The Master of Education in Educational Theory and Social Foundations is designed for students who are interested in exploring the relationship between education and society broadly, or schools and their communities specifically.  Coursework provides students both a foundational base and opportunities to engage in praxis, the merger of theory with practice.  While rooted in education, students work with faculty to apply multidisciplinary ideas in analysis and engagement of change in local and global contexts. 

The ME in Educational Theory and Social Foundations is a 30 semester hour program.  Students take courses both in theory and social foundations of education as well as coursework from outside the discipline that will prepare them to engage in action research in their community. Students are encouraged to complete a certificate during their degree, such as in Urban and Regional Planning, Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Municipal Administration, Disability Studies, or Higher Education Administration.  The program culminates with the completion of a research-based project or thesis that demonstrates the link between education and community; students are encouraged to engage in action research as part of this capstone.

Admission to the ME in Educational Theory and Social Foundations 

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the master's program requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

• A well-written statement of purpose describing your background and goals as well as the importance of this degree in achieving those goals

• Three letters of recommendation regarding your potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about your ability to engage in graduate work in this degree program

The master's program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your Application 

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of Purpose:  Students are required to submit a statement of purpose that details why they wish to enroll in this program, and their beliefs about the linkages between schools and community

• Two letters of recommendation 

Requirements for the ME in Educational Theory and Social Foundations

 For the Master of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work
• 18 credit hours a core in educational theory and social foundations that includes the following required courses: TSOC 5000, 5100, 5210, 5230, 6140, and 6240

• 9 credit hours in a cognate area.  Students are encouraged to choose coursework in the following areas that would lead, in part, to one of the following certificates:
  • Geography and Planning: Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning
  • Political Science and Public Administration: Certificate in Municipal Administration
  • Political Science and Public Administration: Certificate in Management of Nonprofit Organizations
  • Higher Education: Certificate in Higher Education Administration
  • Disability Studies: Certificate in Disability Studies
• 3 credit hours of thesis or project geared around the topic of education and community.  Students are encouraged to engage in site-based action research.

All coursework and requirements of the master's degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Education in Educational Theory and Social Foundations. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core in Educational Theory and Social Foundations
TSOC 5000	Introduction to Educational Theory and Social Foundations	3
TSOC 5100	Network Theory and Educational Reform	3
TSOC 5210	Social Justice in American Society	3
TSOC 5230	Critical Responses to Deculturalization	3
TSOC 6140	School-State Relations	3
TSOC 6240	Sociological Analyses Of Urban Education	3
Cognate Area		9
Select one set of courses from one of the following certificate programs:
Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning
Cerftificate in Higher Education Administration
Certificate in Management of Nonprofit Organizations
Certificate in Municipal Administration
Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies
Master's Culminating Experience		3
Select one of the following:
TSOC 6960	Master's Thesis In Educational Theory And Social Foundations
TSOC 6980	Master's Project In Educational Theory And Social Foundations
Total Hours		30

• PLO 1. Practice academic writing skills.
• PLO 2. Comprehend the disciplinary content of educational theory and social foundations through citation of major scholarship in the field
• PLO 3. Demonstrate knowledge of principles of educational sociology, history, and philosopy.
• PLO 4. Conduct research on or solve a problem regarding a current issue at the intersection of education and community.
• PLO 5. Integrate knowledge of education and community in foundational and contemporary contexts.