Educational Leadership Courses

BEF
101
Hours
3
Dynamics of American Education

The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to the purposes and foundational components of education. Students will analyze key socio-cultural, academic, political and economic issues and examine the role of the teacher, student and community members in American education.

BEF
102
Hours
3
Dynamics of American Education (Honors)

The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to the purposes and foundational components of education. Students will analyze key socio-cultural, academic, political and economic issues and examine the role of the teacher, student and community members in American education. As an Honors designated course, this course is intended for Honors students looking for deeper engagement with the subjects covered in the course.

University Honors
BEF
201
Hours
3
Educational Advocacy

This course examines the role of advocacy in creating and sustaining public schooling that benefits all children. The course examines social and educational inequalities that can affect a student’s educational experience., achievement, and opportunity. It dissects the meaning of advocacy in an educational context, considering the role not only of more formal advocacy organizations (e.g., the NEA and AFT) but also the role of educators, parents, and community members in building and sustaining public schools for the social good. The course develops knowledge and tools for advocacy through an understanding of relevant laws related to particular sub-groups (e.g., students with disabilities). The course provides practical skills for advocating for public education.

BEF
202
Hours
3
Educating for Advocacy (Honors)

This course examines the role of advocacy in creating and sustaining public schooling that benefits all children. The course examines social and educational inequalities that can affect a student’s educational experience., achievement, and opportunity. It dissects the meaning of advocacy in an educational context, considering the role not only of more formal advocacy organizations (e.g., the NEA and AFT) but also the role of educators, parents, and community members in building and sustaining public schools for the social good. The course develops knowledge and tools for advocacy through an understanding of relevant laws related to particular sub-groups (e.g., students with disabilities). The course provides practical skills for advocating for public education. As an Honors designated course, this course is intended for Honors students looking for deeper engagement with the subjects covered in the course.

University Honors
BEF
302
Hours
3
Educational Policy

This course introduces students to U.S. educational policy and reform by focusing on the relation of the public school to the state, on principles of education, and on the possibilities for reform. Students will analyze contemporary policy debates and reform efforts in view of philosophical perspectives, policy histories, and empirical support.

BEF
303
Hours
3
Educational Policy Honors

This course introduces students to U.S. educational policy and reform by focusing on the relation of the public school to the state, on principles of education, and on the possibilities for reform. Students will analyze contemporary policy debates and reform efforts in view of philosophical perspectives, policy histories, and empirical support. As an Honors designated course, this course is intended for Honors students looking for deeper engagement with the subjects covered in the course.

Prerequisite(s): BEF 102
University Honors
BEF
360
Hours
3
Social Psychol Foundtns Educ

An examination of the foundations of education in a modern democratic society and the critical project of promoting social justice through schooling. Attention is also paid to how theories of human nature and the idea of the social good shape distinctive philosophies of education.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or HD 101 or PY 105 or HD 102
BEF
362
Hours
3
School, Culture, and Society

An examination of the foundations of education in a modern democratic society and the critical project of promoting social justice through schooling. Attention is also paid to how theories of human nature and the social good shape distinctive philosophies of education.

US and Global Citizenship
BEF
410
Hours
3
Research in Educational Studies

This course requires that students have the background knowledge needed to develop their own research project related to educational policy studies. The projects involve students seeking out key educational issues, analyzing prior knowledge on these issues, and investigating potential solutions and/or recommendations related to these issues. This is primarily a project-based course in which students are evaluated on both the final learning artifact and the process they used to develop this learning artifact.

Prerequisite(s): BEF 101 and BEF 201 and BEF 302
BEF
411
Hours
3
Research in Educational Studies (Honors)

This course requires students have the background knowledge needed to develop their own research project related to educational policy studies. The projects involve students seeking out key educational issues, analyzing prior knowledge on these issues, and investigating potential solutions and/or recommendations related to these issues. This is primarily a project-based course in which students are evaluated on both the final learning artifact and the process they used to develop this learning artifact. As an Honors designated course, this course is intended for Honors students looking for deeper engagement with the subjects covered in the course.

Prerequisite(s): BEF 102 and BEF 202 and BEF 303
University Honors
BEF
483
Hours
3
Educational Policy and Reform

This course introduces undergraduate students to U.S. educational policy and reform by focusing on the relation of the public school to the state, on principles of education, and on the possibilities for reform. Students will analyze contemporary policy debates and reform efforts in view of philosophical perspectives, policy histories, and empirical support.

BEF
484
Hours
3
Church, State and the American Public School

A critical look at the role of religion in public schooling, the separation of church and state in American education and educational policies relevant to the church, state, and education.

BEF
485
Hours
3
Language, Politics, and Education

This course provides students a broad overview of language policy and planning. Drawing on international case studies, students will identify different foci of language planning,including status, corpus, and acquisition planning, as well as the different linguistic and political views that inform policy.

BEF
486
Hours
3
Educational Policy Analysis

This is the capstone course for the Educational Policy Studies undergraduate minor. The purpose of this course is to have the students create a small research project that reflects on their learning from previous courses in the Educational Policy Studies undergraduate minor.

Prerequisite(s): PSC 370, BEF 483, BEF 484, and BEF 485
CAT
100
Hours
3
Computer Concepts & Applicatn

Fundamentals of computer use in education, including software applications, keyboard functions, peripherals, utilities, and software.

PW: Digital Literacy Pract
CAT
200
Hours
3
Computer Education Application

Introduces computer applications relating to problem solving, critical thinking, instruction, data management and Web page development. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.

Computer Science, PW: Digital Literacy Pract
CAT
250
Hours
3
Computer Educ Curric Devel

Utilizing computer technology and computer applications in instruction. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.

Prerequisite(s): CAT 200
Computer Science, PW: Digital Literacy Pract
CAT
400
Hours
3
AI Fluency for the Workforce

This course develops essential AI literacy skills for students entering the modern workforce. Students learn to effectively use AI tools, engineer prompts, evaluate AI outputs, and understand ethical implications of AI in professional settings. Through industry-informed case studies and hands-on projects, students develop competencies in data analysis, digital skills, complex cognitive tasks, decision-making, and continuous learning with AI assistance.

PW: Digital Literacy Pract
CAT
420
Hours
3
Special Topics

This Special Topics course explores emerging trends and issues in instructional technology. Students engage in hands-on projects, tool exploration, and applied problem-solving that demonstrate how technology enhances learning, creativity, and professional practice. Specific topics will vary by semester, allowing exploration of innovations such as artificial intelligence, immersive learning, learning analytics, and digital design.

Special Topics Course