Education

The Olivet Nazarene University Department of Education prepares students for success in their chosen career of teaching. No small assignment, given the changing landscape of education. Responsiveness in keeping programs current is one of the many distinctions of Olivet's programs. 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.

 

About the Degree

At Olivet, education students are challenged academically and spiritually. Each day as they work toward their degrees, they integrate faith with learning. Teacher candidates become professional educators, committed to their careers and dedicated to influencing lives.

Art Education ›
Child Development ›
Early Childhood Education ›
Elementary Education ›
English Teaching ›
English as a Second Language Teaching ›
Mathematics Education ›
Music Education ›
Physical Education and Health Teaching ›
Science Education ›
Secondary Education ›
Social Sciences Teaching ›
Spanish Teaching ›
Special Education Teacher Training Program ›

 

Colleges of Distinction

Recognized by CollegesofDistinction.com, the Department of Education at Olivet Nazarene University is preparing students for success in their chosen careers. Alumni continue to report on the excellent preparation they have received during their studies at Olivet.

Tomorrow’s Educators

The Department of Education strives for responsiveness in keeping its programs current. Within the last three years, the Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Middle Grades programs have been revised to meet licensing and hiring requirements.

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

Campus Visit

We offer several different ways for you to visit our beautiful campus! Whether you visit in person or online, choose a personalized visit or energetic event day, we want to show you all that Olivet has to offer.

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It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

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Licensure

Olivet Nazarene University’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 Department of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the Illinois State Board of Education standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.

Student Education Association (SEA)

SEA 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. SEA 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! 

98%
pass rate for seniors on edTPA license
100%
of faculty members have taught in PK-12 classrooms
2017
first graduates from new special education teacher training program
16
education majors, minors and concentrations
Meet the Faculty

Lance Kilpatrick, Department Chair

In 2011, Lance Kilpatrick began his first assignment in higher education when he joined Olivet’s full-time faculty. Today, he oversees the Department 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.”

Education Faculty

Department of Education Alumni Have Been Seen At:
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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!
 

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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.

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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.

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