate school.
Graduates enter the education community able to think for themselves and create positive change.
Our program offers breadth and depth in course offerings and choice for student interest.
Faculty are highly accessible for mentoring and guidance with leadership opportunities for students in the department and the field.

Abroads

Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. The St. Lucia, Iceland, and New Zealand Abroads, focusing on educational theory and practice, are especially popular among our majors.

Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.

coming soon

Recognized for their strengths in the areas of leadership, group facilitation, communication, interpersonal skills, and moral character, our graduates have embarked on a variety of professional opportunities, including the following:

Teaching at prestigious private schools
Teaching internationally
Teach for America
Teacher at public charter schools
Educator at Montessori schools
Attending graduate schools

Graduates of our outdoor and experiential theory concentration are prepared for a wide range of positions:

Outdoor guide
Challenge course facilitator
Interpretive center guide or director
Outfitter
Park ranger
Camp director
Environmental program designer
Eco-tourism guide

From Our Alumni

“I am an Assistant Language Teacher living in rural Japan. I focus on English education for middle and elementary school students, and my degree in Educational Studies was imperative for preparing me for this work. I prepare interactive lessons that are designed to make English education fun and interesting for the students.”

–A recent graduate

“I've been working at [Montessori School] for the last year and a half! I really love it and hope to stay with their program as long as I can. Starting in June, I'm going back to school at the Seton Montessori Institute to get my Montessori teacher certificate. The program requires a Bachelor degree, so it's considered a Masters program. I'll graduate this program in 2020 and am hoping to start in my own classroom by the Fall of 2021.”

–A recent graduate

“I am currently in a dual master's of education and teaching certification program. I teach full time under a lead teacher and go to master's classes at night. At the end of this year, I will be a certified 1st-6th grade teacher. Next year, I am required to have my own classroom in a DC public school but will still have support from my program and at the end of the school year, I will have completed my master's degree. The program is focused on student-centered learning, inclusive education, and relationship-based teaching. My program is called the Center for Inspired Teaching and I am attending grad school through Trinity Washington University. It's all bundled in one program and has very much built on my pedagogical foundation from Principia Ed Department!”

–A recent graduate

“My experience as an educational studies major was unbelievably creative, innovative, and interactive. I felt constantly supported and loved by my professors as I got to explore and learn about the field of education. I made memories that I will never forget, while learning in a way that leaves me feeling enthusiastic and purposeful about entering the field of education.”

–A 2015 graduate

"The Principia educational studies major is so much more than just a degree. Along with receiving a practical education, I received a life education. I credit who I am today to the Education Department. I became a deep and passionate thinker, critical observer, and an imaginative wonderer. The professors encouraged me to explore as an academic, without the fear of failure. This will certainly translate into my future classroom, hopefully creating deeper meaning and success for my students."

–A 2015 graduate

“I had the opportunity to teach in diverse schools and learn about different kinds of teaching methods. Each of my experiences helped prepare me for teaching in my own third and fourth grade classroom. The multiple student-teaching internships I completed gave me the experience needed to feel comfortable once I entered my own classroom. The professors at Principia provided me with all of the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.”

–A 2014 graduate

“Principia’s educational studies major prepared me for a variety of careers by providing me with opportunities to develop effective interpersonal communication skills and practical classroom teaching techniques, as well as the platform to further my leadership ability. The major changed my life and has helped me be the best person, teacher, and leader I can be.”

–A 2015 graduate, currently working in higher education