2018-2019 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago

The College of Education has five undergraduate programs: Early Childhood Education, Education and Youth Studies, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education and Special Education. The college also works jointly with the Chicago College of Performing Arts to deliver a program in Music Education. All of these programs, with the exception of Educational Studies, focus on teacher preparation.

The College of Education has a history of serving nontraditional as well as traditional undergraduate students, and schedules are designed to meet the needs of full-time as well as part-time students. All teacher preparation programs are offered at the Chicago campus and are a part of the New Deal Teacher Academy.

Undergraduate programs within the College of Education prepare students to transform schools and communities in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Through the continuous evaluation and refinement of academic programs and courses, offerings are kept current and relevant to real-world contexts and professional standards of quality. Experienced, dedicated and culturally diverse faculty work collaboratively with students to foster knowledge and skills with respect to diverse learners, instruction, assessment and research. Talent and resources from a variety of disciplines are integrated and used, as are cutting edge technologies. All programs require a variety of field and clinical experiences that augment and integrate academic studies.

The Education and Youth Studies major prepares students for a variety of roles in non-profit agencies, schools, and community organizations that provide support t school-age youth (five through sixteen) and their families. The curriculum develops core professional competencies with respect to child growth and development; health, safety, and well being; meeting the needs of diverse learners; and program design and leadership. These competencies are aligned with standards articulated by Gateways to Opportunity, an Illinois professional development support system designed to provide guidance, encouragement, and recognition to individuals and programs serving children, youth, and families.

The Education and Youth Studies major does not result in teacher licensure, but graduates are eligible to apply for a paraprofessional educator endorsement on an Illinois Educator License with Stipulations. Individuals with this license and endorsement can provide instructional support in any school that includes programs supported by Title 1, Part A funds. No exams are required for this license and endorsement, but an application must be submitted to the State of Illinois. Graduated also can apply for an Illinois recognized employment credential through Gateways to Opportunity. 

Prerequisites 

Two introductory courses (6 credit hours) are required of all undergraduate majors in the College of Education. These courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of educational roles, careers and concepts. All courses must be passed with grades of C or higher to advance into the major.  

Requirements

Fourteen courses (39 credit hours) are required for the Education and Youth studies major. Courses begin with content required of teacher candidates and end with a clear focus on youth development and leadership. Field and clinical experiences are integrated throughout the final two years of study. All courses in the major must be passed with grades of C or higher to earn the degree. A minimum of 39 credit hours are required in the major, and 120 credit hours for the degree. The bilingual/ESL minor is highly recommended.

Optional Elective

Field and Clinical Experiences 

Pedagogical and real-world training is at the center of undergraduate degree coursework. Consequently, all undergraduates are required to enroll in one credit hour "individualized Coaching and Field Experiences" courses in each of three semesters prior to their practicum or student teaching. 

In their Individualized Coaching courses, students will complete the field experiences needed to develop professional knowledge, skills and dispositions in alignment with Roosevelt's social justice mission. As students progress from one individualized Coaching course to another, they will take on tasks and responsibilities that are increasingly complex and challenging. These experiences will prepare students for success in the practicum experiences that culminate the Education and Youth Studies major and facilitate the awarding of an employment credential. 

General Education Course Requirements

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.