General Information about Focused Studies in Education
Focused Studies in Education is offered to students enrolled in any Education major who initially
registered for and commenced Student Teaching. Focused Studies in Education is a ten (10)-credit
course. If a student is currently enrolled in other coursework (besides Student Teaching), that student
may stay enrolled in those courses, if they are graduation requirements. Students who do not complete
student teaching, but complete a Focused Studies in Education program instead, are not eligible to apply
for any state teaching certification. A student may still earn a baccalaureate degree without certification,
if all other course and credit requirements are met. Students who are entered into the Focused Studies
course are relieved of student teaching duties to pursue research and activities related to topics and/or
projects approved by the Department Chair. Students are only eligible for Focused Studies if they meet
all of the following criteria:
• Admission to the Student Teaching semester
• Approval of the Chair of the Department of Education
• Student does not find satisfaction in the student teaching assignment, but wishes to graduate on
time OR College Supervisor and/or Cooperating Teacher feel as is the student teacher is
hindering the education of the students in the classroom
During Focused Studies, students take much of the responsibility when choosing this path and are
responsible for formulating a plan, in conjunction with their College Supervisor. Generally, the
experience topics and/or projects correlate to the student’s particular needs and interests. Those
electing, or being recommended for, this option may seek career paths that include work experiences
dealing with people and education in a variety of settings other than the traditional classroom.
Examples of career paths served by this non-certification degree are:
• Positions involving training and development in a variety of businesses and corporations
• Educational specialists or other positions within social service agencies, community agencies, or
other governmental agencies
• Careers in public relations
• Employment in youth organizations or youth programs
Some students, who successfully complete the Focused Studies Program and graduate, may be eligible
for Student Teaching and state teaching certification at a later date. If students choose to pursue Student
Teaching in the future, he/she must re-apply to the College. He/she must wait a minimum of one year
before reapplying. During this year, the student must pursue avenues of professional development and
improvement in the area of education. If the student would like to be reconsidered for Student Teaching
(after one year of successful completion of the Focused Studies Program), he or she must contact the
Director of Field Services and a student teaching application must be completed.