The department's mission is to develop competent, knowledgeable, and reflective educators, who are capable of meeting the diverse learning and developmental needs of students within varied learning contexts. Education Studies graduates will be able to teach the New York State Learning Standards, to think through complex educational situations, to make effective teaching decisions, and to communicate ideas to students, colleagues, parents, and concerned citizens.

A constructivist philosophy informs and directly affects the teaching of the Education Studies Department faculty. Students are challenged to construct, to participate in, and to take responsibility for their own learning and continued professional development. Students integrate theory into practice at increasing levels of responsibility and sophistication during field placement experiences.