Create a career from your your desire to understand human nature and nurture the minds of others.
Students in Education and Human Development programs will learn how to cultivate the human mind and body.
Students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the growth and change in humans over the course of a lifespan and how to support learning through research- and experience-based curricula that reflects the dynamic landscape of teaching diverse populations in the 21st century.
Biomechanics and Motor Control
The Biomechanics and Motor Control minor provides an opportunity for students to enhance their learning of the study of human movement and the physical and physiological principles upon which it depends, in addition to the influence of growth and development upon human and motor performance.
Individual Studies (IVSP) students enjoy broad academic freedom and flexibility to pursue their degrees in ways that best suit their intellectual interests and passions. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the IVSP staff, students create their own unique, interdisciplinary majors that approach important issues, questions, and problems from a range of disciplines and perspectives.
Kinesiology students study the complex role of physical activity in human health and performance across the lifespan. This multidisciplinary major includes seven courses that ground students in the essential sub-disciplines of human movement while setting the stage for more advanced coursework.
The Minor in Secondary Education provides an opportunity for non-Education majors to enroll in a sequence of education courses that will introduce them to the teaching profession. The minor incorporates courses in student development, issues in American public education, the importance of reading across the curriculum, and pedagogical foundations in teaching the core subjects in today's high schools.
The Minor in TESOL curriculum provides a foundation in second language learning and pedagogy, cross-cultural issues and understanding, and curricular and pedagogical issues which support reading and writing in a second language context. Several of the courses include field components that provide candidates with direct experience in working with second language learners.
The Leadership Studies program promotes leadership learning and development by educating students for and about leadership in a complex world. Valuing global citizenship and civic education, we aim to prepare students to effectively engage in leadership in both formal and informal ways within campus, local, national, and global contexts.
The Disability Studies Minor promotes the study of disability and prepares students for an inclusively designed world. Students enrolled in the DS Minor will examine the concept of disability historically, in contemporary society, and in their chosen fields of study. Through required and elective courses, students will explore challenges and opportunities we face in making our world more accessible to all.
Secondary Education - World Languages
The World Languages Education program offers teacher certification in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latiin, Russian, and Spanish. It is a double major in language and education. This program powerfully combines theory, research, and practice throughout its coursework and teaching internships.
Secondary Education - Social Studies
The Secondary Social Studies Education students will receive a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor or Arts degree with eligibility for teacher certification (Grades 7-12). A strong focus on learning to read and evaluate sources carefully and sharpen their skills to discern truth from falsehood, seek multiple perspectives, and engage in civil, evidence-based discourse on critical issues.
Secondary Science Education students will receive a bachelor's degree in science with eligibility for teacher certification. Opportunities for students to teach science or math lessons in elementary and middle schools. A strong focus on research-based strategies that provides opportunities for students to engage in scientific research. Personal guidance from experienced school teachers and faculty from the university.
Secondary Education - Mathematics
Secondary Mathematics Education students will receive a bachelor's degree in math along with teacher certification recommendation. Opportunities for students to teach science or math lessons in elementary and middle schools. A strong focus on research-based strategies that provides opportunities for students to engage in scientific research. Personal guidance from experienced school teachers and faculty from the university.
The Secondary English Education program is designed for students seeking certification to teach English (English Language Arts) in grades 7-12. The curriculum includes a range of courses that provide students with the content that they need to teach English (English Language Arts) – World, British, American, and Minority literature, communication, rhetoric, and language and linguistics.
Middle School Education - Mathematics & Science
The Middle School Mathematics and Science program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and eligibility for dual certification in mathematics and science grades 4-9. The program consists of courses in mathematics (problem solving, numbers and operations, algebra and geometry, and statistics and probability) and science (physics, chemistry, biology, and atmospheric and geological sciences). All candidates also take education courses in middle-level philosophy and pedagogy, equity and diversity, science and mathematics teaching methods, and adolescent development.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development (HD) is designed to support student learning about the mechanisms of growth and change across the lifespan. With areas of focus in developmental science, educational psychology and statistical methodology, HD majors will explore the biological, social, emotional, and cognitive processes of learning and development from conception to old age in diverse social and cultural contexts.
Elementary/Middle Special Education
The Elementary/Middle Special Education program leads to a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree with eligibility for teacher certification. Teacher candidates will be prepared to teach students with support, students at-risk, students in need of intervention, and students with mild (high incidence) to severe (low incidence) disabilities, across disability categories. There are two tracks of study available to students, both tracks prepare our candidates to meet varying learner needs in diverse classrooms.
The Elementary Education Undergraduate program is a professional preparation program, designed to be completed in 4 years. Graduates are eligible for elementary teaching certification in the state of Maryland. The Program equips students to meet the challenges of teaching in the 21st century by preparing them to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education
The Early Childhood/Early Special Education program is based on research in the fields of development, learning, pedagogy, and disabilities. A unique focus of the program is an emphasis on preparing teachers (Pre-K through 3rd grade) to work with young children who are culturally and linguistically diverse and at environmental risk due to poverty, immigrant status, and other contextual factors.
