College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Education

Learning is active, engaging and collaborative. Learning is not passive, stagnant or solitary.

In the Department of Education, we teach future teachers and leaders. Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare you to teach in elementary, middle and high schools in public and private schools.

Teaching and Learning Sciences

Educator Training

Our goal is to train students to become knowledgeable, competent, ethical professionals in their fields who are able to bring Christian ethics, values, and worldview to their workplaces. To this end, our goal is to provide learning experiences that:

  • include coursework that meets or exceeds the state standards for academic knowledge in each discipline
  • offer opportunities to develop levels of skills necessary for entering the professional arena and performing with excellence
  • emphasize critical thinking, utilization of resources, and the ability to work independently and cooperatively
  • impart the importance of professionalism, integrity, values-centered work, and lifelong learning and development

Our department gives you practical, cutting-edge professional learning. It is:

  • Field-based: You will work with children in schools throughout the program (not just at the end, or for one or two semesters).
  • Technology-rich: You will experience a wide range of technology-based learning activities in your courses, and you’ll learn to effectively and creatively use technology as an educator – not just in one technology course, but throughout each program.
  • Personal: You will develop lasting relationships with your professors in our small classes. Professors become professional mentors – not just while you are at HCU, but throughout your educational careers.
  • Focused on Best Practice: Because our faculty practice what they teach (evidence-based practice), students learn to teach well from how they are taught as well as what they are taught.
  • Respected: Our close ties with area schools and our reputation for excellence provides hiring advantages when you graduate and apply for jobs.

Our award-winning faculty are talented, compassionate, experienced educators who are:

  • Leaders in the profession, serving as officers and board members of professional organizations
  • Active in local schools, serving on advisory boards, consulting and providing professional learning sessions
  • Presenters at local, state, national and international conferences
  • Authors of curriculum for districts, journal articles, monographs and book chapters

Our graduates have become leaders in their schools and school districts. They have made a difference in the lives of children, and they have received recognition as outstanding educators. They have gone on to be principals, curriculum specialists, school counselors, diagnosticians, superintendents and university professors.

Educational Leadership and Higher Education

Graduate Leadership Programs

We four graduate programs with coursework leading to Educational Administration (MEd), Higher Education (MEd), Doctorate of Education in Executive Educational Leadership (EdD), and Doctorate of Education in Special Educational Leadership (EdD). We understand the needs and concerns of graduate students and are able to serve them exclusively. Read more about the degrees offered below.

We provide an educational foundation for school administrators who will shepherd children through their formative years, as well as training for careers in higher education, including community colleges and universities.

The Doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership prepares students to perform in a variety of executive leadership positions, while the Doctorate in Special Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educational leaders who will have greater knowledge and skill sets needed for the special education field.

Amazing Faculty

The faculty you will study with here at Houston Christian University are truly remarkable. Our full-time faculty actively participate in clinical work. Our adjunct faculty have terminal degrees and are out there working in the field.

All of our faculty care about individual students like you. You are not just a face in a classroom. You are a person who deserves a real relationship with your professors and your fellow students. Our classes are interactive, not passive, and they foster those real relationships that last into your future career.

What Next?

So why should you choose to study with us? Academic rigor plus great practical training equals hirable graduates!

We want you to be the best you can be. Contact us and let’s talk about your goals.

Apply now and come help us change the world for the better.

