Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd)

Program Requirements

• Admissions Requirements

  For acceptance into an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree program, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:

  High school diploma from a university-recognized high school with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA or university-recognized high school equivalency such as GED, TASC, or HiSET;

  OR

  High school diploma plus a previously earned Associate-level or higher degree from a nationally, regionally, or government-accredited college or university;

  OR

  High school diploma plus twenty-four (24) college-level credits (does not include remedial credits) from a nationally, regionally, or government-accredited college or university earned with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA;

  OR

  Approval from the Admissions Committee following a review of factors considered essential for academic success, including previous academic progress, non-academic achievements, and any additional information requested by the Committee as they relate to standards set by the University's governing bodies.

• Graduation Requirements

  The Bachelor of Arts in Education program consists of a program requirement of 120 credit hours, including 60 credits of Core Education Courses and 60 credits of Integrative Studies Courses.

  Students may complete their entire 120 credit Bachelor of Arts in Education program by taking all 60 Integrative Studies and 60 Core Education Course credits at Westcliff University. Alternatively, students may transfer up to 60 Integrative Studies credit hours to Westcliff from another accredited school. Additionally, students may apply be granted course waivers for up to 30 credit hours of the required Bachelor of Arts in Education Core Education Courses. In any option, 54 of the 60 Integrative Studies credit hours must have academic content. Please refer to the Transfer Credit and Course Waiver Policies for more detailed information and requirements.

  Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

• Practical Learning Experience Requirements

  Westcliff University requires all students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts in Business Education to successfully complete an extracurricular practical learning experience Bachelor of Arts in Business Education are designed to prepare students for the workforce, and the knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum are directly applicable in the industries to which they are associated. Practical learning at Westcliff is a key component of the university’s approach to teaching, learning, and student success as these experiences reinforce what students are learning in the classroom and promote the relevant application of this content in a real-world context. This practice reflects Westcliff’s commitment to a practical and relevant education and the value of applied, experiential learning. Students who have this experience demonstrate a more successful transition into a new career or career advancement.

  Practical learning experiences are satisfied by the completion of an internship course. Internship courses are credit-bearing and are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. During each internship course, students engage in direct work experience relevant to their studies in addition to participating in the assigned classroom activities. Internship opportunities exist on- and off-campus. Off-campus internships require prior university approval, and F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate in off-campus internships. 

  Students are responsible for developing and demonstrating the skills necessary to be successful in an internship. In addition to industry knowledge, students should be prepared to demonstrate professionalism, effective communication (written, oral, and digital), and integrity while engaged in an internship. The faculty facilitating the internship courses assess these qualities and provide valuable feedback to students throughout the course.

