Drexel University Online

Drexel Online. A Better U.

Bachelor of Science in Education

Curriculum

The anticipated time to complete the Online Bachelor's Degree in Education with PK-4** Elementary Education Certification is ten terms (2.5 years) which is the approximate length of time to complete the Education course sequence. Program completion time may be longer than ten terms, depending upon the number of transfer credits upon entry and the number of courses that a student takes each quarter. Our advisors work with students to evaluate transfer credits and help them get started on a tentative sequence of courses. This program consists of a minimum of 180.5 quarter credits including: content courses (65.5 quarter credits), pedagogy (education) courses (89.5 quarter credits) and free electives (26 quarter credits).

Students have flexibility in scheduling their content and elective course requirements from the selection of online classroom courses offered throughout the year at Drexel University.  It is strongly recommended, however, that students blend their program, taking both pedagogy and content/elective courses each term.

Program of Study

Students take the Education courses in a sequence; however, students join the program with different transfer credits so they do not necessarily take all content and elective courses together. The content /elective courses taken, and when they are taken, will be determined in consultation with an advisor.

Content Course Requirements
COM 111Principles of Communication3.00 credits
ENGL 101Expository Writing and Reading3.00 credits
ENGL 102Persuasive Writing and Reading3.00 credits
ENGL 103Analytical Writing and Reading3.00 credits
HIST 276The History of Philadelphia3.00 credits
MUSC 130Introduction to Music3.00 credits
NFS 101Introduction to Nutrition & Food3.00 credits
SOC 335Sociology of Education I3.00 credits
ENGL 200-329 Literature Elective - 3 credits
BIO 161General Biology I3.00 credits
BIO 162General Biology II3.00 credits
CHEM 111General Chemistry I4.00 credits
ECON 201Principles of Microeconomics4.00 credits
ENVR 260Environmental Science and Society3.00 credits
MATH 181Mathematical Analysis I3.00 credits
MATH 182Mathematical Analysis II3.00 credits
MATH 183Mathematical Analysis III3.00 credits
PHYS 151Applied Physics3.00 credits
PSY 101General Psychology I3.00 credits
PSY 320Educational Psychology3.00 credits
PSY 330Cognitive Psychology3.00 credits

Pedagogy Course Requirements
EDUC 101Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective3.00 credits
EDUC 105AFreshman Pedagogy Seminar I1.00 credits
EDUC 105BFreshman Pedagogy Seminar II1.00 credits
EDUC 105CFreshman Pedagogy Seminar III1.00 credits
EDUC 114Science Teaching Methods3.00 credits
EDUC 120Child Development I: Typical Development3.00 credits
EDUC 121Child Development II: Atypical Development3.00 credits
EDUC 142Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment4.50 credits
EDUC 205Sophomore Pedagogy Seminar1.00 credits
EDUC 210Early Language Development3.00 credits
EDUC 216Diversity and Today's Teacher3.00 credits
EDUC 217Math Methods and Content: Early Childhood3.00 credits
EDUC 218Math: Methods & Content3.00 credits
EDUC 236Early Literacy I3.00 credits
EDUC 244Inclusionary Practices for Exceptional Students4.50 credits
EDUC 246Literacy and Content Skill Development4.50 credits
EDUC 265Instructing English Language Learners3.00 credits
EDUC 305Junior Pedagogy Seminar1.00 credits
EDUC 306Assessment of Young Children I3.00 credits
EDUC 307Assessment of Young Children II4.00 credits
EDUC 324Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction3.00 credits
EDUC 325Multimedia in Instructional Design3.00 credits
EDUC 326Language Arts Processes3.00 credits
EDUC 335Engaging the Learner3.00 credits
EDUC 336Early Literacy II3.00 credits
EDUC 338Expressive Arts for PK-43.00 credits
EDUC 355Social Studies Teaching Methods3.00 credits
EDUC 405Senior Pedagogy Seminar1.00 credits
EDUC 410Student Teaching9.00 credits
EDUC 411Family and Community Partnerships3.00 credits

Field Experiences
Field Experiences are defined as a range of formal, required school and community activities participated in by students who are enrolled in teacher preparation programs. The experiences take place in collaborative, educational settings to give candidates an understanding of the values, cultures and working styles of learning communities (The Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2008). The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 190 hours of pre-service experiences prior to Student Teaching, (a full-time, twelve consecutive weeks, capstone experience, which each candidate must complete prior to certification). Furthermore, from the initial course in their academic career at Drexel, through their culminating student teaching experience, each candidate will develop a professional portfolio containing artifacts collected from their field experiences that demonstrate evidence of their growth and understanding in the teaching profession, as well as examples of what they believe to be evidence of their high caliber of work. For more information about field experiences, please visit http://www.drexel.edu/soe/undergrad/field. Please contact Naima Hall, Program Manager for the Bachelors in Education Online Degree Completion Program (215.895-1034; naj26@drexel.edu), regarding any questions about the program requirements.

