Educational Studies

Elementary (grades 1-6) Major
Secondary (grades 6-12) Major
Special Content Areas: Art, Music, and Language (grades K-12) Major
Educational Studies (without licensure) Major and Minor

How We Work

1. We aren't a college of education. And we think that's a good thing. We study the world through a liberal arts framework, focusing on all parts of the world around us in intense, worthwhile ways—from science to languages, history to the arts. We prepare students to see all sides of the equation, to ask questions, and to communicate clearly.

2. We're a step ahead. What separates good educators from great educators is an extensive knowledge of the theories, philosophies, and history of education. We offer courses that meticulously examine how behavior, technology, and society influence education. Our students work to understand the rapidly changing communities around them, and are expected to be a step ahead of those changes—both in and out of the classroom—and come up with real-world solutions to better our classrooms and communities.

3. We're change agents. We aren't satisfied with the status quo, but are empowered to take what we learn and make a difference in the community. In fact, our department mission is, "Preparing Future Educators to Change Our World." Our program is unique in that all education majors serve in the community with organizations like Blessings in a Backpack, Best Buddies, the Adult Literacy Program, and Reading Buddies. It is no accident that so many graduates serve in the Peace Corps (Knox is the first college in the country to have an official Peace Corps Preparatory Program), teach in locations around the world, or find careers in service organizations.

4. We get out of the classroom ... and into the classroom. We provide students with opportunities to get experience in the classroom early and often. From assisting teachers and providing instruction in a small-group settings to teaching class lessons, students develop skills and confidence so that they're ready to student teach their final year. In the summer, students can build on their skills by interning in a program with the Chicago Public Schools, work in the Knox College4Kids summer enrichment program, or travel to the Navajo Nation Reservation with Knox faculty for a two-week teaching residency.