This major is not a teacher or educator preparation program, rather an exploration of the educational and psychological foundations, research and policy as applied to instruction, learning, and professional development in school and community settings. Core courses serve as an introduction to the many fields of professional practice and research. Students may develop a General Studies curriculum or may choose a specialization in Disabilities in Society, Educational Psychology and Research, Educational Technology, or Schools, Society and Policy.

Graduates of the major would be prepared for a career in a government, non-profit, or education setting and for graduate studies.  It would be appropriate for students interested in leading discussions about schools and education, informing policy, optimizing e-learning, advocating for accessibility, and supporting the mission of institutions of learning. 

Students must complete 30 credits of coursework for the education sciences major to include a 15-credit core and a 15-credit specialization. The specialization must be declared no later than semester 6.  Each specialization's coursework requirements are specified after the Critical Tracking section. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in a course for it to be applied to the major. A minimum 15 credits of major-related courses must be completed at the University of Florida.

All education sciences majors are required to attend colloquia, contribute to seminars, and participate in experiential learning.

Critical Tracking Courses | 3 courses total

• EDF 1005
• EDF 2085 (GE-S,D)
• EME 2040

Core Courses | 5 courses total

• EDF 3210
• EDF 3604 (GE-S)
• EDF 3423
• EEX 2000 (GE-S,D)
• EME 3813

Disabilities in Society

Advocating for accessibility and inclusion

Educational Psychology and Research

Research methods for understanding cognitive development and learning theory

Educational Technology

Preparing for a career in instructional design and e-learning

General Studies

Engaging in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary studies

Schools, Society and Policy

Searching for solutions to enduring problems in education

Critical Issues & Research in Education (EDG 4930 - 1 credit; S/U)

A colloquium series that explores current education issues and research. Guest lectures from faculty.

Senior Seminar (EDG 4930 - 2 semesters x 1 credit each; S/U)

Seniors present findings/summary of experiential learning.

Experiential Learning (EDG 4910 or EDG 4905 - choose one)

Research, Internship, Service Learning, Study Abroad

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete 1 of 3 critical tracking courses: EDF 1005, EDF 2085, EME 2040
• 2.33 GPA required for all critical tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete 2 of 3 critical tracking courses 
• 2.33 GPA required for all critical tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete 3 of 3 critical tracking courses 
• 2.33 GPA required for all critical tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete 1 core course: EDF 3210, EDF 3604, EDF 3423, EEX 2000, EME 3813
• 2.33 GPA required for all critical tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 6

• Complete 3 core courses: EDF 3210, EDF 3604, EDF 3423, EEX 2000, EME 3813
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 7

• Complete 4 core courses: EDF 3210, EDF 3604, EDF 3423, EEX 2000, EME 3813
• Complete 2 specialization courses: EME 3044, EME 3319, EME 4010, EME 4320, EME 4673
• 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 8

• 2.0 UF GPA required

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.  A course in statistics is recommended for this major but not required.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Across the country, graduates with education majors typically are prepared to teach in preschool through grade 12 settings. While many university students complete an education degree with teacher certification and begin teaching, others pursue graduate school or employment in fields where preparation in education is an asset. The BAES is appropriate for students interested in leading and supporting the design and implementation of learning environments, studying and informing education policy, optimizing e-learning, advocating for and developing accessible education options for citizens with disabilities, and supporting the learning and training missions of institutions in the modern economy.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Explain foundational ideas and best practices in educational practices and policies, educational psychology, human exceptionalities, educational statistics and measurement, and educational technologies.
2. Apply foundational ideas and best practices to understand problems of practice and generate viable solutions in formal and informal education and training settings.

Critical Thinking

3. Enact goals for professional growth, ethical practices, and continuous improvement.

Communication

4. Communicate effectively in all forms in a professional environment, adapting appropriately for exceptionality and diversity among individuals.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Final projects
• Experiential learning experiences