Amherst College

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary inquiry and applied experience. Typical components include:

• Foundational seminars on theories of education and social contexts of schooling.
• Courses that apply research methods to educational questions—qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Topical electives addressing policy, inequality, curriculum, language and literacy, or special education.
• Opportunities for supervised fieldwork or community-engaged projects in local schools and organizations.

Entry requirements

This is an undergraduate programme available to enrolled Amherst students; prospective majors should consult the department or faculty adviser for declaration procedures and any recommended preparatory courses. Admission to Amherst College follows the college-wide undergraduate admissions process; departmental entry typically requires meeting the college's academic standards and completing any introductory coursework the programme recommends.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of pathways: classroom teaching (often after completing teacher-preparation certification elsewhere), education policy and advocacy, nonprofit program work, research assistantships, and graduate study in education, public policy, or related social sciences. The programme’s emphasis on research methods and field experience also prepares students for roles in data-informed program evaluation and community education initiatives.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial support for students in Education Studies typically comes from institutional financial aid, college-wide scholarships, work-study, and external fellowships for research or service learning. Students interested in funded fieldwork or summer placements should explore college advising offices, departmental resources, and external grants; many projects can be supported through institutional student research or internship funding programmes.