Program Information

• Required Courses

  Bachelor of Arts in Education Program Requirements - 120 Credit Hours

  Core Course Requirement - 60 Credit Hours

  EDU 301 Introduction to Education 3 credit hours

  EDU 305 Education Psychology 3 credit hours

  EDU 311 Unit Design 3 credit hours

  EDU 315 Educational and Social Justice 3 credit hours

  EDU 320 Home, School, and Community Collaboration 3 credit hours

  EDU 325 Art of Effective Teaching 3 credit hours

  EDU 330 Building the Foundations of Literacy 3 credit hours

  EDU 341 Child and Adolescent Development 3 credit hours

  EDU 350 Assessment of the Learning Process 3 credit hours

  EDU 355 Exceptional Students 3 credit hours

  EDU 360 Curriculum and Instruction 3 credit hours

  EDU 361 Information Literacy, Research, and Analysis 3 credit hours

  EDU 365 Multicultural Education 3 credit hours

  EDU 370 Teaching English Language Learners 3 credit hours

  EDU 371 Strategies for Online Learning 3 credit hours

  EDU 375 Teaching with Technology 3 credit hours

  EDU 400 Differentiating and Scaffolding Instruction 3 credit hours

  EDU 401 Educational Leadership 3 credit hours

  EDU 410 Portfolio Development* 3 credit hours

  EDU 450 Directed Field Experience* 3 credit hours

  Integrative Studies and Elective Course Requirements - 30 Credit Hours

  Communication 9 credit hours

  Mathematics 3 credit hours

  Humanities 3 credit hours

  Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours

  Physical & Biological Sciences 3 credit hours

  Open Integrative Studies 3 credit hours

  Open Integrative Studies Upper Division 3 credit hours

  Integrative Studies Capstone 3 credit hours

  Elective Course Requirement - 15 Credit Hours

  Students may choose to fulfill the elective requirement by selecting one or two concentration(s) or completing additional Integrative Studies courses.

• Course Concentrations

  Bachelor of Arts in Education Areas of Concentration

  Coding for Education - The Full Stack Coding Bootcamp offered by Westcliff University is a multidimensional certificate program that bridges a path for students who want to pursue careers in the growing and exciting field of web development. The program focuses on creating dynamic and interactive experiences through a rigorous full stack coding curriculum. Students pursuing this program will gain the necessary skills for front-end and back-end development, all while preparing them for success in the professional world.

  Early Childhood Education - Administration - The Certificate in Early Childhood Education Leadership and Administration prepares students to be leaders in the field of Early Childhood Education. Students work, research, and learn from early childhood education teachers with diverse backgrounds and real-world experience. This certificate meets the State of California Community Care Licensing Title 22 Administrative Requirements to be a fully qualified director for a Title 22 (private) child care (infant toddler, preschool, and school age) program as well as the Title 5 Administrative Requirements needed to apply for a Child Development Master Teacher/Site Supervisor/Program Director permit for a Title 5 (public) child care (infant toddler, preschool, and school age) program.

  Early Childhood Education - Teaching Preparation - The Certificate in Early Childhood Education Teaching prepares students to be educators in the field of Early Childhood Education. Students consider, research, and learn to teach children with diverse backgrounds and ability levels. Students create a professional portfolio, partake in mock interviews, and are connected to leading Early Childhood Education agencies in the area. The certificate meets State of California Community Care Licensing Title 22 requirements to be a fully qualified teacher for a Title 22 (private) child care (preschool, and school age) program.

  Educational Technology - The Educational Technology (EdTech) undergraduate certificate is a practical, innovative program that examines the history, current practices, and future possibilities for integrating technology into classrooms. Students learn how to navigate and best engage their students in online and blended educational settings. By discussing the latest trends in EdTech research, learning theories, and practical hands-on experience, students analyze the ways in which technology can enhance the learning experience. This certificate enables pre-service and in-service teachers to design and develop an online/blended learning experience. Students enrolled in this program complete the following courses.

  Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages -  The College of Education offers an internationally recognized certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for pre-service as well as in-service classroom teachers. This certificate provides students with an innovative methodology for English pedagogy with proven success at English language schools worldwide. Whether teaching in an ESL or EFL setting, students are prepared to deliver engaging and interactive language classes, while discussing the latest research trends in the English language teaching field. Students analyze, reflect, and integrate the foundations of TESOL and language acquisition into their teaching practices.

• Course Catalog and Student Handbook
  Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

• Scholarship Application

  As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

  Apply Now
• Scholarship Application Deadlines

  Semester	Session	Scholarship Deadline	Start Date	End Date
  FALL	Session 1	07/31/21	Start: 8/30/21	End: 10/24/21
  	Session 2	09/25/21	Start: 10/25/21	End: 12/19/21
  SPRING	Session 3	12/04/21	Start: 01/03/22	End: 02/27/22
  	Session 4	01/29/22	Start: 02/28/22	End: 04/24/22
  SUMMER	Session 5	04/02/22	Start: 05/02/22	End: 06/26/22
  	Session 6	05/28/22	Start: 06/27/22	End: 08/21/22