Education (B.A.)

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

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.

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.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.