Equity and Social Justice in Education MA

The Equity and Social Justice Education MA program addresses current issues centered around race, culture, language, ethnicity, ability, and gender diversity in education. The program focuses on the theoretical, historical, and political perspectives of race, class, gender, language, and sexual orientation as they apply to the theory and practice of education. In so doing, equity and social justice become key end goals for the educational process.

A major component of this program is social activism. The program focuses on theoretical, historical and political perspectives of race, class, gender, language, and sexual orientation as they apply to the theory and practice of education. The pedagogies and teaching philosophies modeled in the classes are facilitative, interactive and participatory utilizing critical thinking, critical reflection, demonstrations, simulations, dialogue, and other methods of instruction to gain insight into issues related to equity and social justice.

Students pursuing this degree are interested in social change that will not only affect the educational direction of our schools (both, public and private) but will also impact policy changes necessary to the pursuit of equity and justice in all sectors of society. Career opportunities may include but are not limited to advanced study (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in higher education, research work, non-profit work, specialists within public school systems, or community-based work. This program does not offer a teaching credential; therefore, if students are interested in teaching in public schools, they must obtain a teaching credential in either multiple or single subject areas.