Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies
USF’s Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies (BXS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary program for students who want to build strong teaching and leadership skills without pursuing traditional teacher certification. This four-year hybrid program blends online and in-person coursework and prepares graduates to use educational methods in a wide range of community, nonprofit, business, and organizational settings. The curriculum mirrors much of the certified Education major, offering room to pivot into various career or graduate pathways.
What you will learn
Students develop a strong foundation in instructional methods, learning theory, curriculum design, and effective communication. You’ll learn how to support diverse learners, create engaging learning experiences, and apply educational strategies across both school and non-school environments. The program also includes portfolio assessments aligned with Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) and ESOL Competencies.

Career opportunities
Graduates of the Educational Studies major are prepared for a wide range of roles, including:
- Private or alternative education roles
- Nonprofit and community organization positions
- Corporate training or business education roles
- Museum or informal learning educator
- Youth development or service organization leader

What to expect
This 68-credit hour hybrid program includes three levels of community-based internships that allow students to apply educational skills in real-world settings beyond the traditional classroom. Coursework is intentionally flexible and closely aligned with the Education major, giving students the option to explore multiple career paths. Graduates finish with practical experience, a professional portfolio, and versatile skills suited for both educational and non-educational environments.

If it wasn’t for the BXS program, I wouldn’t have known that there are different informal education settings where I could be applying all that I have learned in the program and still working with kids.
Caroline Bartunek, Bachelor of Educational Studies, USF St. Petersburg