General information
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Educational Studies is an innovative program where students develop the knowledge, competencies and skills to facilitate teaching and learning in a variety of contexts using technology. Students can complete the program through a combination of online and in-person learning or entirely online with careful planning.
Educational experts are needed to guide learning in an increasingly complex, diverse and digital world. This hybrid undergraduate degree program prepares graduates to support online learning in both institutions and industry. Ontario Tech’s BA in Educational Studies program combines theoretical and practical study in the fundamentals of learning with technology. Students undertaking this program acquire a broad social understanding of education in different contexts and deepen their critical, reflective capacities. Graduates of the program develop skills, competencies and the critical mindset needed to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution and work in a variety of educational environments as learning specialists in corporations, finance, nonprofit and entrepreneurial contexts.
The online courses in the BA in Educational Studies program follow research and evidence-based practices. Electives from other faculties allow students to choose in-person or online learning while exploring related subjects of interest.
Students interested in teaching in K-12 education may apply to the OnTechU Concurrent Education program which leads to the 16-month Bachelor of Education program. A Bachelor of Education is required for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers in order to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools. Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies provides an excellent foundation toward the Bachelor of Education certification.
Students in Educational Studies may complete one of the following specializations:
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 while working in 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 experts with the flexibility to apply innovations in digital technology and inquiry-based learning while working with young children in various educational settings. The specialization emphasizes real-world inquiry/problem-based learning, including providing the best opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology in early childhood education.
Equity, Diversity & 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, in order 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. 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.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Nine Educational Studies Core Courses (27 credit hours)
13 Educational Studies electives (39 credit hours)
All EDST courses that are not core courses are eligible as Educational Studies electives. Students are required to complete:
- a minimum 12 credit hours at the 4000-level
- a minimum 18 credit hours at the 3000- and 4000-level
Other program requirements (54 credit hours)
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Educational Studies, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits.
- A total of 36 additional credit hours are required at the 3000- and 4000-level
- No more than 42 credit hours may be at the 1000 level.
- To ensure that breadth of learning continues past the first year, students are required to successfully complete nine credit hours outside the Faculty of Education that are not 1000-level courses.
Note: Not all electives will be offered every year. Some electives may have prerequisites.
Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.
Students can include the specialization courses noted below as part of their 54 credit hours.
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:
Educational Studies major with Digital Technology specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Digital Technology, students must complete at least 4 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 4 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 4 courses designated as Equity, Diversity & Inclusion courses, such as:
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