B.A. in Applied Educational Studies

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Educational Studies (BAAES) prepares individuals to work with children and families in various roles, including family specialists, child and family life educators, and social service professionals. Offered in both online and blended formats, the program provides a foundation in education preparation with specialization options in infant and toddler care and education, ECE administration, and teaching methods. Graduates are equipped for careers in early childhood centers, preschools, and social service agencies, among others.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Educational Studies (BAAES) prepares individuals to work with children and families in roles such as:
• Family specialist
• Child and family life educator
• Home visitor
• Social service professional
• The program is offered both fully online and in blended formats.
• It provides a foundation in education preparation with options to specialize in:
• Infant and toddler care and education
• ECE administration
• Teaching methods
• Coursework covers topics such as:
• Management and leadership
• Working with children and families under stress
• Special education
• English as an additional language in educational settings

Outline:

• Infant and Toddler Care and Education Concentration:
• Provides knowledge and skills to work with infants and toddlers in early childhood settings.
• Coursework includes:
• Child development
• Curriculum planning
• Assessment and observation
• Health and safety
• Family engagement
• ECE Administration Concentration:
• Prepares students for leadership roles in early childhood programs.
• Coursework includes:
• Program management
• Financial management
• Human resources management
• Advocacy and policy
• Ethics and professionalism
• Teaching Methods Concentration:
• Provides students with the skills and knowledge to teach young children.
• Coursework includes:
• Child development
• Learning theories
• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Assessment and evaluation

Assessment:

• Coursework is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Fieldwork experiences
• Students must also complete a capstone project to demonstrate their understanding of the program's objectives.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields.
• Classes are typically small, allowing for individualized attention from instructors.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group projects
• Field experiences
• The program also incorporates technology to enhance the learning experience.

Careers:

• Graduates of the BAAES program are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
• Early childhood centers
• Preschools
• Head Start programs
• Child welfare agencies
• Social service agencies
• The program can also lead to opportunities in:
• Child support services
• Community service management
• Special education
• Child care center program direction
• Parent education
• Child-family life education
• Family specialization