Education

EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION
Join one of the world’s most noble professions and impact countless lives by enabling learning, growth, and development.
The Morehouse College Education Department has a clear and unwavering commitment to prepare students for a wide range of careers and advanced study in education and related fields. As the nation’s only institution of higher education solely dedicated to educating Black men, we are relentless in our effort to close the representation gap in our nation’s classrooms, schools, and districts.
The Morehouse College Education Department offers students a variety of pathways to excel in the education field:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies: Students explore the foundations of education and gain a deep understanding of the theories, practices and policies that are most consequential for schools and communities of color.
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (partnership with Spelman College): Students interested in teaching at the elementary level (grades PK-5) are equipped with the specialized knowledge and instructional skills required to support the youngest learners.
- Minor in Secondary Education: Effective teaching requires subject area expertise, in addition to pedagogical knowledge and skills. Completed in tandem with the course of study for a variety of majors, students will gain the qualifications required to earn a certificate to teach in their content area in grades 6-12.
In all educator preparation options, (Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies, Early Childhood Education and the Minor in Secondary Education) coursework is combined with immersive field experience that allows students to apply what’s learned in real-world contexts. Experienced scholar-practitioners work tirelessly to ensure that aspiring teachers develop the critical competencies needed to create culturally responsive and intellectually stimulating learning environments.
Graduates from the Morehouse program are well-prepared to make a significant impact and embark on meaningful careers in the field. Whether a classroom teacher, researcher, policy maker, administrator or education advocate, graduates will join the long legacy and expansive network of Morehouse men committed to creating lasting change in schools, communities and society.
Graduates of Education Department Majors and Minors will be able to:
C (Cultural Relevance and Critical Theory) | · Examine the intersections of race, identity, policy, and best instructional practices in education to apply culturally responsive, critically interrogated practices. |
A (Appreciative Inquiry)
| · Use and advocate for Appreciative Inquiry to harnesses learners’ strengths in the learning environment and organizational design. · Use Appreciative Inquiry to challenge traditional problem-solving approaches by considering what an individual, organization (or school) does well, rather than focusing on its deficits. |
N (Neuroscience and Cognition)
| · Apply theories that consider how biological, emotional, sociological, and environmental factors impact student learning and performance. |
D (Data Science and Digital Literacy)
| · Apply learning theories, media, digital tools, and instructional methods that can be deployed in a variety of settings. · Conduct and utilize research to drive decision-making anchored in data science |
L (Leadership Theory) | · Understand and apply the principles, philosophies and theories of leaders and philosophers in education, social science and other disciplines applied in practice.
|
E (Experiential Learning)
| · Implement cycles of authentic experiential learning, practice, feedback, and reflection that position students to draw upon their lives as they engage new experiences |
EDUCATION FACULTY

Ballenger, H. Justin
• Assistant Professor
• A.A., North Carolina College of Theology
• B.S., Clemson University
• M.A.T., Clemson University
• Ph.D., Clemson University
horace.ballenger@morehouse.edu

Gilbert, Nina
• Assistant Professor
• B.S., University of West Georgia
• M.Ed., Clark Atlanta University
• Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
nina.gilbert@morehouse.edu

Miller, Artesius
• Adjunct Professor
• B.A., Morehouse Collège
• M.S., Teachers College, Columbia University
• Ph.D., University of Georgia
artesius.miller@morehouse.edu

Moody, Kristin
• Adjunct Professor
• B.A., Hunter College
• M.S., Pepperdine University
• Ed.D., Rossier School of Education at University of Southern California
kristin.moody@morehouse.edu

