Skip to main content

Search form

  • Home
  • School
  • College
  • Alumni
  • Giving
Principia College
 menu
Visit

College Admissions

  • Academics
    • Majors and Minors
    • Faculty
    • Abroads
    • Experiential Learning
    • First Year Experience
    • Resources and Support
      • Academic and Career Advising
      • Career and Graduate School Preparation
      • Center for Teaching and Learning
      • James K. Schmidt Art Gallery
      • Library
      • Registrar
    • Institutes
      • Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
      • Euphrates Institute
      • Institute for the Metaphysics of Physics
      • Sustainability Center
  • About Us
    • Achievements
    • Christian Science
    • People
      • President
      • Administrators
    • Campus and Location
      • Map and Directions
      • Guest House
    • News
    • Speakers and Events
    • Rankings
    • Careers and Outcomes
    • Fast Facts
    • Contact Us
  • Campus Life
    • 101 Things to Do
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Dining
    • Housing
    • Social Life
    • Spiritual Life
    • Student Services
  • Athletics
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Counselors
    • Apply
      • First-Time Freshman
      • Transfer Student
      • International Student
    • Costs
    • Financial Aid
      • Affordability
      • Apply for Financial Aid
      • Funding Resources
    • Scholarships
    • Admitted Students
      • Deposit and Checklist
      • Important Dates
      • First Year Experience
      • Advising and Registration
      • Orientation
      • New International Students
    • Visit
      • Weekend Information
    • FAQ
    • Refer a Student
  • Visit

You are here

Home » Academics » Majors and Minors

Educational Studies

Prepare for careers in a variety of educational contexts from traditional classrooms to outdoor education. 

OverviewAfter PrincipiaFaculty

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
    You’ll study the American educational system and see it in action at a wide variety of schools. You’ll also consider the role of teachers, students, parents, community members, and leaders in educational reform, exploring past and present efforts to design an educational system that supports learning for all students.
  • Outdoor and Experiential Theory and Practice Concentration
    Using Principia’s 2,600-acre campus as a living classroom, you'll have a variety of hands-on learning opportunities that emphasize leadership, outdoor program design, environmental ethics, outdoor education, team building, hard and soft skill development, experiential teaching and learning theories and methods, and program planning and delivery. You’ll also develop an understanding of the subtleties involved in designing experiential and hands-on learning opportunities for multiple venues, including a traditional classroom setting.

Why Study Educational Studies at Principia College?

  • Our program is student-centered, innovative, collaborative, and experiential.
  • Our 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows invaluable access to faculty. We also mentor our students beyond graduation.
  • Our students do a three-week internship at a local school.
  • Our Class of 2016 graduates enjoyed 100% job placement.
  • Principia faculty lead field trips to a variety of schools in Missouri and Illinois.
  • Our students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, group management, and leadership skills.
  • We prepare students to continue their education in some of the top graduate schools in the country, including University of Virginia and Boston College.
  • Educators and leaders from around the world hold Skype sessions with our students, sharing insight about educational theory and practice.

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 and Finland 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
  • Fulbright scholar 
  • International au pair
  • Peace Corps volunteer
  • Children’s home educator
  • AmeriCorps volunteer educator 

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

“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 grad

"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 grad

“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 grad 

“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 grad, currently working in higher education

Galen Benson
Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
618.374.5255
Faculty Profile
Carol Burbee
618.374.5256
Faculty Profile
Dr. Lauren Hinchman
Associate Professor of Educational Studies
Chair of the Education Department
618.374.5254
Faculty Profile
Stephanie L. Lovseth
618.374.5260
Faculty Profile
Winnie Hinchman Needham
Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
Division Head of Social Sciences
618.374.5257
Faculty Profile
Overview | After Principia | Faculty

You might also be interested in …

Mathematics

Mass Communication

Biology

Explore All Majors and Minors

Request Info
Afford
Visit
Apply
Featured Links
  • Majors and Minors
  • Abroads
  • Speakers and Events
  • Admitted Students
  • Current Students
  • Parents
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Calendar
  • News
  • Internet Radio
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Terms of Use
  • 1 Maybeck Place, Elsah, IL 62028
  • 618.374.2131
  • Map / Directions