School of Education

The Olivet Nazarene University School of Education prepares students for success in their chosen career of teaching. No small assignment, given the changing landscape of education.

Admissions counselor having a conversation with students

Overview

Preparing Students for the Workforce

One of the many distinctions of Olivet’s programs is Responsiveness in keeping programs current.

Education courses focus on teaching the whole child — meeting their academic, social and emotional needs. Teacher candidates graduate with more than knowledge. As professionals, they enter their own classrooms as Christ-like examples and role models.

“My original passion has become a reality in a more profound way than I could have ever imagined.”

Dr. Dawn Schwarzkopf

Associate Professor, School of Education

Photo of male student reading in the Quad

Areas of Study

Explore Education Undergraduate Majors and Minors

With 4 key areas of study and numerous degree and certificate options within each area, the School of Education offers the skills and opportunities to shape your future. Current educators may choose from the MAE, EdD or other advanced certificates and endorsements.

Graduate & Certificate Programs for Teachers

Child Development

Child development offers a holistic approach to child studies — focusing on the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child.

Early Childhood Education

At Olivet, early childhood education majors have opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn and grow in their field. These students will study instructional methods, children’s literature, language development, and sociology of the family, as well as learn about the philosophies of early childhood education.

Elementary Education

This demanding, high commitment program will prepare students to succeed in a teaching career upon graduation. Students will study early adolescent development, classroom management, instructional technology, teaching diverse populations and more.

Special Education

At Olivet, the special education program teaches students to support their future students both academically and emotionally. Teacher candidates in this program will learn to plan lessons and manage a classroom.

Olivet Alumni

You’ll Be In Excellent Company

Students who graduate from Olivet with a degree in Education, have been seen at the following:

Find Your Path at Olivet

Majors, minors, concentrations and areas of study can be overwhelming. Our innovative search feature allows you to choose general areas of interest, and see which ONU program you’d like to explore.

Find Your Interest

By the Numbers

Numbers Don’t Say Everything, but These Numbers Say A Lot.

With accredited programs, award-winning academics, and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet stands committed to integrating faith and learning.

98%

Pass Rate for Seniors on edTPA License

100%

Of Faculty Members Have Taught in PK-12 Classrooms

16

Education Majors, Minors and Concentrations

45min

From Downtown Chicago

Additional

Impactful Standards & Programs

Students in Olivet’s School of Education are poised to make a major impact in the surrounding school districts and community!

Licensure

Olivet’s Teacher Education Program is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB). Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when a teaching candidate graduates with a teaching degree, they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educators License. The School of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the ISBE standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.

National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

NSTA empowers future educators to invest in the lives of the next generation. Through professional and social activities, participants bond with other students, faculty and educators who are already working in their chosen careers. NSTA is the largest student organization on campus with more than 200 students who take part in activities each year. Students make a major impact in the surrounding school districts and community!

College of Arts & Sciences Faculty

Meet Dr. Lance Kilpatrick

Dr. Kilpatrick is the Associate Dean of the School of Education

In 2011, Lance Kilpatrick began his first assignment in higher education when he joined Olivet’s full-time faculty. Today, he oversees the School of Education’s undergraduate academic programs, as well as the work of its faculty members. “God called me into the teaching profession so I would have opportunities to influence children in a classroom or on a team,” he says. “Now my calling is exponential. I am preparing many educators to go out and influence many children for the next 20 to 30 years.”

Meet more School of Education Faculty

The transformation that happens at Olivet is life-changing. Initially it may appear subtle, but over the years it reveals itself as life-altering in the best possible way.

Lance Kilpatrick

Associate Dean, School of Education

Apply, Visit, Schedule

Ready to take the next steps?

Olivet is as nearby as a click or call. Making Olivet your choice is simple.

Apply Today

Ready to take the next step? Applying takes only a few minutes and is a great way to get the ball rolling. It helps us know you are serious about college — and considering Olivet. We will take it from there!

Visit Online

Explore campus with an online tour and set up a virtual meeting with your admissions counselor. Of course, you will want to come to campus as soon as possible, but our online visit should help you in the meantime.

Schedule a Visit

Excited to experience more? We’d love to plan a personalized visit just for you. Click below and we’ll schedule a time for you to travel to Olivet, take a campus tour, meet your admissions counselor and visit with a professor.

In the News

Updates and Features from the Olivet campus and beyond.

Faculty and Student news plus highlights from Alumni and Friends. View Olivet News

December 6, 2023

First Person: Erika Moeschke

“Life and work are all about relationships. If I were writing the story of my life, I’d choose this title: The Art of Living a Relationship-Centered Life.”