Degrees in Education

Bachelor's Degrees

  • On Campus
    Artists with a flair for teaching others may utilize an All-Level Art with Teacher Certification undergraduate degree in order to teach learners in kindergarten through 12th grades. The program covers art methods, and skills associated with two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.
  • On Campus
    The Elementary Education with Bilingual Certification undergraduate degree trains teachers for effective instructional planning and delivery in the early childhood through sixth-grade setting. A bilingual component qualifies teachers with the special skills and knowledge needed to lead bilingual learners.
  • On Campus
    The Elementary Education with ESL and Special Education undergraduate degree curriculum covers essential reading and math, along with special education, gifted learners and exceptional children emphases. Graduates may teach early childhood through grade 6, and students with exceptionalities at all grade levels.
  • On Campus
    An undergraduate degree in English Language Arts (7-12) with Teacher Certification and ESL qualifies graduates to teach English and language arts-based courses to seventh through 12th-grade students. Learners delve into a thorough scope of the subject, including grammar, writing, literature, reading comprehension and public speaking.
  • On Campus
    An undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with All-Level Teacher Certification is applicable for teaching students in kindergarten through 12th grades. Learners make ideal coaches, physical education teachers and wellness instructors. The program curriculum includes physiology, coaching principles, and wellness components.
  • On Campus
    HCU's Bachelor of Science in Learning, Technology, and Design teaches you to master instructional design, effectively integrate education technology, and lead innovation in teaching and learning.
  • On Campus
    An undergraduate degree in Mathematical Studies (7-12) with Teacher Certification launches graduates into the important role of teaching mathematical concepts to students in grades seven through 12. Learners cover computative and spatial subjects including algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics and physics.
  • On Campus
    An undergraduate degree in Composite Science (7-12) with Teacher Certification develops future science teachers for the seventh through 12th-grade, secondary school environment. Graduates are qualified to teach across a number of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science.
  • On Campus
    A Composite Social Studies (7-12) with Teacher Certification undergraduate degree readies graduates to teach social studies classes in the seventh through 12th-grade setting. Program coursework includes teaching-specific training, and studies across history, government, politics and economics.
  • On Campus
    A Spanish with EC-12 Teacher Certification undergraduate degree primes learners to be both knowledgeable and capable teachers for early childhood through 12th-grade students. The program encompasses Spanish reading, writing and speaking proficiency, as well as language acquisition and literary study elements.

Master's Degrees

  • On Campus Online
    The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program provides expertise in curriculum and instructional methodology. Students learn school reform, curriculum development, teaching methodology, research, and technology integration. Electives in educational administration, special education, instructional technology, reading or ESL.
  • Online
    The Master of Education in Educational Administration (MEd) graduate program prepares graduate students for positions as principals or assistant principals in elementary, middle or high schools, and for such district-wide administrative positions as program directorships and supervisor or coordinator positions. The program is designed to enhance students’ abilities in planning, organizing, delegating, supervising, and leading.
  • On Campus
    The Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician (MEd) graduate program teaches students statistical design, administration, and interpretation of standardized test batteries, exceptionality eligibility tests, and diagnostic-prescriptive interventions for exceptional learners. Students are prepared for professional certification and gain practical experience doing charitable testing and work for advocacy groups.
  • Online
    The Learning, Technology, and Design graduate program equips instructional designers and digital specialists with knowledge and skills to bring transformative leadership to academic and professional landscapes. This fully-online program provides students with highly applicable, authentic learning experiences to prepare for employment in educational institutions, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
  • On Campus Online
    The Professional School Counseling (MEd) graduate program develops counselors who guide students and parents by facilitating student learning and success in the areas of academic achievement, behavioral, emotional, and social development, and college/career development. This degree prepares students for state certification and employment.

Doctoral Degrees

  • On Campus Online
    The Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership graduate program is especially for those in the education field who serve, or will serve, in a supervisory capacity. The program includes an option for Texas superintendent certification. It is ideal for school district, private school, college and university leaders.
  • Online
    This program trains mental health professionals to lead and develop programs for communities. The track provides research and preparation for strategies to prevent and respond to crisis and trauma in communities. It addresses topics such as bullying/cyberbullying, self-injurious behaviors, natural and situational crisis, violence and sexual abuse.
  • On Campus
    The Doctor of Education in Special Education Leadership graduate program prepares leaders at the highest level for efficacy with special education programs. This degree is applicable in educational and behavioral health settings, and builds ethical leaders who understand the unique needs of individuals with exceptionalities throughout the special education field.