General information
This fully online program recognizes the growing need for individuals with the knowledge, competencies, and skills to facilitate teaching and learning with technology. The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies prepares a new kind of leader-expert essential to the knowledge-based economy; an educational expert who possesses both a broad social understanding of education and a critical understanding of digital technologies for learning. This program has four foci: 1) learning in early childhood environments, 2) learning with digital technologies, 3) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and 4) learning in adult settings (corporate, governmental, community-based and professional workplace environments).
All students will be required to complete the program’s nine core education courses (27 credits).
For the remaining 33 credits, students can choose electives from four themes: Early Childhood Studies, Adult Learning with Technology, Digital Technologies, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. By choosing at least four electives (12 credits) from a specific theme, students can apply for that specialization to appear on their transcript.
Note: The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies program does not qualify a graduate for membership in the Ontario College of Teachers or to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary school systems.
Adult Learning with Technology specialization
The Adult Learning with Technology specialization is a research-based and industry-responsive specialization that develops the understanding and skills to work in learning and development in various fields such as business, government, and non-profit organizations. Students will develop inclusive adult educational spaces, with a focus on the use of digital technologies for learning.
Digital Technology specialization
The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies with a specialization in Digital Technology prepares leader-experts with the flexibility to apply innovations in digital technology and inquiry-based learning in working to a variety of educational settings. The specialization emphasizes real-world inquiry/problem-based learning, providing the best opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology.
Early Childhood Studies specialization
The Early Childhood Studies specialization prepares an expert with the flexibility to apply innovations in digital technology and inquiry-based learning in working with young children in various educational settings. The specialization emphasizes real-world inquiry/problem-based learning providing the best opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology in early childhood education fields.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization develops expertise with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to recognize systemic, historic and attitudinal barriers that contribute to discrimination and oppression in both workplace learning and classroom settings. Students will use problem-based learning and critical reflection to identify issues, evaluate resources and articulate solutions to EDI issues in Canadian education and in society, to counter bias and discrimination against under-represented and equity-deserving groups. The EDI specialization in the BA in EDST program will focus on creating pathways to full inclusion for everyone in education.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. Regardless of educational background, all applicants to undergraduate programs must have specific prerequisite subject knowledge for their intended program of study. The specific average or standing required for admission will vary from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
The BA in ESDT program is available through advanced entry. The BA in ESDT is currently admitting graduates with an Ontario college diploma or equivalent, with an overall B average or better. These students can receive up to 60 transfer credits toward the degree.
Program details and degree requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies, students must successfully complete an advanced entry 60 credit hour program. This program is available for full-time and part-time studies.
Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change. For the most up-to-date list of course offerings, please visit the faculty website at education.ontariotechu.ca.
Educational Studies electives*
All EDST courses that are not required courses are eligible Educational Studies electives.
Note: Not all electives will be offered every year. Some courses may have prerequisites.
Work-Integrated Learning Courses
A limited number of fourth-year students may participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of up to 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, ongoing assignments and a culminating task (e. g., paper or poster). As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for EDST 4980U .
Educational Studies major with Adult Learning with Technology specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Adult Learning with Technology, students must complete at least four courses designated as Adult Learning with Technology courses, such as:
Educational Studies major with Digital Technology specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Digital Technology, students must complete at least four courses designated as Digital Technology courses such as:
Educational Studies major with Early Childhood Studies specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Early Childhood Studies, students must complete at least four courses designated as Early Childhood Studies courses such as:
Educational Studies major with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, students must complete at least four courses designated as Equity, Diversity & Inclusion courses, such as:
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