SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Educational Studies Degree
Education Bachelor’s Degree Major or Minor
Designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career beyond becoming a licensed teacher. We recognize the importance of education and training as important aspects of so many careers, and provide students with the theoretical background and practical application in order to better understand learners and learning.

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Why should I earn a bachelor of educational studies degree?
Opportunity
With an educational studies degree, you will be qualified for a wide range of career options around the field of education including policy, teaching, and more.
Horizons
Gain the skills of a well-rounded teacher without committing to a K-12 teaching licensure, and find ways to advance knowledge.
Specialize
Use the broad spectrum of the program to focus on other areas you are also interested in.
What Can I Do With an Educational Studies Degree
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Peace Corps
- Academic advising
- Education publishing
- Educational law
- Adult education
- On Campus
- Hybrid
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study educational studies at BVU?
Respected School of Education
BVU is a leader in education programs, and there’s a reason. With our experienced faculty, you will learn how to excel in all kinds of educational settings—because we’re committed to learning and the people of our region. You will discover the history, psychology, and all-around practical tips of teaching well. But don’t take our word for it. Come to BVU and learn for yourself.
Community Connections
With our connections to local schools and service programs, you can expect to be plugged into your community as you learn how to interact with a variety of audiences. From student mentoring at a middle or high school to community-based learning and social justice education, you will be able to put your classroom learning into practice.
The Impact of Therapy Dogs
Dory and the Dean
Buena Vista University’s student organization Teachers Inc. and members of BVU’s Kappa Delta Pi honor society hosted an event entitled, “Dory and the Dean,” to discuss the positive impact therapy dogs have on youth. The event was named in honor of Dory, a therapy dog who visits the Storm Lake Middle School and interacts with students several times each week.
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Hybrid
Hybrid Learning
You can earn your Bachelor of Educational Studies degree without leaving your community. Hybrid courses combine the benefit of live video instruction with the convenience of online learning. In addition to a weekly class, hybrid students complete their coursework online and receive personalized advisement from local BVU site staff.
Educational Studies Courses
- Major in Educational Studies (33 Credit Hours)
- EDCO 240 Human Development: School Age Children or EDCO 241 Human Development: Adolescents
- EDCO 245 Learning and Motivation: School Age Children or EDCO 246 Learning and Motivation: Adolescents
- EDCO 255 Professional Seminar I and Field Experience: Learning and Motivation
- EDCO 280 History of American Education
- EDCO 301 Introduction to Exceptional Learners
- EDUC 317 Foundations of Literacy
Eighteen credits from the following
A minimum of 6 credits must be taken from the School of Education and Exercise Science as indicated by EDUC, ESSI, EXSC, SEDU, STEM and TESL prefixes. No more than 6 credits may be from a single department outside of the School of Education and Exercise Science.
School of Education and Exercise Science: select at least 6 credits
- EDCO 303 Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners
- EDCO 390 Instructional Technology and Innovative Teaching
- EDCO 495 Educational Studies Internship
- SEDU/EDUC 335 Development of Oral Communications
- EDUC 362 Methods of Physical Education and Health for Elementary Teachers
- EDUC 363 Methods of Visual Art
- EDUC 371 Methods of Data-Driven Literacy Instruction
- SEDU/EDUC 380 Language Development
- EDUC 400 Home, School, and Community Relations
- EDUC 426 Methods & Materials for Teaching Middle School
- ESSI 103 Introduction to Learners with Significant Behavioral Disabilities with Field Experience
- ESSI 230 Transitions and Self-Determination
- EXSC 181 Lifetime Leisure Activities
- EXSC 182 Teaching Team Sports
- EXSC 202 Public and Community Health
- EXSC 240 Dance and Rhythms
- EXSC 291 Current Health Issues
- EXSC 321 Adapted Physical Education
- SEDU 310 Curriculum Design I: Standards, Assessment and Instruction for Engaged Learning
- SEDU 333 Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction
- STEM 394 STEM Principles I: Elementary STEM Methods
- STEM 432 STEM Principles II: Secondary STEM Methods
- TESL 270 Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
Other courses: no more than 6 credits may be taken from the same department
- COMM 230 Business and Professional Communication
- COMM 280 Group and Team Communication
- COMM 302 Intercultural Communication
- COMM 340 Civic Communication
- COMM 355 Conflict Management
- COMM 370 Leadership Communication
- MATH 123 Mathematics for Elementary Education I
- MATH 124 Mathematics for Elementary Education II
- MGMT 220 Principles of Management
- MGMT 320 Human Resource Management
- MGMT 380 Social Responsibility of Business
- MRKT 306 Principles of Marketing
- PSCN 115 Introduction to Politics
- PSPA 165 Introduction to Public Administration
- PSPA 320 State and Local Politics
- PSPA 360 Introduction to Public Affairs
- Minor in Educational Studies (21-22 Credit Hours)
- EDCO 240 Human Development: School Age Children or EDCO 241 Human Development: Adolescents
- EDCO 245 Learning and Motivation: School Age Children or EDCO 246 Learning and Motivation: Adolescents
- EDCO 255 Professional Seminar I and Field Experience: Learning and Motivation
- EDCO 280 History of American Education
- EDCO 301 Introduction to Exceptional Learners
- EDUC 317 Foundations of Literacy
- EDUC 400 Home, School, and Community Relations or EXSC 291 Current Health Issues
- ESSI 103 Introduction to Learners with Significant Behavioral Disabilities or EXSC 321 Adapted Physical Education or TESL 270 Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreEducation Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
Learn MoreTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most — if not all — of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesEarn a Master’s Degree Faster with Our Accelerated Program
With BVU's Plus One program, you can earn your special education, teaching English as a second language, or organizational leadership master's within one year of graduating with your bachelor’s degree.

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Find out more about earning a bachelor’s in education with BVU.
