Minor in Education

Designed for students who are interested in education, but not necessarily K–12 teaching. Our students work with after-school programs, youth organizations and more.

The undergraduate minor in education allows students to explore the intersection of their chosen major and career path with the field of education without committing to becoming a classroom teacher. Students study how political, cultural, social and historical dynamics shape both policy and practice in education. They have opportunities to focus on particular areas of education as fields of study and practice.

  • Understand issues of equity and social justice 
  • Learn how political, cultural, social and historical dynamics shape policy and practice in education
  • Complement your undergraduate studies and skills with a minor

Join a community of students who are agents of change and advocates on behalf of all students

Be a part of a program that is nationally recognized for innovating education through our shared commitments to democracy, diversity, equity and justice

Top 25 university worldwide in education, among 500 international schools of education

(ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking, 2019)

Be successful.

Make a difference in the lives of future generations by applying your understanding of education to many different career opportunities.

 

Tailor your minor to meet your personal and professional goals with a focus on education and youth development

 

Work in informal settings such as community-based after-school programs or youth volunteer organizations

 

100% of our recent graduates surveyed were employed within 6 months

(2016 Graduate Destination Survey)

Academic Plan & Requirements

The education minor is designed for students who are interested in education, but who might not want to be a K–12 teacher. The minor is open to any undergraduate at CU Boulder. To earn the minor, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework. 

Courses include:

  • School and Society
  • History of American Public Education
  • Children's Literature and Literacy Engagement in Elementary Schools

Students are encouraged to meet with an education advisor to help determine which elective courses provide the best opportunities to supplement their specific field of study and/or explore a career path in the field of education.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The School of Education has many alumni across the nation helping to advance democracy, diversity, equity and justice within communities and educational settings.

Anisah Spahn

BA elementary education
Anisah Spahn worked as a learning assistant in the School of Education and as an undergraduate student ambassador. After graduation, she became a teacher resident at Denver Green School and is working toward a graduate degree in communication sciences and disorders.  

Meredith Nass

BAM in ethnic studies and education
A native of Durango, Meredith Nass has used her degree to help address critical questions about world injustices and how educators and community leaders can become transformative educators and policymakers. Nass works for the School of Education as the student coordinator and is a community organizer through the Coalition to Expand Voting Rights in Boulder. 

Garrett Cease

MA in curriculum and instruction plus teacher licensure in English education
Garrett Cease graduated from CU Boulder with a double major in English and philosophy, and then returned to complete a School of Education master’s degree in curriculum and instruction while gaining teacher licensure in English education. As both a sixth grade teacher and an enthusiast for meditation, yoga, rock climbing and skiing, Cease practices his wellness techniques in the classroom to help guide his teaching and students. 

Andrés Martínez

MA in educational equity and cultural diversity
After spending 23 years as a social studies teacher at Thornton High School, Andrés Martínez decided to continue his professional career with a master’s degree. While earning his MA, Martínez was integral at advancing the Seal of Biliteracy initiative for his school district, Adams 12. He also proposed teaching ethnic studies at his school, with hopes of that becoming an official part of the school’s curriculum.