The Art Education program embraces the artist-teacher concept which allows students to develop a strong studio practice while preparing to teach art at the P-12 level in today’s diverse schools. This program provides a solid foundation in the liberal arts, knowledge and specialized skills in studio arts, art history, educational best practices, curriculum planning and classroom management.
The Department of Mathematics educates its majors in a broad range of modern mathematics while instilling in them a strong ability to solve problems, apply mathematics to other areas, and create rigorous mathematical arguments. The program prepares the majors to further their mathematical education in graduate school, or to teach at the secondary school level, or to work in government or business.
Sociology is the study of social order and the causes and impacts of social change on society and its institutions, organizations, and groups. The major prepares students for graduate programs and eventual careers as sociologists in teaching, research, and policy development or as a basis for careers in fields including law, social work, public policy, and human resource management.
The psychology major provides an introduction to the study of human behavior, including an understanding of the neurobiological, developmental, social, and evolutionary factors influencing our thought and behavior. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in quantitative and research methods. Beyond coursework, students will have opportunities to assist with and conduct research, an important advantage in any career path.
The field of Speech-Language Pathology deals with the diagnosis and remediation of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and fluency problems in children and adults. The Hearing and Speech Science major prepares students for graduate study by providing a strong foundation in the scientific fundamentals of both speech-language pathology and audiology, including causes and characteristics of disorders, prevention, assessment, and intervention.
The Black Women's Studies minor explores women's lives from Africa and the African Diaspora. Merging Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and African American Studies, it explores the intersectionality of race, gender, class, sexuality and ethnicity in the experiences of Black women. An interdisciplinary minor, it enhances students' career paths, including nonprofit management, social justice advocacy, law, healthcare, education and government.
The LGBTQ minor provides students an opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the lives, experiences, identities and representations of LGBTQ people. This program provides solid grounding in the concepts and methods that define studies of sex, gender and gender identity today. Students gain familiarity with vocabulary and knowledge in critiquing key developments, along with critical reasoning and research skills.
The Music Performance minor gives students the opportunity to receive high-level training in instrumental or vocal performance. Ensemble participation and academic courses in music allow students pursuing this minor to achieve expertise in the art, history and theory of music. Beyond the minor, the School of Music offers a Bachelor of Arts in music for those interested in double majoring.
The School of Music offers conservatory-style training with an emphasis on developing well-rounded musicians. Located near the nation's capital, students have opportunities to perform with prestigious cultural institutions. The Bachelor of Music is for students who desire a career-focused music education and innovative curriculum. This professional program allows students to study with renowned faculty experts and play in top ensembles.
The School of Music offers conservatory-style training with an emphasis on developing well-rounded musicians. Located near the nation's capital, students have opportunities to perform with prestigious cultural institutions. The Bachelor of Arts program offers a balanced liberal arts curriculum for those interested in music alongside other fields, allowing flexibility and broad engagement in musical performance.
We prepare music educators for leadership positions in diverse educational communities. We believe you learn to teach by teaching, and provide ample opportunities for you to teach every semester. Music Education majors have the same applied lessons and ensemble opportunities as performance majors. The major will prepare you to enter the teaching profession with an arsenal of knowledge and skills.
The Linguistics program offers an interdisciplinary education with research labs and a focus on critical thinking. The program explores language structure, native speaker knowledge and scientific analysis. Graduates can apply their skills in fields like speech therapy, psychology, education, cognitive science and computer science or pursue graduate school. The curriculum offers the Grammars and Cognition track and the Language track.
The Rhetoric minor analyzes the history, theory and criticism of civic discourse and cultural practices. The minor empowers graduates to engage with important social issues and take on active leadership roles. The minor may be especially valuable for those who plan careers in the fields of business, education, government, law and others where persuasive writing and speaking skills are prized.
Agricultural Science & Technology
Agricultural Science and Technology offers 3 distinct specializations in Agricultural & Extension Education, Agronomy, and Environmental Horticulture. Specific areas of study include crop science, sustainable production, precision agriculture, agriculture education, greenhouses and nurseries, urban agriculture, viticulture, and much more. Graduates enter a wide range of fields including K-12 teacher, specialty crop and greenhouse production, food safety, and Extension educator.
In the College of Arts and Humanities, you'll study past and present cultures, investigate the human experience and develop excellent critical thinking and communication skills.
Students in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences who are interested in government, non-profits, research or the private sector can take advantage of endless opportunities in nearby Washington, D.C. BSOS prepares students to obtain the most sought-after career readiness competencies from employers, and to Be the Solution to the world's great challenges.
The College of Education prepares students to change lives. We train outstanding teachers, administrators, counselors and more, as well as conduct pioneering research. Our location outside of Washington, D.C., allows students to get teaching experience in diverse school systems and collaborate with leading education organizations. From observing at the Center for Young Children, a preschool on campus, to learning about human development and assessment, students are prepared to advance equity through education.
The School of Public Health takes on the most pressing public health issues facing our local communities, the nation and the world. Driven by a passion to break down the barriers that keep individuals, families, communities and populations from attaining optimum health and wellness, faculty and students are committed to finding new and better ways to promote health, prevent disease and prolong active, high-quality lives.
