Education (B.A.)

Education (B.A.)
student at blackboard

The Education major at UNH provides a comprehensive understanding of education, grounded in science, the arts, and humanities. Over four years, students engage with interdisciplinary research and methodologies through various academic disciplines and clinical sites. The program aims to produce leaders and role-models who are civically, globally and intellectually engaged, capable of analyzing complex educational issues, and committed to community teaching. Graduates are prepared for diverse career opportunities within education and other professional settings, engaged in educational policy, community-based education, and educational advocacy. 


What is the education degree?

The four-year Education major is designed for students who seek a rich understanding of education grounded in science, the arts and the humanities. The Education major offers opportunities to integrate knowledge and research methodologies from several academic disciplines and clinical sites into a focused examination of the interdisciplinary field of education.

Why study education at UNH?

Graduates of this program are civically, globally and intellectually engaged students who understand the complexities of education, and are capable of analyzing and evaluating complex problems influencing education from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Program graduates will be prepared for present and future challenges as well as for a wide range of employment opportunities in educational and professional settings engaged in educational policy, community-based education and educational advocacy.

Potential careers

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher
  • Academic Counselor
  • Educational Technologist
  • Extended Day School Programming
  • Education Policy Advocate

Curriculum & Requirements

The Education major offers opportunities to integrate knowledge and research methodologies from several academic disciplines and field sites into a focused examination of the interdisciplinary field of education. The four-year Education major is designed for students who seek a rich understanding of education grounded in science, the arts, and the humanities. The principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to many courses and experiences.

The goal of the program is to graduate civically, globally, and intellectually engaged students who understand the complexities of education, are capable of analyzing and evaluating complex problems influencing education from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, and are committed to becoming leaders and role models in the communities in which they work. Program graduates will be prepared for present and future challenges as well as for a wide range of employment opportunities in educational and professional settings engaged in educational policy, community-based education, and educational advocacy.

The BA in Education does not lead to teacher licensure. Students in the Education major interested in a licensure program (e.g., Elementary School teaching) may apply to the Accelerated Master’s program at UNH and potentially finish both the BA in Education and MEd in five years. 

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
EDUC 402 Introduction to Educational Studies: Social Change and Education in Local and Global Contexts 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
Discovery Course 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
EDUC 550 Language and Linguistic Diversity in Schools 4
Discovery Course 4
Discovery Course 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
EDUC 605 Educational Perspectives in Critical Times 4
Discovery Course 4
Foreign Language Course 4
EDUC 500 Exploring Teaching 4
 Credits16
Spring
EDUC 656 Advocating for Diverse and Inclusive Family-School-Community Partnerships 4
Discovery Course 4
Foreign Language Course 4
Elective Course 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
EDUC 520
or EDUC 525
Education, Poverty, and Development
or Teaching Race
4
Diverse and Inclusive Studies Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
Curriculum and Methods Course 4
Diverse and Inclusive Studies Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
EDUC 701 Human Development & Learning: Cultural Perspectives 4
Diverse and Inclusive Studies Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
EDUC 795 Independent Study 2-4
Curriculum and Methods Course 4
Elective Course 4
Elective Course 4
 Credits14-16
 Total Credits126-128

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: Yes

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program and Writing Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of Arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement. 

Major Requirements

The Education BA requires 52 credits. The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 3.0.

Required Foundations Courses
EDUC 402Introduction to Educational Studies: Social Change and Education in Local and Global Contexts4
EDUC 500Exploring Teaching4
EDUC 550Language and Linguistic Diversity in Schools4
EDUC 605Educational Perspectives in Critical Times4
EDUC 656Advocating for Diverse and Inclusive Family-School-Community Partnerships4
EDUC 701Human Development & Learning: Cultural Perspectives4
or PSYC 581 Child Development
Total Credits24
Required Courses
Select one course from the following:4
EDUC 520
Education, Poverty, and Development
EDUC 525
Teaching Race
Diverse and Inclusive Studies
Select two electives from the following in consultation with advisor:8
ENGL 405
Introduction to Linguistics
LING 405
Introduction to Linguistics
EDUC 506
Mentoring Readers and Writers in the Elementary Grades
EDUC 556
Peer to Peer Mentoring for Students with Disabilities
EDUC 650
Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities
EDUC 718
Critical Social Justice in and Beyond Education
EDUC 739
Assessment and Individualized Educational Planning in Special and Inclusive Education
EDUC 740
Advanced Methods for Inclusive Curricular Design and Teaching: Building Access and Agency
ENGL 716
Curriculum, Materials and Assessment in English as a Second Language
Additional courses may be selected in consultation with advisor in the following subject areas: Justice Studies, Gender Studies, Health and Physical Education, Arts, Theater, and Psychology.
Curriculum and Methods
Select two courses from the following:8
EDUC 703C
Classroom Management: Creating Positive Learning Environments
EDUC 703F
Teaching Elementary School Science
EDUC 703M
Teaching Elementary Social Studies
EDUC 706
Teaching & Learning Literacy in the Elementary Classroom
EDUC 712
Teaching Multilingual Learners
EDUC 733
Teaching Writing in the Elementary Grades
EDUC 734
Critical Perspectives on Children's Literature
EDUC 751A
Inclusive Elementary Education: Literacies and Learning for Diverse Learners
EDUC 761
Designing Curriculum for Inclusive, Equitable Settings for Young Children (birth-8)
MATH 601
Exploring Mathematics for Teachers I
MATH 703
Teaching of Mathematics in Grades K-5
Culminating Experience
EDUC 795Independent Study4
Total Credits24

Education Language Requirement

The bachelor of arts degree at the University of New Hampshire requires that students satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement. The requirement may be met by demonstrating language proficiency equal to a one-year college-level course (401 and 402, 403 and 503, 501 [Latin only], or 503 and above in a spoken language). American Sign Language courses meet the foreign language proficiency requirement for Education majors when COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II have been completed. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • GOAL ONE: Our students effectively analyze the social dimensions of education, including issues of culture, gender, equity, health and economics.
  • GOAL TWO. Our students demonstrate depth of knowledge in their subjects; recognize how knowledge in their subjects is created, organized and linked to other disciplines; identify the organizing themes and central concepts necessary for understanding a subject; and identify associated content necessary for students to understand these themes and concepts.
  • GOAL THREE. Our students understand how students develop and learn; treat students equitably and work diligently to help each student reach their potential; and create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.
  • GOAL FOUR. Our students make well-reasoned choices and decisions within the complex and demanding conditions of teaching. They analyze the effects of their actions and make appropriate changes. They consider the moral and philosophical implications of educational decisions. They improve their practice by reflecting on their own experience, observing others, seeking advice and drawing upon educational research and scholarship.
  • GOAL FIVE. Our students assess the relative merits of educational reform efforts and determine their appropriateness to the classroom, school and broader societal contexts in which teaching and learning occur. They develop and articulate their own conceptual and philosophical perspective on teaching and learning based on professional experience and current theories and research in education. They understand the nature of educational change, the teacher's role in the change process, and are willing to take risks as advocates for the benefit of students, teachers, and the profession.
  • GOAL SIX. Our students are active members of learning and professional communities. They work with colleagues to enhance their own teaching, learning and professional development, and work collaboratively with students, peers, and community members to create and contribute to effective learning environments.

Explore Program Details

Discovery Courses

B.A. in Education students who take these three courses combined (EDUC 402 + EDUC 605 + EDUC 701) will satisfy the following two Discovery courses. 

  • Historical Perspectives (Attribute: HP) 
  • Humanities (Attribute: HUMA) 

Students who take EDUC 520 or ENGL 405  will meet the following Discovery category:

  • Social Sciences (Attribute: SS) (EDUC 520; ENGL 405)

UNH undergraduate students! Interested in the Accelerated Master's Program? Watch this 33-minute Webinar to learn how you may be able to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in as little as five years. It includes important details on eligibility, testing, background check requirements, timing, and how to apply to the graduate school.

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