Course Descriptions

COM 111 Principles of Communication - 3.00 credits

Explores the importance of communication in organizational settings. Includes assessment of appropriate modes of communication, including written, spoken, and electronic.

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ENGL 101 Expository Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' abilities to read and write expository academic discourse. Teaches students how to read with understanding; how to access print and technological sources; how to research, plan, draft, revise, and edit academic essays and reports. Requires students to write expository essay and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and study in the course.

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ENGL 102 Persuasive Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' abilities to read and write persuasive academic discourse. Teaches students to think and read critically, to evaluate and use print and technological sources effectively, and to present a written argument effectively. Requires students to write persuasive essays and research papers and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and studied in the course.

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ENGL 103 Analytical Writing and Reading - 3.00 credits

Develops students' skills in critical and analytical reading and writing through a study of literature. Teaches students techniques to help them understand and appreciate literature. Requires students to read, analyze, and write essays and research papers about selected works of poetry, drama, and fiction and to keep a journal to express their responses to the literature studied.

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HIST 276 The History of Philadelphia - 3.00 credits

This course surveys the history of Philadelphia through pre-colonial, colonial, and industrial eras to the present day. Philadelphia is investigated as an economic, social, cultural, and political center. Students read primary and secondary sources, and conduct original research into Philadelphia's history. Lectures and discussions are complemented by on-site historical investigations.

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MUSC 130 Introduction to Music - 3.00 credits

Provides an introduction to music in the European classical tradition, including elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, structure, history, and principal composers. Emphasizes listening with understanding.

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NFS 101 Introduction to Nutrition & Food - 3.00 credits

Provides basic understanding of required nutrients and how they are used in the body. Students complete a computerized nutrient analysis and apply the science of nutrition and food to food choices to improve their personal health.

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SOC 335 Sociology of Education I - 3.00 credits

First course of a two-term sequence. Provides a general introduction to the sociology of education through the study of social, political, and cultural forces operating on public education in the United States and Britain. Examines theories, methods, and case studies to explore issues of identity formation, inequality, and class reproduction in an attempt to understand the role of schooling in contemporary life.

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BIO 161 General Biology I - 3.00 credits

Covers structure and function of the cell and the organ-system plan of organization of the human body. Fall.

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BIO 162 General Biology II - 3.00 credits

Continues BIO 161. Covers the mechanics of heredity, including growth, differentiation, and development. Winter.

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CHEM 111 General Chemistry I - 4.00 credits

Not open to engineering or science majors. Introduces the principles of general chemistry. Covers SI units, unit factor calculations, states of matter, elements and compounds, energy, atoms, electronic configurations, ionic and covalent bonds, Lewis dot structures, shapes of molecules, chemical equations, stoichiometry, molarity, gas laws, nuclear chemistry, equilibrium between different states of matter, and some colligative properties of solutions.

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ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics - 4.00 credits

Examines allocation of resources within an economy. Major topics include interaction of supply and demand in markets, consumer choice, cost structure of firms, and profit maximization for competitive forms as well as firms with market power.

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ENVR 260 Environmental Science and Society - 3.00 credits


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MATH 181 Mathematical Analysis I - 3.00 credits

Covers set theory, coordinate systems and graphs, functions, linear programming (geometric approach), matrices and linear systems, and linear programming (algebraic approach). Required for architecture, business administration, and construction management students. Non-credit for engineering and science students. Fall, Winter.

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MATH 182 Mathematical Analysis II - 3.00 credits

Covers counting techniques, probability, statistics, and probability applications. Non-credit for engineering and science students. All terms.

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MATH 183 Mathematical Analysis III - 3.00 credits

Covers limits, rates of change, derivatives, applications of differentiation, exponential and logarithmic functions, integrals, techniques of integration, applications of integration. Non-credit for engineering and science students. All terms.

