Bachelor of Arts
Educational Studies – Educational Paraprofessional
Team teaching has become a priority across the nation. By pursuing a career as an educational paraprofessional, you can offer invaluable support to teachers when they need it the most. Join this rewarding profession and make a difference in the lives of students.
Program Highlights
Tiffin University’s Bachelor of Arts in educational studies offers non-licensure pathways for students to pursue employment in education-related fields including a specialized track for those interested in becoming an educational paraprofessional.
The educational paraprofessional track prepares students for paraprofessional responsibilities, that includes providing staff support in an educational or childcare environment. Paraprofessional students will learn how to best work with children individually or in small groups by providing basic instruction on reading, writing, math and other education related activities as assigned by teachers’ directions.
The educational studies curriculum is transfer-friendly and features a 12-course core that features sociology, psychology, multicultural communications and introductory education studies.
Preparing You for the Real World
Students pursuing the paraprofessional track in the educational studies program will develop a comprehensive grasp of multicultural, social and inclusive perspectives in education. They will also acquire the ability to proficiently articulate the practical application of psychological theories and principles across diverse careers in the field of education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the need for non-licensed educational support staff (such as teacher assistants) is growing at a faster-than-average rate of 9% nationally, and there is an acute need for aides and special education teachers within K-12 schools in Ohio.
The educational studies program also provides streamlined, dual-enrollment pathways into our Master of Education instructional design concentration. While working on their undergraduate degree, students may take up to six hours of graduate coursework that qualify as open electives toward the degree.
As part of the Expanding Special Education Licensure (ExSEL) grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Educational Studies program also provides a potential 3+2 pathway to a master’s degree in special education through a partnership with Lourdes University. Students who take this path will both earn a master’s degree and become licensed to teach K-12 mild to moderate special education.
Active, Experiential Learning
Students will engage in classroom observations within local schools, plan lessons and gain experience teaching various groups of students.
Courses & Format
CURRICULUM
Educational Studies Core
- SOC101 Principles of Sociology
- SOC320 Community Sociology
- SOC360 Multicultural Issues in Society
- PSY101 Introduction to Psychology
- PSY320 Motivational Psychology
- PSY363 Cognitive Psychology
- COM310 Human, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
- COM324 Communicating across Cultures
- ENG301 Professional Communications
- EDS100 Theories of Teaching and Learning
- EDS200 Designing Effective Instruction
- SCS415 Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Total – 36 hours
Educational Paraprofessional Concentration
- EDU100 Introduction to Education
- EDU216 Multicultural and Social Issues in Education
- EDU230 Clinical Survey of Special Needs
- EDA/M235 Clinical & Integrated Curriculum & Instruction
- EDU319 Classroom Management
- EDU329 Differentiated Instruction & Assessment
Total – 18 hours
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EDU216 Multicultural and Social Issues in Education
Examines historical and legal multicultural issues in society. The course assists teacher candidates in the development of cultural consciousness toward and reverence for the diversity of individuals and groups within society. Teacher candidates are expected to develop an awareness of the implications and application of instruction and curriculum, which demonstrate the obligation to respect, accept, adapt and work in communion for all students’ learning. EDU216 also examines social issues within the P-12 classrooms
EDU230 Clinical Survey of Special Needs
Focuses on the foundations of special education with emphasis on historical background, legal issues, a positive learning environment, disabilities and health disorders in a regular/inclusive classroom, as well as developing teaching skills for use in an inclusive classroom
EDA/M235 Clinical & Integrated Curriculum & Instruction
This course begins to bridge the gap between content and practice. The course examines middle childhood curriculum and provides an in-depth review of the Ohio Academic Content Standards. The course introduces instructional models and elements of assessment theory in support of curriculum development and effective teaching. Students have opportunities to plan, teach, assess and reflect on lessons for young adolescents that are developmentally appropriate and inclusive.
Career Opportunities
- Resource Paraprofessional
- Special Education Paraprofessional (K-12 Mild to Moderate)
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