Education Studies

If you are inspired to become an elementary school teacher, Education Studies is your first step. Our program develops valuable critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to enhance whichever career path you choose.

Please note: Dominican is no longer accepting applications for the Education Studies major effective Spring 2025. You can still apply to the Education Studies minor. 

Dominican University of California, 100 years of teacher preparation logo

The Education Studies teacher preparation program develops valuable critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to enhance whatever career path you choose including earning a BA and teaching credential in just 4 years.

The BA is an interdisciplinary major that prepares students to teach in elementary schools. Students observe and participate in local elementary schools and engage in weekly seminars that integrate theory and practice, subject matter knowledge and pedagogy. This means that from your first semester, your are engaged in the content, theory, and practice of teaching and reaching every elementary school student. 

In your senior year, you will participate in a 15-week student teaching placement at a public elementary school. Mentoring, advisement, and guided field experiences support you along the way.

We also offer an expedited teacher training program unique to the Bay Area that allows students to earn both their BA and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in less than the traditional 5 years. Students can acquire a BA in Education Studies and a Multiple Subject Credential in 4 years.

Minor

Students explore multi-facets of the education field which includes building inclusive and supportive classroom communities for all students, applying culturally responsive pedagogy to classroom environments, and participating in fieldwork in K-12 classrooms. Learn more about our Minor Requirements on our course catalog.

Credential Overview

The Multiple Subject Credential Program is a preliminary elementary teacher preparation program that authorizes you to teach all subjects required of the public school curriculum, starting at a self-contained classroom kindergarten through grade six. 

Career Paths

Graduate with a broad range of knowledge and skills specifically designed for those who want to teach. Develop valuable critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that can also be successfully translated to many occupations. 

Office Hours

Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admissions and Aid

A degree from a top-ranked, private University like Dominican is deliberately affordable and accessible! More than 99 percent of our first-year incoming students receive significant financial aid through merit- and need-based scholarships as well as state and federal aid. Additionally, for most students, there is no application fee, and we don't ask for test scores. Get in touch with a counselor to learn more about your path to an exceptional college experience at Dominican!

Learn More About Admissions and Aid

Faculty and Staff

Rosemarie Michaels headshot

Rosemarie Michaels, MEd, EdD

Professor Education Studies Program Director
Katherine Lewis headshot

Katie Lewis, PhD

Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Education Department Faculty Development Director

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Expertises
Elizabeth Truesdell

Elizabeth Truesdell, PhD

Professor Director of Special Education Programs
Jennifer Lucko headshots

Jennifer Lucko, PhD

Professor and Co-Chair of Education Department
Pauline Camp headshot

Pauline Camp, MBA

Administrative Manager, Education Department and Dean's Office
Julie Grellas headshot

Julie Grellas, MEd

Director of School and Community Partnerships Student Teaching & Placement
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Alexandria Kinnee

Adjunct Instructor
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Jason Searle

Adjunct Instructor
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Katherine Wolfe

Adjunct Instructor
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Jennifer Ortiz

Adjunct Instructor
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Susan Lehman

Adjunct Instructor

Education Studies in the News

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Three students walking together on the Dominican campus.

La Vida Dominican

La Vida Dominican is a program for all students, increasing educational access and connection to support services, enabling degree completion and post-graduation success. Particularly, La Vida is centering experiences of students from Latinx and other historically underserved backgrounds.

Learn More About La Vida Dominican