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PHYS 151 Applied Physics - 3.00 credits

Non-calculus-based introductory physics for business majors. Covers basic mechanics and simple harmonic motion, followed by an introduction to more advanced topics such as relativity, electromagnetism, and quantum phenomena.

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PSY 101 General Psychology I - 3.00 credits

Students are introduced to the scientific study of human behavior. Special attention is given to the biological, psychological, and social processes underlying human behavior within the framework of modern psychological research. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits

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PSY 320 Educational Psychology - 3.00 credits

Health psychology deals with an understanding of the psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do get ill. Topics covered include preventive health behaviors and their modifications, the mind-body relationship, stress and illness, stress reduction, the patient in treatment settings, the management of pain and discomfort, and coping with chronic illness. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: PSY 100. Offered Fall semester.

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PSY 330 Cognitive Psychology - 3.00 credits

This course attempts to apply research from developmental psychology, learning, motivation, personality, and assessment to children and teachers in traditional educational settings. Prerequisite: PSY 320. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits

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EDUC 101 Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective - 3.00 credits

In this course students are introduced to pedagogical and philosophical concepts, theories, methods and procedures in the historical context of education in America. Students develop an understanding of how schools work and of the teaching/learning dynamic through required mentoring activities.

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EDUC 105A Freshman Pedagogy Seminar I - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Addresses observation skills focusing on classroom dynamics, i.e., what is teaching/learning, changing roles of teachers, learning styles, study skills, mentoring, journal writing/analysis, and the use of portfolios.

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EDUC 105B Freshman Pedagogy Seminar II - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Addresses observation skills focusing on classroom dynamics, i.e., what is teaching/learning, changing roles of teachers, learning styles, study skills, mentoring, journal writing/analysis, and the use of portfolios.

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EDUC 105C Freshman Pedagogy Seminar III - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Addresses observation skills focusing on classroom dynamics, i.e., what is teaching/learning, changing roles of teachers, learning styles, study skills, mentoring, journal writing/analysis, and the use of portfolios.

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EDUC 114 Science Teaching Methods - 3.00 credits

This course bridges theory and practice, providing hands-on experience in the application of constructivist learning theory to designing and delivering effective classroom experiences in the area of science.

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EDUC 120 Child Development I: Typical Development - 3.00 credits

This course addresses the multifaceted complexities of child development, through discussion of classic and emerging theories. Students will recognize and apply developmental domains of theory and research in the field of child development.

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EDUC 121 Child Development II: Atypical Development - 3.00 credits

Students will apply knowledge of typical growth and development in childhood to those children whose development is atypical. Key topics include newborn screening, patterns in development and cognitive testing. This course requires additional field experience hours.

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EDUC 142 Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment - 4.50 credits

This course is an introduction to special education with specific emphasis placed on; the history of special education, legal and ethical means of assessment, translating data into the MDE and IEP processes and critical legal issues related to special education.

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EDUC 205 Sophomore Pedagogy Seminar - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Builds on the freshman seminar and incorporates service learning as an instructional strategy.

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EDUC 210 Early Language Development - 3.00 credits

Provides preservice teachers an overview of language development in the early years of a child¿s life from birth to age five, in the home and school settings. Topics include; phonological awareness, acquisition of phonetic knowledge, semantic understanding and syntactic use. This course requires additional field experience hours.

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EDUC 216 Diversity and Today's Teacher - 3.00 credits

This course explores major issues related to the increasing diversity of students in elementary and secondary classrooms in the United States. The multifaceted challenges of teaching heterogeneous student populations.

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EDUC 217 Math Methods and Content: Early Childhood - 3.00 credits

Students will know and effectively deliver standards-based academic math content, based on age appropriate understanding, and individual and groups needs including a respect for the unique needs of all types of learners. This course requires additional field experience hours.

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EDUC 218 Math: Methods & Content - 3.00 credits

Course emphasizes diagnostic instruction in mathematics by allowing students to complete problems that their students will be expected to work, noting the error and correction process, as well as gaining an awareness of student difficulties in mathematics.

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EDUC 236 Early Literacy I - 3.00 credits

This course examines research-validated literacy instruction and literacy interventions. Topics will include phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and the reading-writing connection. Emphasis is placed on the scio-cultural aspects of reading. Focus is also placed on literacy instruction across the curriculum.

