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Education & Social Policy Studies

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you want to be of service to children, families, and individuals?

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education and Social Policy Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Education and Social Policy Studies is designed for students interested in the field of education but not necessarily in teacher licensure. Students in the major will develop knowledge and skills related to learning theory, sociological theory, child and adolescent development, social and education policy, social services, and advocacy. Course work draws from the fields of education, psychology, sociology, social work, and business to prepare graduates to think holistically about support systems and structures that serve children, adolescents, and marginalized populations and to work in a variety of education and social services roles.

Students in this major will select one of the following concentrations to further focus their studies on a topic, population, or career field: Community Leadership Studies, Curriculum and Instruction Studies, Early Education and Child Studies, or Human Services and Social Policy Studies.

The interdisciplinary program will prepare you to work in education and social services fields in a variety of roles. Hands-on internship opportunities will help you explore the many possibilities open to you with this degree. You'll have the opportunity to select internships with agencies, organizations, and companies that align with your career goals.

You'll take course work in education, social work, psychology, sociology, and business in order to help you better understand educational and social services structures.

Curriculum

Check out the catalog for a complete list of the requirements, courses, and objectives.

Faith & learning at MVNU

At MVNU, our Christian faith is at the core of everything we do. Whether it’s opening class with prayer, diving into Scripture, or examining real-world moral and ethical challenges, we’re committed to shaping students who live out their faith with purpose. Here, you won’t just learn — you’ll be transformed.

Travel

Our travel and study afar programs are more than just an opportunity to see the world — they’re a chance to grow in your faith while experiencing new cultures. Whether you’re serving in communities across the U.S. or learning abroad, each journey is designed to broaden your perspective, deepen your compassion, and equip you to live out your callings in a global context — all while adding valuable experience to your résumé.

Careers

Graduates of this program can explore career opportunities in a variety of settings that may include:

  • Teaching in private/charter schools
  • Teaching in Christian schools
  • Corporate training
  • Education non-profit work with organizations like the YMCA, the United Way, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, and many others
  • Recreation and summer camps
  • GED tutoring
  • Suicide prevention groups
  • Transitional shelters
  • Refugee support groups
  • Textbook/publishing companies
  • Education consulting
  • Education policy/government work

 

Education & Social Policy Studies MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University teacher in classroom male

Hyson Campus Center

The Education Department is located on the second floor of Hyson Campus Center — a centralized hub that merges academics and campus life.

The Dining Commons are located on the first floor of Hyson Campus Center. Pioneer College Caterers, Inc. provides numerous options, including a pizza bar, sub sandwich line, salad bar, grille line, and more.

The Recreational Equipment Center (REC) is located on the first floor of Hyson and offers students a variety of sporting and outdoor activity equipment that can be checked out for FREE.

The third floor of Hyson Campus Center is devoted to classroom spaces.

Located on the first floor of Hyson Campus Center near The REC, the Commuter Lounge is a place for commuter students to hang out between classes, eat, study, or just relax. Resources include a refrigerator, microwave, Keurig, study tables, and storage lockers.

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