A Brief History of the Education Double Degree

In early 2002, Oregon State University identified teacher education as one of the university’s highest priorities. Since that time, OSU’s new School of Education has embarked on a dynamic process of re-inventing and revitalizing education programs, and responding to the needs of students, the education community, and the state.

As part of this revitalization effort, the new School of Education launched a university-wide undergraduate education degree in the fall of 2003. The Education Double Degree program enables students to earn two undergraduate degrees concurrently – one in their chosen field and one in education. The Education Double Degree is designed to increase access to Education programs by providing multiple pathways for preparation of teachers and educational leaders and to promote opportunities to reach a broader population of candidates.

Initially, the undergraduate Education Double Degree emphasized preparing and licensing teachers for K-12 public school classrooms, a 40 credit hour program. In 2004, the Education Double Degree was expanded to include two additional options: Education Double Degree for Workforce Settings and the Education Double Degree for Community Settings, both 32 hour programs.

The Need for the Education Double Degree

Our nation’s communities, schools, and organizations will demand a minimum of 2.2 million new teachers and educational leaders over the next decade and these teachers must be well-prepared to meet today’s educational challenges. By creating new, more accessible undergraduate options, the Education Double Degree provides a means for addressing these gaps.

K-12 Public School Teachers Urgently Needed

Oregon faces challenges similar to those at the national level for public school classroom teachers. Nearly half of Oregon’s public school principals reported difficulty in recruiting enough candidates for teaching positions.

In particular, there is an enormous need for secondary science, mathematics, and technology teachers. With the Education Double Degree, students are licensed to teach in a public school classroom right after graduation.

Evan Johnson, a computer engineering student, says, “I always thought about teaching, and when I started math tutoring at Corvallis High School and saw the kids’ faces light up, when they ‘got’ it I knew I wanted to teach.”

Teachers Needed for Workforce and Community Settings

In addition to a need for public school teachers, there is a growing demand for professional educational leaders in community settings and for trainer/educators in workforce settings.

The Education Double Degree for community settings prepares students to work with youth or volunteer adults in environments such as museums, 4-H programs, discovery centers, private and charter schools.

Nancy Stueber, President of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry says, “Museums, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, depend on talented volunteers to inspire wonder and stimulate curiosity in young learners. The OSU Education Double Degree signifies both a passion for your field and a commitment to sharing that passion with others. It’s a powerful combination.”

The demand for educators in workforce settings comes from corporations and organizations across the nation that are seeking highly skilled workforce trainers and coaches. The Education Double Degree prepares students for educating and training adults in corporate, organizational, and non-profit settings. Students also acquire skills in management and team leadership.

Jeff Peace, Program Manager for The Boeing Company says, “For a leading company like Boeing to prosper, continuous learning by everyone in the company is critical. Graduates of the Education Double Degree Program will have the teaching skills to immediately contribute to the continuous learning environment of companies like ours. This is a wonderful idea!”

Education Double Degree is Tailored to Students’ Needs

The Education Double Degree options are designed for students who want to work in their fields immediately upon graduation. For students enrolled in the Workforce or Community options, eight hours of the program can be taken at a community college. And, Education Double Degree courses are available during summer terms.

In addition, students will graduate with a competitive advantage. Employers say they prefer students with multiple degrees because they are perceived to be better disciplined, focused, and skilled in time management.