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EDUC 244 Inclusionary Practices for Exceptional Students - 4.50 credits

This course will introduce how to manage instruction for students with diverse learning and behavioral profiles in the inclusive classroom. I t will address curricular, instructional, environmental adaptations/modifications and the use of technology to address students' needs. Other topics explored include; collaboration, co-teaching and practical/philosophical approaches to inclusion.

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EDUC 246 Literacy and Content Skill Development - 4.50 credits

This course offers a developmental approach for early identification of at-risk individuals and proceeds through literacy stages. Also, research, theory and practical research-supported instructional strategies will be provided for working with students. Literacy skills related to content areas will also be explored.

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EDUC 265 Instructing English Language Learners - 3.00 credits

This course explores principles and theory of second language and literacy acquisition, billingualism, academic language competence and linguistics, and instructional approaches based on these principles. This course requires additional field experience hours.

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EDUC 305 Junior Pedagogy Seminar - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Continues further exploration of relationships among service learning, content knowledge, pedagogy knowledge, learner characteristics utilizing generic influences, special needs students, and motivation techniques.

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EDUC 306 Assessment of Young Children I - 3.00 credits

Students will gain an understanding of the role of the assessment process in early education. Students will explore evaluation procedures and classroom-based data collection strategies for young children in inclusive education settings. Course covers 3 major functions of assessment: program planning, program monitoring and program evaluation.

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EDUC 307 Assessment of Young Children II - 4.00 credits

This course will provide candidates with an in-depth view of formal and informal evaluation procedures for young children and their families. Such procedures will be explored in the context of the function of assessment; screening, diagnosis/eligibility, program planning, and program evaluation.

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EDUC 324 Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction - 3.00 credits

Examines the theories and assumptions underlying various approaches to instruction for elementary and high school teaching. Included are areas such as a) knowledge acquisition and critical reasoning in mathematics and science, b) teaching general and specific skills as related to content material, c) study skills and abilities to learn, and d) the roles of memory and metacognition in learning. Explores these processes of human cognition and learning with particular attention to how conditions that foster them might be built into materials, pedagogy, and learning environments.

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EDUC 325 Multimedia in Instructional Design - 3.00 credits

Imparts skills in selecting, using, and evaluating a range of instructional media, including interactive multimedia formats, in relation to educational goals and learner characteristics. Emphasizes presentation skills when using a variety of media to deliver instruction. Students design and write a software prototype as a group design project.

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EDUC 326 Language Arts Processes - 3.00 credits

Studies the nature of language, including phonetic, semantic, and syntactic aspects of language development, and theories of language development. Applies contemporary research to processes and problems in teaching oral and written communication. Assumes that listening, speaking, writing, and reading in the content area are integrated processes and should be taught as such. This is a writing intensive course.

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EDUC 335 Engaging the Learner - 3.00 credits

This course provides multiple approaches to the critical linked processes of assessment, curriculum development, and inclusive instruction of all young children. Topics of study include: planning and preparation, using appropriate materials, scope and sequence and strategies for student-centered assessments.

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EDUC 336 Early Literacy II - 3.00 credits

This course focuses on teaching strategies that are effective in developing students¿ writing abilities within a literacy rich environment. The interrelationship between reading and writing will be emphasized. Additional field experience hours are required for this course.

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EDUC 338 Expressive Arts for PK-4 - 3.00 credits

The focus of this course is to teach educators to develop and incorporate relevant curriculum for the expressive arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) into the PK-4 classroom(s). Students will explore instructional strategies, modern technologies, stages of artistic development and multicultural art forms.

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EDUC 355 Social Studies Teaching Methods - 3.00 credits

This course focuses on the effective, responsbile and ethical teaching of social studies in the elementary classroom. Topics include; perspectives of social studies, curriculum standards, unit development, assessment design, integrated curriculum and technology, and teacher decision-making.

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EDUC 405 Senior Pedagogy Seminar - 1.00 credits

Education majors only. Focuses on the teacher as a researcher. Presents descriptions of collaborations between university faculty and faculty from K-12 schools and discusses student involvement in learning and pedagogy issues.

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EDUC 410 Student Teaching - 9.00 credits

A 12-week field experience that approximates full time classroom teaching and related activities; it is designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate competencies necessary for certification

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EDUC 411 Family and Community Partnerships - 3.00 credits

This course focuses on the process of family assessment and intervention, issues of family and professional collaboration and diversity, and methods of promoting adult communication and management strategies. It applies knowledge of socio-cultural and political contexts as they relate to the family, culture and society.

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