Mar 28, 2024  
Course Catalog 2020-2021 
    
Course Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education Studies Integrative Concentration


The integrative concentration consists of a minimum of 4 full courses (or the equivalent), 2 experiential components, a learning portfolio, and an assessment requirement.

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the integrative concentration.


The goal of the Education Studies Concentration is to prepare students for graduate work in education, including teacher certification, careers in education policy, or entry into the teaching profession. Although there is no undergraduate education degree offered at Oberlin, students have opportunities to engage in courses, Winter Term projects, community-based learning, and field experiences relevant to the education profession.

In order to graduate with an Education Studies Concentration, students must take four full courses (total) in a variety of liberal arts areas that explore educational foundations, issues, and pedagogical strategies. Additionally, students must complete two experiential components (summer and/or academic year internships, practica, or Winter Term projects) that connect their pedagogical and conceptual understandings to local and off-campus educational environments. The Education Studies Concentration Committee advises students regarding course and internship opportunities, prospective graduate schools, and potential employment. Similarly, the Career Development Center and the Bonner Center have information about educational internship and employment opportunities.

arrow Visit the Education Studies webpage for more information.


Students wishing to complete the Education Studies Integrative Concentration should consult with a member of the curricular committee, and complete the Integrative Concentration Add or Drop form. The form requires the signature of Jody Kerchner, the committee chair.

arrow Download the Integrative Concentration Add or Drop form.  

Note: You may begin the integrative concentration at any point in your college career but are encouraged to do so no later than the middle of the junior year.

Summary of Requirements


Note: For graduating seniors only, during the 2020-21 academic year, the PK-12 experiential component requirement may be waived. Students must still complete two experiential components.

Education Studies Integrative Concentration Committee


Jody Kerchner, Professor of Music Education, Committee Chair
Kim Faber, SITES Program Director
Susan Pavlus, Director, Education Outreach Programs
Candice Raynor, Lecturer in Africana Studies
Cynthia Taylor, Assistant Professor in Computer Science
Travis Wilson, Associate Professor of Psychology

Education Studies Integrative Concentration Course Lists


Experiential Components


Return to the summary of requirements.

The goals of the Experiential Components are to support students, through regular direct contact in educational situations, in gaining experience in practical application of education theory, techniques and self-assessment and/or to learn to engage with diverse learners.

Note: For an Experiential Component to be counted in an Education Studies Concentration it needs to include at least two contact hours per week for a semester or a minimum of 20 contact hours during a semester plus weekly reflections and a final written reflection.

Learning Portfolio


Return to the summary of requirements.

Students must maintain an Education Studies portfolio for the coursework and experiential components, and a final reflection that is submitted when completing the concentration.

Assessment Requirement


Return to the summary of requirements.

  1. Faculty committee review of Education Studies Concentration portfolio and final essay
  2. Student submission of a video review (first concentration assessment)
  3. Student preparation for and participation in a Senior Education Studies Concentration panel presentation and discussion