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?

The goal of the UNH Education B.A. program is to graduate teachers who are leaders and role-models in the communities in which they teach. Graduates of this program are 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 community teachers. 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

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 woven throughout every course and clinical experience.

All declared Education majors will start as students in the Non-Licensure program. Students meeting minimum requirements can apply during the spring of their sophomore year to the Integrated Licensure Elementary and ESOL Education Program. Graduates of the Integrated Licensure Program will be eligible for certification by the NH Department of Education in elementary education plus English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

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 community teachers — teachers who are leaders and role-models in the communities in which they teach. 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.

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

Path A: Non-Licensure Inclusive Studies requires 52 credits. The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 3.0.

Path B: Integrated Licensure Elementary and ESOL Education requires 72 credits. The required minimum GPA in major coursework is a 3.2 with an overall 3.2 GPA required for admission to Path B.

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
PATH A: Non-Licensure Inclusive Studies Requirements
Select one course (4 credits) from the following:
EDUC 520
Education, Poverty, and Development
EDUC 525
Teaching Race
Diverse and Inclusive Communities
Select three courses (12 credits) from the following:
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
Equitable Assessment and Individualized Educational Planning: Building Access and Agency
EDUC 740
Advanced Methods for Inclusive Curricular Design and Teaching: Building Access and Agency, Part II
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 (8 credits) from the following:
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 #784
Educators as Community-Engaged Researchers
PATH B: Integrated License in Elementary and ESOL Education Requirements
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 751A
Inclusive Elementary Education: Literacies and Learning for Diverse Learners
MATH 601
Exploring Mathematics for Teachers I
MATH 703
Teaching of Mathematics in Grades K-5
ENGL 405
Introduction to Linguistics
or ENGL 791
English Grammar
ENGL 716
Curriculum, Materials and Assessment in English as a Second Language
Culminating Experience
EDUC 798
Internship and Seminar in Inclusive Teaching
EDUC 799
Internship and Seminar in Inclusive Teaching

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. Education students seeking NH teaching certification are required to take a minimum of two semesters of a foreign language to meet certification requirements

Course selection for the B.A. in Education is designed in close consultation with an Education Department advisor.

  • 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 demonstrate specialized knowledge of how to teach subject matter to their students. They use multiple approaches to facilitate student learning. They create lessons that are engaging, appropriately challenging, and motivating for students. They involve students in thoughtful inquiry and reflection.
  • GOAL FIVE. Our students use multiple strategies to assess students, regularly assess student progress using appropriate measures, and demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions about students and their learning based on classroom, district, and state assessments.
  • GOAL SIX. 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 SEVEN. 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 EIGHT. 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

The Education Department offers multiple pathways to becoming an educator. 

Education Major Flow Chart

UNH Discovery requirements for EDUC Students in a teacher preparation program: 

Discovery Courses

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 (Non-Licensure Program) or ENGL 405 (Licensure Program) will meet the following Discovery category:

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

Foreign Language Requirements

Education students seeking NH teaching certification are required to take a minimum of two (2) semesters of a foreign language to meet certification requirements.

In spring of the second year by April 15th, students must formally apply to the teacher licensure program (Path B).  

Students must meet the following requirements and send all application materials listed below to the Education Department at Education.Department@unh.edu. 

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 (Starting in 2026, the minimum GPA will be increased to 3.2.)
  • Successful Completion of EDUC 500 (The Department has direct access to the instructor’s assessment of your performance). IMPORTANT: Enrollment in EDUC 500 requires an application and Education Department approval. Please review information at EDUC 500 for more information. 
  • Praxis CORE test:
    • Students need to take Praxis Core Tests prior to applying to the Integrated Licensure Elementary and ESOL Education Program.  
    • Applicants must obtain a minimum qualifying score (as set by the state of New Hampshire at the time of testing) on all three (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) Praxis Core exams in order to be considered for admission. 
    • To have scores sent to our office, please use the recipient code 3922.
    • For general information about test scores required for admission into Teacher Preparation Programs, please visit the Test Scores webpage
    • Take advantage of free, online prep resources:  Study.com test preparation information
  • Personal Statement/Essay Questions: 
    • In no more than two pages (double space), describe the reasons you wish to pursue the Teacher Preparation Program, including relevant personal qualities and life experiences that have shaped your beliefs about learning, development and teaching diverse learners. 
  • Educator Identification Number
    • Follow the new user link to create an Educator ID Account/Number
    • Include in the application your NHDOE Educator Identification Number
  • Two letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be from instructors or someone who has observed your field experience work. (Note: A third letter of recommendation will be provided by your EDUC 500 instructor.)
  • Field Experience hours log
    • Completed form showing 100 hours of working with students and families.
    • Within those 100 hours, at least 40 hours should be with youth/families whose backgrounds are different from the student’s own.
  • State and Federal Background Check 
    • Once the academic review has been completed, you will be notified by the department of the admission decision. 
    • Students meeting the academic admission standards are provisionally accepted pending a Criminal History Records Check. See more details at UNH Education Department’s information on the Background Check.
    • To complete the Mandatory Background Check #1, please follow these  step-by-step instructions. 
    • Upon receipt of a PEPP Student background check clearance certificate from NH DOE, immediately forward to education.department@unh.edu, Attn: Department Chair, to proceed in the Teacher Preparation Program. Full admission to the program and student teaching cannot occur until the final background check is received.

PRINT/SAVE THE ABOVE INFORMATION

  • Field Experience hours log
    • Document 100 hours of working with students and families. 
    • Within those 100 hours, at least 40 hours should be with youth/families whose backgrounds are different from the student’s own. 

Print/save the above information

Because the B.A. in Education is an intense major, students are required to attend a mandatory advising meeting each semester before registering for classes. 

Internal Transfer (UNH students) 

The Integrated Licensure in Elementary and ESOL Education pathway for this major requires a minimum of 72 credits, without counting the credits to meet UNH Discovery and Foreign Language Proficiency Requirements. Additionally, several of the required courses have intensive fieldwork components, which complicate the possibility of scheduling extra courses during a semester in order to catch up. Given the heavy requirements, the B.A. in Education major is best suited for first-year students (rising Sophomores).  

Internal transfer students—i.e., UNH students who are not B.A. in Education majors—must do the following:   

  1. Complete and submit the Application/Qualtrics form.   
  2. GPA: 3.0 or higher  
  3. Attendance at an Information Session. Contact education.department@unh.edu to set up an appointment.
  4. Interview with the Director of Undergraduate Programs in Educational Studies, EK Cho (EunKyeong.Cho@unh.edu) 
  5. Complete or be enrolled in EDUC 402. 

External Transfer Students

The Integrated Licensure in Elementary and ESOL Education pathway for this major requires a minimum of 72 credits, without counting the credits to meet UNH Discovery and Foreign Language Proficiency Requirements. Additionally, several of the required courses have intensive fieldwork components, which complicate the possibility of scheduling extra courses during a semester in order to catch up. Given the heavy requirements, the B.A. in Education major is best suited for first-year students (rising Sophomores).  

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