The Master of Education in Educational Theory and Social Foundations is designed for students who are interested in exploring issues of democracy, peace, and social justice in institutions throughout society, including, but not limited to, PreK-12 schools and institutions of higher education. Coursework is based in praxis, i.e. the merger of theory with practice. Students work with faculty to apply ideas from the social sciences and humanities to affect positive change in local and global contexts. Students will have opportunities to work with the Center for Nonviolence and Democratic Education.

The ME in Educational Theory and Social Foundations is a 30 semester hour program. Students take courses in theory and social foundations along with education courses selected with a faculty adviser based on the student's interests and goals. Students may concurrently earn a graduate certificate in areas such as Foundations of Peace Education or Culture and Change in Institutions. The program culminates with the completion of a master's research seminar, research-based project, or thesis depending on the student's interest. Coursework is completed through a combination of on-campus and online courses.

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

• Three 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

• An area of specialization in educational theory and social foundations that includes TSOC 5000, with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• A supporting area with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• A thesis, project or research seminar

In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (5990 or 6990) may be included in the degree program.

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.

PLAN OF STUDY

A plan of study identifying the courses for the master's degree is required after 12 credit hours, generally at the end of the first semester of full-time study. The master's plan of study must include the following within the 30-semester hour minimum:

• 18 credits of specialization in theory and social foundations

  • TSOC 5000 is required

• 9 credits of a supporting area

• 3 credits of thesis, project, or research seminar

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 work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Specialization in Educational Theory and Social Foundations
Select the following:		18
TSOC 5000	Introduction to Educational Theory and Social Foundations
Select 15 credits as approved by faculty advisor
Supporting Area
Select 9 credits as approved by advisor		9
Master's Thesis, Project, or Research Seminar
Select one of the following:		3
TSOC 6900	Master's Seminar in Educational Theory and Social Foundations
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. Comprehend the disciplinary content of educational theory and social foundations through citation of major scholarship in the field.
• PLO 2. Demonstrate knowledge of principles and theories of educational sociology, history of education, philosophy of education, and general foundations of education.
• PLO 3. Demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary for theory application by doing the following: a) Select a specific phenomenon and propose an investigation of the phenomenon, in writing, from the theoretical perspective most relevant to the phenomenon, b) Conduct the investigation, c) Articulate conclusions drawn from the data produced by the investigation, d) Defend the conclusions drawn from the data by relating the conclusions to the theoretical perspective used to conduct the investigation drawn from the data by relating the conclusions to the theoretical perspective used to conduct the investigation, e) Argue for the implications and applications of the conclusions relevant to practical problems or needs in educational settings.