Education
Educational Studies
Studying education at Denison
EDUCATIONAL STUDIES IS A PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM for students interested in teaching at the elementary or secondary level and those wishing to prepare for educational work in business or other organizations.
The educational studies major allows students to obtain a broad liberal arts education while learning the theory and social foundations of education. The curriculum provides time for completing a major in another field of study, such as the discipline the student intends to teach.
The major does not lead directly to teacher licensure, however; faculty and staff in the Department of Education assist students in creating individually designed plans for obtaining licensure after graduation through a range of programs.
The mission of the department is to help students understand:
- the history of education
- the roles of schooling in contemporary U.S. society
- theories of learning
- theories of interpersonal exchange.
We expect our students to become leaders in education, knowing how to solve problems and create new approaches for schools.
The educational studies major and minor
The educational studies major consists of the following courses:
- Five core courses in education and psychology
- Four courses in education, psychology, communication, and sociology/anthropology, determined by the student's teaching goals and areas of interest
In addition, Denison internships, study programs and senior research are recommended.
The educational studies minor requires the following courses:
- Three required courses in education and psychology
- Two electives in education
What do educational studies majors do after Denison?
Many of our students go on to teach in public and private schools and businesses. Some continue on to graduate school to earn teacher licensure, continue in some area of education (for example: special education, or counseling & school psychology ) or to learn more about their other major. Some go to law school. Some become teachers for programs such as Teach for America. Preparing oneself in education at Denison does not limit one to just one sort of job or career. Our graduates report to us that they have found their education background useful in whatever career they choose.
Who are our professors?
Department Chair and Associate Professor Lyn Robertson joined the faculty at Denison in 1979. She earned a B.A. at Denison University, an M.A. at Northwestern University and a Ph.D. at Ohio State University. Her research interests include reading education, students in academic difficulties, the treatment of language development in education, the role of hearing impairment in reading and writing achievement and feminist pedagogy.
Associate Professor Karen Graves joined the faculty at Denison in 1993. She earned her B.A., M.Ed. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests include the history of U.S. education, the history of women's education and gay and lesbian studies in education.
Instructor Suzanne Baker joined the faculty at Denison in 1998. She earned a B.Mus. at St. Norbert College, an M.Mus. at the University of Minnesota and an M.E.E. at Ohio State University, Newark. Baker has been a voice teacher and elementary school music teacher.
Visiting Assistant Professor Jerrell Beckham joined the faculty at Denison in 2005. He earned a B.A. at Denison University and an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
For more information about the department and curriculum, go to:
or contact:
Lyn Robertson, Chair
Department of Education
Blair Knapp Hall, Room 107
Denison University
Granville, Ohio 43023
Phone: (740) 587-6681
Fax: (740) 587-8499
E-mail: robertson@denison.edu