Education
Want to become a teacher—and step into the classroom from day one?
The Bachelor of Science in Education at Stephens College gives you real classroom experience starting your very first semester. You’ll learn and teach at The Children’s School at Stephens College—our on-campus laboratory school for pre-K through fifth grade—plus gain experience in middle and secondary settings.
This education degree is built for students who want hands-on learning, individualized mentorship, and a direct path to making a difference in the lives of children and young adults.
Real Classrooms. Early Experience. Confident Graduates.
Stephens Education is built differently—and that’s the advantage.
- 400+ hours of direct classroom experience before student teaching—four to five times more than many programs
- Start teaching in real classrooms your first semester at our on-campus Children’s School
- Work alongside experienced teachers with advanced degrees
- Prepare and deliver your own lesson plans throughout the program
- Become certified to teach at the early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary level
You don’t have to wait until senior year to teach. At Stephens, you’ll be in the classroom from your first semester, building skills and confidence every step of the way.
Industry Experience—Early and Often
You won’t just study education—you’ll practice it. Dive into the experiential learning highlights here at Stephens.
- Freshman & Sophomore Years: Assist in the Children’s School at Stephens College from your first semester, building experience and confidence.
- Junior Year: Design and teach a two-week curriculum, then present your work in a professional poster session.
- Senior Year: Spend your first-semester student teaching in a public school, and your second-semester student teaching at the Children’s School. With their exceptional experience and preparation level, Stephens student-teachers are in high demand.
What Can You Do With an Education Degree?
A BS in Education from Stephens College prepares you to:
- Become a classroom teacher at the early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary level
- Pursue roles as an educational administrator or curriculum specialist
- Fill high-demand teaching positions in Missouri and beyond
- Continue your studies in graduate education or specialized certification programs
Is This Major Right for You?
This program could be a great fit if you:
- Want to start teaching from your first semester
- Thrive in hands-on, real-world learning environments
- Value mentorship from experienced, supportive faculty
- Want to adapt to diverse learning needs in multi-age classrooms
- Prefer small cohorts and individualized attention
- Are ready to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults
The Stephens Advantage
- Direct entry and early classroom experience
- Small cohorts for personalized mentorship and support
- On-campus lab school for immersive, real-world learning
- Multiple pathways for early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary education
- Transfer-friendly pathways and accelerated degree options
- A women’s college environment that builds confidence and leadership
What Sets Us Apart
Stephens is a long-time leader in arts and sciences curricular integration. In fact, we were named a national College of Distinction for our Education program’s curriculum and student-centered approach. Our on-campus lab school means you get real teaching experience early and often.
Transfer-Friendly
We welcome transfer students and provide resources and advising to ensure a smooth transition. Talk to us today to explore your options.
- If you have already earned about 18 hours of transfer, dual enrollment, or AP credit, you can take advantage of our accelerated three-year, six-semester degree option.
- Small cohorts allow the education faculty to get to know you individually and tailor training to your specific needs.
Education Degree Options
Degree Programs available through the Women’s College
- Early Childhood
- Elementary
- Middle School English Language Arts (5-9)
- Middle School Science (5-9)
- Secondary Biology (9-12)
- Secondary English (9-12)
Continuing Studies Programs for employees in approved school districts
- Secondary English Alternative Certification (9-12)
- Early Childhood
- Elementary
- Middle School English Language Arts (5-9)
- Middle School English Language Arts Alternative Certification (5-9)
- Middle School Science (5-9)
- Middle School Science Alternative Certification (5-9)
- Secondary Biology (9-12)
- Secondary Biology Alternative Certification (9-12)
- Secondary English (9-12)
Career Outlook
The field of education continues to grow as Missouri experiences teacher shortages across the board. The Stephens Education program will ensure you’re well prepared to fill the need for excellent teachers. You’ll graduate confident in your skills and ready to make a difference.
Program Structure
Education students at Stephens learn by doing. Our students complete four to five times more classroom time than many other programs, with more than 400 hours of classroom experience prior to student teaching.
What does a block schedule look like?
Take a look at the below sample block schedule for a first-year Education major. The Block offers the rare opportunity to focus on what matters: learning, doing, and getting ready for your future. Want to know more? Contact an Advisor academicaffairs@stephens.edu.
Missouri Teaching Profession Program
This accelerated, individualized teacher certification program is designed for full-time employees who want to be certified in Early Childhood and/or Elementary Education, Secondary Biology, Secondary English/Language Arts, Middle School Science, or Middle School English Language Arts.
Education minor
Talk to your adviser about how an education minor can fit your career plans. Note: Students enrolled in classes that entail interaction with children are required to obtain a background check and/or fingerprinting at least once per year.
Requirements
The minor in education requires completion of at least 15 semester hours in education courses, including 6 semester hours of required course work (see below) and a minimum of 9 semester hours of EDU electives; 6 semester hours must be at or above the 300 level.
Additional EDU courses to total 24 semester hours may be elected by the student.
Students select their electives for this minor in consultation with Education program faculty.
Required Courses
- EDU 276: Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process (3 hrs.)
- EDU 114: Lifespan Development (3 hrs.)
Students are truly engaged when you make their learning fun and hands-on, so I have loved getting to incorporate art in my own classroom, which I believe has helped me be more successful as a teacher.
Katelyn Rush ’17, Award-winning Fifth-grade Teacher at East Elementary in Jefferson City, Missouri
Related programs
Contact Us
School of Integrative Studies
Jennifer Blair, Administrative Assistant
(573)-876-2312 ext. 4312
Contact Stephens College