General information
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) (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.
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 in 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 BA in Educational Studies program offers a co-operative education (co-op) option that enables students to gain invaluable work experience prior to graduation. These paid experiential learning opportunities range from four to 16 months and can be completed after students’ second year in the program with education-focused organizations or employers outside of K-12 education settings. Students in the co-op program who successfully complete a minimum of three work term courses will graduate with the Co-operative Education designation on their degree parchment. For more information, please consult the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Educational Studies Co-op section of this calendar .
Students interested in teaching in K to 12 education may apply to Ontario Tech’s Concurrent Education program. This program enables students to transition directly into the 16-month Bachelor of Education (BEd) the fall semester following their graduation from the BA. Students must complete all prerequisites and graduate before July 1 in the calendar year they wish to enter the BEd. A BEd is required for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools. Ontario Tech’s BA in Educational Studies provides an excellent foundation toward BEd certification.
Students in Educational Studies may complete one of the following specializations:
Adult Learning with Technology specialization
The Educational Studies specialization in Adult Learning with Technology 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 Educational Studies 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 effective opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology.
Early Childhood Studies specialization
The Educational Studies specialization in Early Childhood Studies 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, providing effective opportunities to develop job-ready skills in training and instruction using digital technology in early childhood education.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization
The Educational Studies specialization in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) 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. Courses will incorporate 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 with a focus on creating pathways to full inclusion for everyone in education.
Special Education specialization
The Educational Studies specialization in Special Education is designed to cultivate experts equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. Students will be introduced to the foundational principles of Special Education, exploring topics such as the historical context, ethical considerations, models of inclusion, and assistive technologies. Through real-world inquiry and problem-based learning, this specialization aims to produce professionals who are adept at creating inclusive and accessible spaces across a range of educational contexts.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive and 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.
Educational Studies core courses (27 credit hours)
Educational Studies electives (39 credit hours)
- Seven EDST electives* at the 1000- or 2000- or 3000-level
- Two EDST electives* at the 3000-level
- Four EDST electives* at the 4000-level
Students may use some of their electives to pursue a specialization in an area of Educational Studies. By choosing at least four electives (12 credits) from a specific theme, students will be eligible to apply for that specialization to appear on their transcript.
Note: Not all electives will be offered every year. Some electives may have prerequisites.
General 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 Educational Studies major for a total of 120 credits.
General program requirements are:
- Three General electives** outside of the Faculty of Education at the 2000-level or above. Note: These may require additional prerequisite courses at the 1000-level.
- Nine General electives** or EDST electives*
- Six General Electives** or EDST electives* at the 3000- or 4000-level.
No more than 42 credit hours may be at the 1000-level.
* All EDST courses that are not core courses are eligible as Educational Studies electives.
** General electives can be taken at/adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. Any non-required course in any faculty can count towards students’ necessary general electives.
Students may pursue a minor in a faculty outside of Educational Studies, which may facilitate access to a broader range of courses. Consultation with an academic advisor is strongly advised to develop a well-structured and effective program map.
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 may be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check at their own expense. 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 four of the following courses designated as Digital Technology courses:
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 of the following courses designated as Early Childhood Studies courses:
Educational Studies major with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, students must complete at least four of the following courses designated as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion courses:
Educational Studies major with Special Education specialization (12 credit hours)
To complete a specialization in Special Education, students must complete at least four of the following courses designated as Special Education courses:
Program learning outcomes
The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program.
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