Morris, Muhsinah
• Assistant Professor NTT
• B.S., Clark Atlanta University
• M.B.A., Devry University
• Ph.D., Emory University
muhsinah.morris@morehouse.edu
Education Studies Major (Non-Certification) (50 Hours)
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education Studies program is designed for students who want contribute to a more equitable and just society through the field of education. The major provides a comprehensive, holistic and immersive course of study for students interested in understanding how education intersects with history, philosophy, culture politics and science. Our interdisciplinary approach equips students with a broad range of skills that are transferable to other fields where critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and research skills are valued. Graduates will be well prepared to navigate the complexities of education in diverse settings, and pursue careers in teaching, administration, policy analysis, research, non-profit and other related professions.
The successful Education Studies major will complete 50 hours of coursework, which includes 38 credits of required coursework, 12 additional credits from a list of pre-approved Pathway Courses, a practicum and culminating internship that will provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Required Courses in HEDU (38 hours)
- HEDU 305 Orientation to Education (3)
- HEDU 204 Educational Psychology (3)
- HEDU 300 Exceptional Learners (3)
- HEDU 435 Research in Child Development (3)
- HEDU 312 School Design and Leadership (3)
- HEDU 311 Developmental Literacy (3)
- HEDU 407 Advocacy in Urban Schools (3)
- HEDU 338 Junior Research Seminar (2)
- HEDU 399 Practicum (3)
- HEDU 442 Internship (9)
- HEDU 438 Senior Thesis (3)
Program Electives/Pathway Courses (12 Credit Hours)
In consultation with his assigned advisor, each student will select 12 credits from an approved list of Pathway Courses. This customization allows students to make interdisciplinary connections, and helps develop the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for the successful completion of the required internship and practicum.
Total Required Credit Hours for Education Studies Major: 50
Education Studies Minor (18 Credit Hours)
The Education Studies Minor allows students to study a wide variety of important educational issues and is open to all majors. Students pursing the Education Studies Minor must complete four required Education Studies courses and two elective courses.
Program Requirements
- A grade of C or higher in required Education Studies courses
- Pre-approval of Elective Courses
Required Courses for Education Studies Minor (12 credits)
HEDU 305 Orientation to Education (3)
HEDU 204 Educational Psychology (3)
HEDU 407 Advocacy in Urban Schools (3)
HEDU 435 Research in Child Development (3)
Elective Courses Options for Education Studies Minor (6 credits)
HEDU 312 School Design and Leadership (3)
HEDU 300 Exceptional Learners (3)
HEDU 311 Developmental Literacy (3)
EDU 499 Special Topics in Education (3)
PSY 265 Developmental Psychology (3)
PSY 270 Community Psychology (3)
Total Required Credit Hours for Education Studies Minor: 18
Early Childhood Education Major (P-5 Teacher Certification)
Students who compete the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education will be eligible for certification and prepared to teach in grades PreK-5. Students who express interest in the Early Childhood major will be advised and supported by a Faculty member from the Morehouse Education Department, however, students must take all required courses for the major at Spelman College. For more information, visit the Spelman College website for a complete description of this program and its requirements.
Secondary Education Minor (6-12 Teacher Certification in Biology and Computer Science)
Teacher Certification Programs Available at Morehouse College
Students who desire to teach Biology or Computer Science[1] at the middle and/or high school levels (grades 6-12), may pursue a minor in Secondary Education by taking seven (7) Education courses in addition to the courses required by their major.
Additionally, interested students must meet admissions requirements and follow the course plan that leads to certification in their content area.
Teacher Certification Programs Available to Morehouse Students in Partnership with Spelman College
Other majors that lead to the Secondary Education Minor and certification are offered at Spelman College and include English, Chemistry, Mathematics, History, Physics and Political Science. Students who are interested in pursing a minor and teaching certificate in these areas must meet the requirements for their major and all requirements outlined on the Spelman College Education Department Website.
Program Requirements
Students must declare the Secondary Education Minor by fall of their sophomore year, and complete the Orientation to Education at Morehouse College (for Biology and Computer Science Majors) and Spelman College for other all other certification areas. A GPA of 2.7 or greater is required for acceptance into the Secondary Education Minor programs. Additional requirements include:
- Successfully passing the Georgia Professional Practices Commission’s Code of Ethics for Professional Educators
- A grade of B or higher in all Secondary Education courses and field experiences
- Liability tort insurance and a clear background check prior to beginning field experience or student teaching
Secondary Education Certification Minor Course of Study for Biology and Computer Science Majors[4]
- HEDU 305 Orientation to Education (3)
- HEDU 204 Educational Psychology (3)
- HEDU 300 Exceptional Learners (3)
- HEDU 444 Curr & Methods/Teaching in Sec. Schools (3)
- HEDU 451 Seminar I for Student Teaching (3)
- HEDU 452 Seminar II for Student Teaching (2)
- HEDU 458 Student Teaching (12)
Total Required Credit Hours for Secondary Education Minor: 29
Education Studies majors will be introduced to the Education Ecosystem during the Orientation to Education course and the pre-advising process. Students will learn about the various career options and areas of advanced study in the education sector through programs, activities, courses, and internships that align with the ELITE Educator Pathways. Below are brief descriptions of each Pathway, and examples of careers and areas of further study for which the pathway prepares students:
EXPLORE (Education Policy, Advocacy, and Research) – Develops an understanding of the issues and policies that impact communities, students, and families from diverse backgrounds. Prepares majors for graduate study and a broad range of career opportunities in organizations and agencies that promote equity and social justice in education.
LEAD (Leadership and Administration) – Promotes mastery and the development of leadership competencies students need to effectively serve in roles beyond the classroom. Prepares aspiring leaders for a variety of opportunities in education and other roles that support the business of teaching and learning.
INNOVATE (Social Entrepreneurship in Education) – Supports enterprising students who want to create innovative programs, instructional models, and inventions that break barriers and advance educational opportunities for all learners.
TEACH (Educator Preparation) – Provides a non-traditional pathway for students who desire to teach with the necessary courses, experiences and field placements that prepare them to effectively serve in various instructional settings and school models.
ENGAGE (Community and Family Engagement) Examines the influence of external organizations, agencies and social movements on a variety of stakeholders. Prepares students to make impact in roles that support the academic, socio-emotional, and spiritual well-being of students, their families and communities.
Education Department
Wheeler Hall 115
830 Westview Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Email: mcee@morehouse.edu
Main: 404-301-6407
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