OVERVIEW
This Online,
Non-licensure Educational Studies Degree Prepares You to Make a Difference
Do you enjoy finding creative ways to share information with others? Does the career you’re interested in require skills pertaining to education, but not necessarily a teaching license? If this describes you, a bachelor's in educational studies is exactly what you've been looking for.
Put your passion to work with an education studies degree where you can make a meaningful contribution in people's lives as an educator. This online, non-licensure bachelor's education degree program gives you the skills you need to educate and care for diverse learners in a variety of fields.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in a content area that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, and instructional design—just to name a few! However, these programs do not lead to a teaching license. If you are interested in a degree program that leads to a teaching license, please visit one of our initial licensure programs, or learn the differences between BAES and an initial licensure program. WGU has 10 non-licensure BAES programs for you to choose from:
- Elementary Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Elementary and Special Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Mild to Moderate Special Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Secondary Biology Science Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Secondary Earth Science Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Secondary Physics Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Middle Grades Science Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Secondary Mathematics Education - B.A. Educational Studies
- Middle Grade Mathematics Education - B.A. Educational Studies
Time to completion
Varies
Each educational studies emphasis contains different coursework and specialization, resulting in various average completion times. WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready.
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,825
Do the math and you'll see that you're in control of the cost of your teaching degree. We charge tuition per term instead of per credit. Finish faster, pay less!
On average, students transfer
28 credits*
Your associate degree or previous college credit may waive some courses through transfer. We review your transcripts for transfer credits, helping you accelerate this bachelor's degree in education.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSE DETAILS
Educational Studies Courses
Online courses focused on preparation for unique educational situations and helping you become a better educator.
This online educational studies bachelor's degree program was designed and is regularly updated with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These experts know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be a successful educator.
Some of the courses in your program may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
You will complete your courses by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete a certain amount of coursework each term for on-time progress. You will also earn a WGU certificate after completing your coursework. WGU certificates allow you to demonstrate mastery and add credentials to your résumé before you even graduate with your degree.
Consult your specific program guide for courses included in your area of emphasis:
Common Courses Across All Emphasis Tracks
See Program Guide for Full Course List
Number of Courses Varies by Program
The number of courses in your program will depend on the emphasis area you select.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Lesson Planning: Created effective lesson plans for optimal instrucitonal delivery.
- Teaching: Established positive and meaningful relationships with students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Classroom Management: Developed and implemented organizational routines and norms for classroom discourse and student work, fostering an environment conducive to effective learning and collaboration.
- Research: Expertly evaluated research evidence, identifying weaknesses, inconsistencies, biases, and other issues to ensure the reliability of information.
- Writen Communication: Communicated ideas with clarity and precision through written communication techniques.
- Communication: Delivered messages through tailored communication methods, ensuring resonance with diverse audiences.
“After completing my degree, my husband also completed his degree at WGU and went back to pursue his master's degree at WGU. It is not unreasonable for our family to say that WGU changed our lives.”
—Amanda Rogers
B.A. Elementary Education
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online bachelor's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Educational Studies Degree Program
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused principal preparation program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"Getting my degree from WGU helped me achieve the career I always dreamed of having. It opened doors for me to become a lifelong learner and go to a job everyday that I love!”
—Sarah Hyde
M.A. Elementary Education
CAREER OUTLOOK
Earn A Degree in Education Studies Online and Make a Difference
The educational studies degree is a non-licensure program that sets the foundation for teaching in a variety of settings. Often, those who earn a bachelor’s degree in educational studies work as tutors, trainers, community outreach partners, or in any position where they teach others and encourage learning and improvement. In addition, this program can serve as a foundation for future graduate work in fields such as sociology, counseling, or instructional design. While this non-licensure program does not lead to a professional license, it can prepare you to pursue that route later.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
7%
Employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Extensive Career Possibilities
Graduating with a degree in educational studies opens the doors to many career possibilities, including:
- Instructional support
- Community outreach
- Training
- Education staff (museums, learning centers, etc.)
- K-12 opportunities that do not require a teaching license
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
- Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
- Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
- Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Bachelor of Educational Studies Admission Requirements
For educational studies programs, there are currently no additional admission requirements beyond the general admission requirements.
NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
More about the B.A. in Educational Studies
- More About This Degree
- Transfers
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?