Minor in Education

The Minor in Education is designed to provide students who are majoring in a Trinity College of Arts and Sciences discipline with opportunities to combine coursework in their majors with academic and field-based experiences focused on complex social, psychological, economic, historical, political, and cultural issues that impact schools and school children. This program prepares students to seek teaching licensure.

Requirements – 5 Courses

  • EDUC 101 (or EDUC 101S): Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
  • EDUC 240: Educational Psychology        
  • 3 courses made up of Education electives

NOTE: Only one of the five courses required to earn the minor may be taken at an institution other than Duke. Prior approval of the Director is required.

Field-Based Experiences

Through the cooperation of local public and independent schools, a wide variety of experiences are available to Duke undergraduates. Starting as early as the first year, students have the opportunity to observe diverse approaches to teaching and learning, to tutor children and youth one-on-one and in small groups, to work with children who have special needs, and to implement social service projects. For those seeking a teaching license, a full-time student teaching internship culminates the teacher preparation program. The student teaching internship takes place in a local public school classroom and allows students to engage in the kind of critical reflection and refinement of skills that lead to a successful teaching career.

How to Pursue a Teaching License

The Minor does not license a student to teach. Students who are interested in pursuing a teaching license should contact Dr. Martin Smith director of the Secondary Teacher Preparation Program, or Dr. Jan Riggsbee, director of the Elementary Teacher Preparation Program.