The Education department provides a child-centered approach to teaching, allowing you to gain hands-on teaching experience starting your first year of study.

QUICK FACTS

• Receive certification in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education
  
• Observe and teach in the on-campus lab school and the Columbia Public Schools during supervised practicum experiences
  
• Receive a well-rounded education with study in child development, psychology and education
  
• Know you are receiving a topnotch education: For the past five years, 100% of Stephens education students have passed the Missouri state teaching certificate exam
  
• Learn in multimedia classrooms, which utilize current technology
  
• Combine study with a business major or minor to own your own preschool

B.S. IN EDUCATION
Have you always enjoyed watching young children grow and learn, and thought you would like to become a teacher? To prepare for a teaching career, this program provides you with time to observe and understand how children —from infants through the elementary grades—learn. Not only will you learn what to teach, you will collaborate with classroom teachers who model how to teach an integrated curriculum. The small college class sizes support you in obtaining certification to teach young children, birth through third grade, in Missouri.

The program’s strengths include a supportive learning environment, small class sizes, opportunities to work with and learn from skilled mentor teachers, and ample time to work directly with children.

B.A. IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
This degree is perfect if you wish to work with young children and their parents in the non-public sector in settings like daycare centers. Benefit from combined study in the Education and Psychology departments, gaining valuable training in psychology and child development. Upon graduation, enter human services fields such as management, childcare, teaching, social services and drug or alcohol abuse counseling.

MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Should you wish to further your education upon graduation, Stephens offers two Master of Education programs. One is in Curriculum & Instruction; the second is in Counseling,
including tracks in elementary/secondary school counseling, licensed professional counseling, and marriage and family therapy.

STEPHENS COLLEGE CHILDRENS SCHOOL
Benefit from the unique experience of the Stephens College Children’s School, an on-campus lab school housed in the Audrey Webb Child Study Center. You will observe and
interact in preschool, elementary and multi-age classrooms with children ranging from age 3 to fifth grade. The center features spacious classrooms and play areas, as well as four observation booths fitted with one-way mirrors. Learn more.

Education students gain valuable teaching experience in the Children's School while studying at Stephens.

“This excellent program allowed me to observe and work with students from the beginning of my education courses. I developed competence and confidence as a teacher and National Board candidate from the teacher preparation program at Stephens College.”

— Tracy Brown Hager ’89
Third-Grade Teacher,
National Board Certified
Columbia Public Schools
Columbia, Mo.

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