Education Studies Certificates

Executive director: Mira Debs, C-45 Humanities Quadrangle, 320 York Street, 432-4631; https://educationstudies.yale.edu/, Program FAQ

The Education Studies Program in Yale College provides a structure for students interested in the research, policy, and practice of education. By virtue of studying education at Yale, students engage in the interdisciplinary study of a primary institution impacting citizenship, governance, social reproduction, child development, and social inequality. Yale courses across the disciplines address these varying aspects of education through two area categories: (1) social contexts and policy and (2) individuals in society. 

Students seeking to engage with Education Studies can pursue one of two pathways alongside their major: the Scholars Intensive Certificate, with a focus on learning with a cohort of Yale students and completing a senior year research or creative capstone project, or the uncapped Education Studies Certificate, which offers an individualized pathway to develop expertise through Education Studies coursework. Students should choose either the Education Studies Scholars Intensive Certificate or the Education Studies Certificate.

No more than two course credits fulfilling the requirements of either of the Education Studies certificates may overlap with a major, a simultaneous degree, or another certificate. Additionally, no course credit may be applied toward the requirements of more than two curricular programs. For example, the same course credit may not be used to fulfill the requirements of two certificates and a major.

Any Yale College student interested in education studies may take the introductory survey course, EDST 110, Foundations in Education Studies. This lecture course explores the historical, social, philosophical, and theoretical underpinnings of the field and helps students to understand the critical role of education in society through research, policy, and practice. 

Scholars Intensive certificate in Education studies

The Education Studies Scholars Intensive Certificate in Yale College provides a structure for students interested in completing an intensive Education Studies senior project and learning alongside a cohort of peers from sophomore through senior year.

In the fall of the sophomore year, students who have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in EDST 110 may apply to become a Yale Education Studies Scholar alongside their major course of study. Selected students join a cohort of undergraduate peers who study education in several small seminars together. They are closely guided by faculty, peers, and alumni towards educational opportunities tailored to their individual interests. Education Studies Scholars also gain practical field experience through an appropriate academic-year educational opportunity or summer field experience.

Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the program, students must complete six courses including EDST 110, EDST 261; a field experience; two or three electives (depending on senior requirement), with at least one elective in each of two area categories (Social Contexts & Policy; Individuals in Society) and one or two senior capstone courses including EDST 400 alone or in combination with EDST 410 or 490. Two of the six courses may overlap with the student's major, and one elective course may be taken Credit/D/Fail. Graduate and professional school courses may count, with approval from the Education Studies director. For a listing of courses in the area categories, see the Education Studies website. 

YCS Searchable Attributes: EDST: Social Context and EDST: Indv Society

Transcripts will note the successful completion of the Scholars Intensive Certificate. 

Summary of Requirements

Prerequisite EDST 110

Number of courses 6 courses (including EDST 110, EDST 261, and senior req)

Distribution of courses 2 or 3 electives (depending on senior req) with at least one elective in each area category

Other requirement Field experience as described on the EDST website

Senior requirement EDST 400 alone or in combination with EDST 410 or 490

Certificate in Education Studies

Certificate director: Mira Debs, C-45 Humanities Quadrangle, 320 York Street, 432-4631; https://educationstudies.yale.edu/

This certificate, available to all interested Yale Students, provides the opportunity for students to pursue an interdisciplinary study of education to complement their major. 

To earn the certificate, students must take the prerequisite EDST 110, one course in each of the two area categories, and two electives. No more than two course credits may overlap in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Education Studies certificate or of a major, a simultaneous degree, or another certificate. Additionally, no course credit may be applied toward the requirements of more than two curricular programs. For example, the same course credit may not be used to fulfill the requirements of two certificates and a major. Graduate and professional school courses may count, with approval from the certificate director. With the exception of EDST 110, certificate students may take one of their EDST courses Credit/D/Fail. For a listing of courses in the area categories, see the Education Studies Courses webpage.

YCS Searchable Attributes: EDST: Social Context and EDST: Indv Society

Declaration of Candidacy

Once students are enrolled in the prerequisite EDST 110, they should submit a Declaration of Candidacy for a Certificate form. Students must submit the form as early as possible, but at the very latest, before the start of the student’s last semester at Yale. The form can be found on the University Registrar’s Office website. Once declared, Degree Audit tracks students' progress toward completion of the certificate.

SUMMARY OF Requirements 

Number of courses 5 term courses

Specific course required  EDST 110

Distribution of courses one course credit each of two area categories: (1) social contexts and policy, and (2) individuals in society; 2 EDST electives  

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