About Education & Child Development

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The Department of Education & Child Development at Whittier College takes an interdisciplinary approach to preparing students with diverse interests for professional careers in a variety of fields, including education, child advocacy, psychology, social work, counseling, and the law.

Our faculty is as diverse as our students but all are active scholars and emphasize teaching and service to the college and community. Courses often take students out of the classroom to work with the children and youth of local schools, community programs, and our own laboratory school, Broadoaks Children’s School. Students also help faculty conduct research with children and publish journal articles in the field.

Studying Education

In addition to a graduate program in education, Whittier College offers a unique undergraduate program that enables students to earn a bachelor's degree and special education credential within four years. 

The Department of Education offers courses designed to provide our students with excellent professional training to work in schools and communities. Classes are taught by outstanding faculty dedicated to preparing future teachers to work with children and youth from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Many of our recent graduates have also gone from teaching in a K-12 classroom, to becoming school principals, special education directors, or superintendents.  

Studying Child Development

Studying child development prepares you to work with children and families in different contexts. Studying education primarily prepares you to teach but also prepares you to work in a school setting in other capacities. We have one of the highest rates of alumni who go directly to graduate school after graduation, and we are particularly proud of our alumni who continue to help children and families in their communities.

Annual Report Card on California Teacher Preparation Programs

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Contact

Department of Education & Child Development
Philadelphia House
562.907.4248
562.464.4596 (fax)