Master of Arts in Socio-Cultural Studies of Education
This program is designed for educators striving to understand and improve the quality of educational practice at all levels. It centers on the study of contemporary issues and problems in education. The program aims to encourage and support the work of educators seeking to examine aspects of schooling by way of focused inquiry in the social-historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts of educational practice. This focus allows students considerable flexibility to explore educational topics in disciplined and far-reaching ways.
Students engaged in this concentration are encouraged to design their program in ways that allow them to study educational problems and practices of particular concern to them. Given the complexity of most educational issues, interdisciplinary inquiry is often appropriate and welcome in this concentration. The program will be controlled in size so as to provide optimal support for the development of individual programs of study that are personally and professionally meaningful for all those involved.
For information on the Master of Arts in the Practice of teaching, visit http://www.wmich.edu/coe/tles/masters-socio-cultural.htm.
Admissions Information and Requirements open close
Persons interested in applying to the Socio-Cultural Studies of Education master's program will need to supply the following materials:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation from persons who are able to evaluate the applicant's potential for success in graduate study
- A written statement of purpose (1000-1500 words) in which applicants explain their reasons for seeking admission to this particular program, what they expect to accomplish in it, and how master's-level study in socio-cultural studies fits with their long-term professional goals.
- Application materials may be requested by telephoning the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies at (269) 387-5935.
Program Requirements (36-39 cr)
1. Education and Professional Development Core (9 cr)
ED 6010 Introduction to Research in Educational Settings (3 cr)
ES 6330 Human Nature and Diversity (3 cr)
ES 6340 Culture and Politics of Educational Institutions (3 cr)
2. Program Concentration (15 cr)
Three courses in socio-cultural foundations from the following:
ES 6030 Social and Philosophical Foundations (3 cr)
ES 6290 Culture and Schooling (3 cr)
ES 6300 History of Education in the United States (3 cr)
ES 6310 Comparative Education (3 cr)
ES 6730 Class, Ethnicity, and Gender in Education (3 cr)
ES 6750 Multicultural Education (3 cr)
One course in curriculum from the following:
ED 6020 School Curriculum (3 cr)
ED 6220 Middle School Curriculum (3 cr)
ED 6280 Curriculum Theory (3 cr)
One additional course in curriculum development, teaching methods, literacy, or content area methods (3 cr)
3. Electives (9 cr)
Three additional graduate courses, normally from outside the department, which support a particular scholarly interest.
4. Capstone Research Project or Master's Thesis (3 or 6 cr)
ED 6790 Capstone Research Project (3 cr)
or
ED 7000 Master's Thesis (6 cr)
