Educational Foundations (BA/BS)

The Educational Foundations (EdF) program is for undergraduates who are committed to social change and are pursuing a future in elementary education or related fields. The many strengths of the Educations Foundation (EdF) major include diverse field placements, opportunities to assist faculty with research, and a variety of other enriching experiences that are an integral part of the curriculum.

This 4-year major prepares aspiring future professionals in elementary education and related fields to be critical thinkers, well informed about theory and practice, and to possess the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be change agents in economically, racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities. Completion of the Educational Foundations major qualifies students to apply for a graduate degree and licensure program such as UOTeach.

Application and Admission

To add the EdF major, schedule an appointment with an advisor at the College of Education Student Academic Services Center.

If you aspire to be a middle or high school teacher, you should major in the content area you wish to teach, explore the Minor in Educational Foundations, and then pursue graduate studies and licensure in a program such as UOTeach. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the roles and responsibilities of teachers working in public schools.
• Demonstrate understanding about the social and economic influences on teaching and learning.
• Analyze the benefits and limitations of educational practices that have resulted from the various disciplinary perspectives on learning.
• Demonstrate understanding of the various dimensions of literacy.
• Analyze the ways race, gender, sexuality, class, climate education, immigration, Indigeneity, intersectionality, and individualism are simultaneously reproduced and challenged by U.S. schools.
• Apply course lenses to understanding field experience.

Major Requirements

Students planning to major in educational foundations enter the university as education premajors. Transfer students and university students from other majors may become premajors by submitting a Request for Addition or Deletion Major form, available online. Premajors are not eligible to take most 300- and 400-level education courses. Premajor status does not guarantee admission to the educational foundations major.

The major is designed as a two-year program completed during the undergraduate junior and senior year. The major requires core courses in five areas: learning, teaching, and assessment; curriculum theory; technology and education; literacy; and equality of opportunity. Additional courses are required in mathematics, science, and a variety of other subjects, including reading, art, music, and physical education.

Educational Foundation Major Requirements

Courses used to fulfill the major requirements must be passed with a letter grade of at least C- or a P* where pass/no pass is the only grading option for the course.

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EdF students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer or work experience with elementary-age children in a professional group setting before EDST 331. This volunteer or work experience will be in the last 3 years and in the United States. 

Additional requirement for students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree

Additional requirement for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree

Math courses must be taken and passed with a letter grade of C- or better or a mark of "Pass."

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Educational Foundations

Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations