Bachelor of Arts in Social Science w/ Education concentration (BASS/Ed.)
This degree promotes a partnership with Rio Salado College in Phoenix, Arizona. The program meets the needs of students who are seeking a Bachelor's degree, which is one of the requirements for certification as a teacher in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education in the state of Arizona. Students may be able to include some Rio Salado Level I teacher certification courses into their Ashford University® BASS/Ed. degree plan of study.
Upon receiving an Ashford University baccalaureate degree and following successful completion of all Level I coursework, the student is eligible to submit an application for formal acceptance into one of Rio Salado College's Arizona Department of Education (ADE) approved Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Programs. Following Rio Salado's program acceptance, students can enroll in Level II education methods courses that are required for Arizona teacher certification.
Course Requirements:
(39 semester credits, all classes are 3 credits)
PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
HIS 303 American Constitution
A study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The course covers the drafting and ratification of the constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.
HIS 324 History of American Education
History of Education in the United States provides an overview of sentinel events, theories and important historical figures who have shaped the United States education system.
LIB 320 Global Socioeconomic Perspectives
An examination of major socioeconomic developments in different countries including Japan, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and the developing nations. Topics include population, natural resources, energy, sustainable growth, and policies such as privatization and free trade agreements. Social and economic justice in the global economy is considered.
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
This Introductory course presents basic concepts, theories, and research in sociology. Group organization, sex and gender, marriage and the family, sports as a social institution, and collective behavior are among the topics considered.
SOC 315 Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Culture and politics in Europe, Latin America, the Arab world, India, East Asia, and other areas are examined. Emphasis is on viewing the world from the diverse perspectives of other cultures and political systems. Topics and regions vary.
PSY 104 Child and Adolescent Development
This course provides a basic introduction to the nature of human growth and development as it occurs from the conception through adolescence. Students are provided the opportunity to explore the "what," "how," and "when" of physical motor, cognitive, socio-emotional, moral aesthetic, and language development. Exploration is emphasized through activities that allow students to understand and appreciate both typical and atypical development within the context of the family and society and to recognize the impact of individual, cultural and linguistic differences on development.
EDU 360 Philosophy of Education
This course explores the application of selected educational philosophies as factors that have influenced the evolutionary processes of education. Selected educational philosophies are explored and applied to the practical and idealistic world of teaching and learning. Analysis of the selected educational philosophies is used to facilitate the integration of the flow of ideas from a theory into an applied educational process.
PSY 372 Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology explores the theories of how people learn. Selected learning theories are analyzed from the perspective of teaching and learning. Developmental theory and environmental and social factors are explored as they interface with the learning process. Educational psychology's research is applied to the measurement, assessment, and evaluation of learning and the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching-learning interactions.
PSY 370 Learning and the Brain
Teaching and learning issues within a cognitive processes context are explored. This course covers the study of emotion, memory, and recall as well as early brain development and its relationship to learning.
EDU 321 Introduction to Serving English Language Learners
This course provides a sufficiently broad yet detailed exposure to the realities of teaching English Language Learners. The course is designed to prepare students to deliver content area instruction to English Language Learners with diverse abilities using the sheltered instruction approach.
EDU 371 Phonics Based Reading and Decoding
Overview of research, curricular content, and instructional practices associated with Research Based Systematic Phonics Instruction (RBSPI) and other methods for teaching reading. Emphasis on methods mandated by Arizona legislation. Covers the history of written language, alphabetic reading and writing systems, and implementation of effective methods for reading instruction.
EDU 490 Interdisciplinary Capstone
This is the capstone course for social science majors with a concentration in education. The course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply learning from their professional programs of study in a comprehensive manner. Students will also assess the impact of their educational experiences on their ethical perspectives and critical thinking skills. Students will reflect on and evaluate their personal and professional growth, the benefits of lifelong learning, knowledge and strategy evaluation, and the impact of these elements on their future.
Note: For a course to apply towards a Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Preparation Program at Rio Salado it must have a minimum grade of 3.0 (B) in order to transfer and students must have an over-all GPA of 2.5 in order to gain admittance into the Rio Salado College program.
Level I courses taken at Rio Salado College may be accepted in transfer towards degree completion at AU.
If this program sounds like it will fit your goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or request additional information.