Course Plans

Professional Educator Licensure  (PEL)

Illinois Wesleyan University is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for the undergraduate preparation of teachers in the programs listed below. IWU graduates are eligible for a Professional Educator License endorsed in the area and grade level of the program completed. The PEL is valid for five years.

Interdisciplinary Educational Studies major and minor

The non-licensure Interdisciplinary Educational Studies major or minor prepares students to work with children and families in a variety of settings and occupations. Students can apply coursework in Educational Studies to professional work in government, private industry, adult education, correctional institutional, and/or related school services such as recreation, after-school care, nursing, social work or social policy. The Educational Studies curriculum also prepares students for graduate and professional school in social policy, school counseling, or law.

Interdisciplinary Areas of Concentration

Students choose four courses (at least one upper level) to be selected from one of the following interdisciplinary concentration areas: 

Interdisciplinary Major Course Requirements

Major Course requirements (10 Units):  
Note: This major does not lead to teacher certification.

  • Educ 225 Education and Social Justice (CSI)
  • Educ 255 Child Study and Assessment (W)
  • Two electives in Educational Studies (pending concentration-requires advisor approval)
  • Educ 497 Internship
  • Educ 498 Educational Inquiry (W) - May be taken before or concurrent with 497.
  • And four courses (at least one upper level) to be selected from one interdisciplinary concentration. (Two upper levels are required in the concentration if Educational Studies electives are at the 100/200 level.)
Interdisciplinary Minor Course Requirements

Minor Course requirements (6 Units):

  • Educ 225  Education and Social Justice (CSI)
  • Educ 255 Child Study and Assessment (W)
  • One elective in Educational Studies (pending concentration-requires advisor approval)
  • Educ 497 Educational Inquiry (W)    OR  
    Educ 498 Internship
  • And two courses (at least one upper level) to be selected from one  interdisciplinary concentration.
Sample Course Plan Year 1

Fall Semester


Spring Semester

Sample Course Plan Year 2

Fall Semester

Additional Information

Many Educational Studies courses have concurrent field placements in local schools which require a commitment of two to three hours a week between 8 am and 3 pm.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to the field site.

As an IWU student, it is your responsibility to track your progress each semester towards completing graduation requirements using the MyIWU degree evaluation tool.

First year students should plan on attending the First Year department meeting during orientation week.