Provide experiential learning in dynamic environments.
Learning happens everywhere. Museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, parks, gardens, and similar organizations rely on educational programming to engage visitors of all ages. This BES emphasis prepares students to contribute to institutions where informal education is central to the organization's mission.
About the Bachelor of Educational Studies Degree
The UMSL Bachelor of Educational Studies (BES) is an experiential education degree designed for students who are passionate about learning, teaching, and making a meaningful impact beyond traditional classroom settings. BES students prepare to lead, teach, and inspire in diverse environments, including early childhood programs, parks and museums, wellness and exercise science settings, and youth and adult development programs.
The program emphasizes experiential learning, inclusive practices, and community engagement. Through flexible coursework and required internships, students explore how people learn in everyday spaces and develop the skills to design and facilitate educational experiences that are relevant, responsive, and rooted in real-world contexts.
Program type:
Major, BES
Format:
On-Campus
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Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies -
Park and Museum Programs Emphasis
The Park and Museum Programs emphasis prepares students to engage learners through cultural, environmental, and informal education experiences. Internship sites may include museums, science centers, children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, and local, state, or national parks. Students gain experience in visitor engagement, interpretive programming, exhibit development, and community outreach while helping diverse audiences connect with learning in meaningful and hands-on ways.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Design and implement engaging parks and museum programs by integrating knowledge from anthropology, biology, environmental studies, history, and philosophy, applying interpretive strategies, educational theory, and inclusive practice in experiential learning environments.
- Use critical thinking and reasoning to make conclusions through interpreting and synthesizing information, data, and arguments.
- Analyze institutional and social barriers to equity, access, and achievement, and propose solutions using a personalized understanding of social justice.
- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and resilience by navigating multiple projects and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Integrate diverse perspectives and explain how difference shapes experience, identity, and human development across contexts.
- Communicate ideas effectively through oral, written, nonverbal, and visual formats, applying leadership, management, and collaboration skills across settings.
Employment of museum workers are projected to grow up to 6% to 2032, with a median annual salary of $57,100, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
57,100
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Career Opportunities
- Museum Educator
- Park Interpreter
- National Park Ranger
- Environmental Education Specialist
- Visitor Services Coordinator
- Outreach and Community Engagement Coordinator
- Exhibit Program Assistant
- Nature Center Educator
- Cultural Program Coordinator
Plan of study
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an education major:
- EduCATE: Collegiate Association of Teachers and Educators
- OSI Leadership Education Programs / Advanced Leaders
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Internship opportunities
BES students have access to a wide range of established partner organizations, including early childhood programs, museums, parks, wellness and recreation organizations, schools, nonprofits, youth-serving agencies, and senior care providers. Examples of current partner sites include the St. Louis Zoo, Gateway Arch National Park, Forest Park Forever, UMSL Athletics, KinderCare Learning Centers, St. Louis Arc, Dolan Memory Care Homes, The Little Bit Foundation, and many others. Students are not limited to existing partner sites. Internship placements are individualized and may include new organizations or a student's current employer when appropriate.
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
