Wittenberg University recently announced the launch of a new major and minor in educational studies, as well as a minor in justice, law and public policy (JLPP).
"It's imperative as an institution of higher learning that we provide avenues of academic study that align with the interests, needs and expectations of our current students and future ones," said Interim Provost Mary Jo Zembar, professor of psychology. "We have already seen considerable interest in these tracks, and we are confident that they will provide our students with tremendous added value in their chosen career paths."
The educational studies program allows students to investigate the historical, social, political and economic contexts of educational institutions, policy, teaching and learning. Wittenberg is one of only four schools in Ohio to offer an educational studies program.
Completion of this academic program will give students the knowledge base and skills for work in different (particularly non-certified public and private) educational settings (businesses, non-profit, policy, etc.), the Peace Corps, graduate school (including graduate-level teacher licensure programs), and alternative teacher credentialing programs (Teach for America, AmeriCorps, urban residency programs, etc.).
Wittenberg’s mission and core values are central to educational studies as this program looks to create intellectual inquiry, creativity, calling and service — particularly through understanding social justice implications with regard to access of schooling and education.
Moreover, these programs pair well and complement other majors and minors. They also serve those interested in teaching and learning in different contexts and settings, but who are not necessarily interested in going through a full credentialing program in order to teach in public schools.
JLPP is an interdisciplinary program that helps students develop the critical thinking, writing and communication skills required of professionals in the fields of social justice, law and public policy.
Wittenberg’s curriculum centers on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual’s capacity to think, read and communicate with precision, understanding and imagination. The JLPP minor helps students hone these skills and then apply them to social justice, legal and policy issues in their community.
Social injustice is an ongoing problem, and the need to have astute, critically thinking and compassionate policy makers is essential. Increasingly, employers in the areas of social justice and public policy are seeking professionals who have a legal background.
JLPP is an ideal minor for students interested in law school and criminal justice, as well as those interested in environmental justice and policy issues, legal advocacy, health justice and policy issues, science policy, community organizing and non-profit work, among others.
A unique feature of the minor is the required experiential component, which involves either an internship or a community engagement experience. Students work directly with a business, organization or community agency to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real-world problem or setting.
The JLPP minor pairs well with majors in many different disciplines, including political science, religion, English, philosophy, health science, history, biology and environmental science.
For more information go to https://www.wittenberg.edu/academics/majors-minors
