Education

Collaborative, inspiring, and characterized by immersive learning, the Education program at COCC provides strong, supportive starts to careers in classrooms. Offering an Early Childhood Education (pre-K) path and an Education (K-12) path — with four degrees and three certificates to choose from — the programs explore educational fundamentals within cultural and social contexts, ensuring that students gain a broad, inclusive perspective. With most classes capped at 15 students, the team-like classroom atmosphere nurtures confidence, builds close relationships, and readies students whether they’re looking for a quick career start working with early learners or a K-12 teaching licensure and advanced degrees.

"Not all of our students have chosen education because they themselves loved school. Sometimes it’s just the opposite — they’re trying to make a difference for others."

COCC Education classes are taught at the Bend, Redmond, and Madras campuses, and a portion of the curriculum is available in Spanish; some courses also feature convenient online and hybrid formats. Field placements, a hallmark of the programs, help bring learning to life as students engage in weekly skill development in real-world settings, making workforce connections and discovering career options.