B.A. in Applied Educational Studies: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Educational Studies is an undergraduate degree for students who want to work with children and families in education-adjacent roles — family specialist, child and family life educator, home visitor — without pursuing a state teaching license.

Universities across the country offer a number of Bachelor of Arts degrees in Applied Educational Studies. The B.A. in Applied Educational Studies at National Louis University is offered through the Undergraduate College and prepares students for a variety of roles that support children and families in educational settings outside traditional classrooms. In these roles, students work as family specialists, child and family life educators, home visitors, and in other social service roles serving children and families.

What Is a B.A. in Applied Educational Studies?

The main focus of a B.A. in Applied Educational Studies program is to give students a strong foundation in areas of study related to child development, teaching and learning, and family support. Typical courses include assessment, culturally relevant pedagogy, technology use, supporting children with special needs, and supporting families under stress. These programs differ from other undergraduate degrees in early childhood or elementary education, which are typically Teacher Preparation programs that require a license to teach in public and private schools.

The B.A. in Applied Educational Studies at National Louis University prepares students to work in roles that support children and families. These roles include family specialist, child and family life educator, home visitor, and more. Many of these roles are in social service and can be found in settings such as family support agencies, home visiting programs, schools, and nonprofits. The program can be completed fully online or in a blended format and includes customizable coursework. The three concentrations include Infant and Toddler Studies, Early Care and Education Administration, and Teaching Methods. Students who complete the program coursework can apply for the State of Illinois' Gateways Level 5 Family Specialist Credential (FSC). In addition, students can be prepared to sit for the exam to become a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).

Why Pursue a B.A. in Applied Educational Studies?

The B.A. degree in Applied Educational Studies is intended for those who want to work with children and their families but have chosen not to pursue a teaching career, including positions in home visiting programs and family support services, early childhood programs and their administration, and family life education. Therefore, this degree serves students interested in the many roles and functions within child and family services.

The degree concentration allows students to choose areas of interest. For example, students can complete studies that focus on the care of infants and toddlers. Others might focus on early childhood programs and prepare to administer programs for preschool-aged children. Some might even choose a concentration focused on teaching methods. Regardless, students complete a program focused on child development and family support.

Key Questions About This Degree

Does this degree lead to a teaching license?

This degree does not qualify students for a teaching license; instead, it prepares them for positions in education outside the typical classroom setting. Those interested in becoming a licensed teacher should look into a degree designed to prepare students to teach in early childhood or elementary classrooms, such as a B.A. in Early Childhood Education.

What is the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential?

The National Council on Family Relations awards the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential, and these professionals provide family education to individuals and families on topics such as parenting, human development, and family relationships. Individuals who earn a degree in Applied Educational Studies, such as the B.A. in Applied Educational Studies degree at National Louis University, can prepare to sit for the certification exam to become a Certified Family Life Educator.

What concentrations are typically available?

Programs typically offer several concentrations, such as Infant and Toddler Studies. Some programs even focus on issues surrounding Early Care and Education Administration, or on Teaching Methods for a variety of different educational settings.

What settings do graduates typically work in?

As noted earlier, many organizations and programs work with young children and their families outside of classrooms. These organizations include programs that conduct home visiting, family support programs, and social service agencies, among others. As expected, settings like early childhood programs, schools, and nonprofit organizations would be of particular interest to graduates.

Career Outcomes

Students who graduate from this program can expect to find work in settings and roles such as family specialist, home visitor, child and family life educator, early childhood program coordinator or administrator, and family support case worker at social service agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Human Service Assistants and related family support services are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. This is due in part to continued, growing demand for family and child support services. Current information on projected growth and median annual wages for these occupations can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Human Service Assistants.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Human Service Assistants.

Many of our graduates pursue additional certifications, such as the Illinois Gateways Level 5 Family Specialist Credential or the National Council on Family Relations' Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) certification. These additional certifications can open specific job opportunities for which your application will be given preference because you meet the posting requirements.

B.A. in Applied Educational Studies at National Louis University

National Louis University's Undergraduate College offers the B.A. in Applied Educational Studies degree. This degree prepares students for roles as a family specialist, child and family life educator, and home visitor. It is offered in three concentrations: Infant and Toddler Studies, Early Care and Education Administration, and Teaching Methods. The degree is offered fully online and in a blended format. It can lead to the Illinois Gateways Level 5 Family Specialist Credential and prepare you for the National Council on Family Relations' NCFR) Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) certification.