Academic Options and Concentrations
The School of Education and Social Policy offers a variety of program options for undergraduate students. Use this page to learn about our offerings and areas of academic focus.
Academic Degrees
Graduates of SESP will receive one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy (BSED), with multiple concentrations options (see below)
- Accelerated Master of Science in Education (MESD) for Northwestern Undergraduates
- Dual degree programs with other Northwestern schools:
- BSED/BSM with Bienen School of Music
- BSED/BSJ with Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
Concentrations and Certificates
At SESP your area of academic focus or “major,” is called a concentration. Concentrations are interdisciplinary areas of study with their own curricular requirements. Another way to focus your studies is through certificate or licensure programs. Use the table below to explore options and visit the program’s webpage to learn more.
| Academic Program | Options Offered |
|---|---|
|
Civic Engagement |
Certificate |
| Elementary Teaching Combine subject-area courses with courses on child and adolescent development, education theory and methods. Earn an Illinois Professional Educator license and a BS in Social Education and Policy. |
Concentration, Teacher Licensure |
| Human Development in Context This interdisciplinary program explores how people shape their social settings — families, communities, schools and workplaces — across their lifespans. |
Concentration |
| Learning and Organizational Change Gain skills in leading, anticipating and responding to change while studying organizational, management and learning sciences, sociology, psychology, economics and design. |
Concentration |
| Learning Sciences Explore concepts of education technology, instructional design, museum education, workplace learning and educational research while learning innovative throes of learning and applied design. |
Concentration |
| Secondary Teaching Combine subject-area courses with adolescent development, education theory and methods course. Earn an Illinois Professional Educator license and a BS in Social Education and Policy. Weinberg students pursuing licensure must apply by fall of junior year. |
Concentration, Teaching Licensure |
| Social Policy Explore how policies guide social programs in this concentration, which will appeal to students interested in public service, public policy, public health and law. |
Concentration |
Your SESP concentration is your primary major. SESP does not offer second majors or minors in any of the concentrations for either SESP students or for students in other schools. You may take courses in other SESP concentrations to develop an interest or focus.