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Attallah College of Educational Studies
BA in Community Educational Studies

» BA in Community Educational Studies

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Community Educational Studies is a major for aspiring educators who want to work outside of the traditional K–12 classroom environment — because we’re firm believers that lifelong learning matters.

Centered on hands-on training and real teaching experience, our curriculum prepares you for employment in education-focused roles including:

  • Educator for community-focused businesses like dance centers, art classes and more.
  • Educator for a nonprofit or charitable organization.
  • Learning and development professional. 
  • Human resources professional.
  • Public policy related careers.
  • School administrator.
  • School counselor.
  • Speech pathologist.
  • Tutor.
Students working in a class.

In this program, you will:

  • Develop practical skills crucial to becoming a leading community educator.
  • Build a high-quality resume through hands-on experience leading in non-school settings — all before you graduate.
  • Learn how to advocate for educational inclusivity as an ethically responsible educator.
An adult student in a class smiling.

By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to:

  • Find employment as an educator in non-classroom settings.
  • Make a positive impact on diverse students across the lifelong learning spectrum.
  • Have a clear pathway to a Master’s in Leadership Development through our integrated master’s programs.
Careers in Community Education: counselors and psychologists
Get a glimpse of two community-education-focused careers in this blog post about school counselors and school psychologists.
Check out the full story

Take a virtual tour of campus

Take a sneak peek at what the Chapman experience is like by exploring our campus in this interactive, 360° tour.

Launch tour

 

Our expertise. Your success.

Becoming an educator takes hard work and dedication. Chapman students are up to the challenge, and they’re never alone.

As a CES student, you’ll have access to faculty advising, career assistance, a professional network of alumni and other resources to help you on your journey to becoming an educator.

 

Two students work on laptops.

 

Minors for community educators

Our education minors and humanities minors for educators give you the perfect pathway to hone in on your areas of interest and find your niche as an educator. They cover a wide range of possible specializations and add value to degree.

Level up your leadership skills

Community educators are community leaders. Our Minor in Leadership Studies prepares you to build confidence and responsibility, all to become an impactful, ethical leader in your community.

Earn an MA in Leadership Development

Our integrated Master of Arts in Leadership Development is an MA program for students driven to take their leadership skills further. This program allows you to earn your BA in Community Educational Studies and an MA in Leadership Development in just five years total.

Community leadership in action
Disaster response and community building go hand in hand for Chapman students. Returning to New Orleans almost yearly since 2006, our students have built their leadership skills while helping to rebuild infrastructure and lives in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Read full story

Study abroad and away

Broadening your horizons helps you grow as an educator, and one of the best ways to do it is to travel abroad with one of our many study abroad programs. We offer travel courses around the globe and work closely with you to find one that aligns with your schedule and goals as an aspiring educator.

 

Student clubs and organizations

With hundreds of clubs and student-run organizations on campus, we’re a great place to meet new people, learn new skills and expand your network as an aspiring educator — or just have some fun when you need to recharge the batteries.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honor society for future educators. Open to both men and women, KDP aims to provide opportunities for and foster a community of dedicated and passionate future educators.

Our chapter on campus is a great way to make friends and build professional relationships with other aspiring educators.

 

Admission and tours

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check our transfer prerequisites.

Want to see all Chapman has to offer? Join us for a virtual or in-person tour of campus. We’d love to meet you!

 

Related programs

Liberal Studies

Integrated master's programs

Education minors

Contact us

For questions about this program:

Email: communityeducation@chapman.edu

Phone: (714) 997-6781