Nov 21, 2024  
University Catalog 2024-2025 
    
University Catalog 2024-2025

Education for Social Change, M.A.

Location(s): Main Campus


The Master of Arts in Education for Social Change degree program focuses on how educators can build critical consciousness and agentic capacities to work for social change within a variety of educational contexts. The degree program emphasizes justice and equity through self-reflection, communication, collaboration, advocacy, and analysis of research-based knowledge. The purpose is to critique and challenge deficit-thinking and center asset-based approaches in education.

The program offers four options: 

Courses in the core topics and option areas examine curriculum, pedagogy, research, and leadership to lead to social and educational transformation. Throughout the degree program multiple modalities are valued and developed to communicate ideas in ways that manifest reflective thinking and practices.

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average in their last 60 semester units attempted. 
  • A personal statement. 
  • A resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Students are required to select an option during the application process.

Although it is recommended that students have a teaching credential and classroom teaching experience, it is not required. A teaching credential may be pursued concurrently with this Master’s degree.

Applications are considered each semester for admission in the Fall or Spring semester. Prospective candidates must check with the Division of Curriculum and Instruction office or online for application deadlines and procedures.

Advisement

Upon acceptance, each student must attend an advising session with the coordinator of the option they have selected in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction.

Overview for Course Study

Students will complete the Core Requirements (18 units), the Option Requirements (6 or 12 units), and Culminating Experience (0 or 6 units). 


 

Learning Outcomes   Roadmap - Ed Soc-Chg (2023)  

Requirements for the Degree (30 units)


Culminating Experiences (0 or 6 units)


Select one of the three sets below. Students who will take Set 1 (Comprehensive Exam) must complete 12 units to satisfy the option requirement. Students who choose to take Set 2 (Thesis) or Set 3 (Project) must complete the 6 units to satisfy the option requirement Students must obtain approval from the option coordinator to do the thesis or project, which will cover the content in the option.

Requirements for the Options (6 or 12 units)


  • Students selecting the Comprehensive Exam must complete 12 units of coursework in the option.
  • Students selecting the Thesis or Project must complete 6 units of study and obtain approval from the option coordinator.