Oct 08, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Arts in Social Foundations of Education (SFND)


Program Theme
The Master of Arts in Social Foundations of Education program seeks students with a broad range of experience and goals both within and outside of professional education. SOFD students are eager to explore issues pertaining to quality of life: social and ecological justice, globalization, and the ethics of teaching in schools and society. The goal of the program is to strengthen and inform a commitment to education for participatory democracy in a pluralistic society. Graduate students in social foundations are expected to assess the complex forces—economic, historical, social and political—that shape the structure and control of education both nationally and internationally. Students also engage in a theoretical analysis of cultural diversity as it impacts the practices and processes of education and life in a democratic society.

This program is in compliance with the Standards for Academic and Professional Instruction in Foundations of Education, Education Studies and Education Policy as defined by the American Educational Studies Association.

Program Description
Students pursuing the M.A. degree in Social Foundations of Education may choose one of three concentrations:

  • Cultural Studies, Education and Urban Contexts, which allows students to pursue individualized research interests, and provides an excellent preparation for advanced graduate study;

  • EcoJustice and Education (Offered Online, Hybrid, and Face to Face), which emphasizes analysis of the increasing destruction of the world’s diverse ecosystems, languages and cultures by the globalizing and ethnocentric forces of Western consumer culture, and explores reforms within public schools and universities required to stem the tide of these problems; and

  • Teaching for Diversity and Democracy, which explores issues such as gender, social class, and ethnicity as they relate to education by using theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

All concentrations equip students with the skills in qualitative or quantitative research so that they can analyze the social implications of educational policy, and can better understand the cultural, historical, political and ethical dimensions of education in a pluralistic society.

Model
Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education program promotes inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society.

Admission Requirements


Applicants to master’s programs in the Teacher Education Department must meet the following criteria

Online Education for Out-of-State Students


It is great that you are considering Eastern Michigan University for your online degree program. Before you apply, though, it is critical that you make sure you are eligible to enroll in a program based in Michigan. EMU is an approved State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Participant. That means EMU can enroll students into online programs who live in any SARA member state without seeking additional authorization from that particular state. 

Check your eligibility to attend EMU: Is your state a SARA member? If yes, you are eligible to enroll in an EMU–Online program. If your state is not a SARA member, you may still be eligible to enroll at Eastern Michigan University. For more information, please click here.

Department Information


Teacher Education, College of Education

Martha Kinney-Sedgwick, Ph.D. | Department Head | 313 Porter | 734.487.3260 | mkinneys@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Joe Ramsey, Ph.D. | 313 Porter | 734.487.3260 | pramsey1@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


Restricted Electives: 11 hours


 Select one option from the following

Option II: Teaching for Diversity and Democracy


Eleven hours from the following (at least one course from each group)

Option III: EcoJustice and Education


*offered online through EMU Extended Programs, see department for additional information.

Extended Program


This graduate program is available at an EMU off-campus location or entirely online | Locations