Nov 27, 2024

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Social Foundations and Community Education [M.A.]

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Program Theme

The Master of Arts in Social Foundations and Community Education program seeks students with a broad range of experience and goals within and outside of professional education. Our students are eager to explore issues of the quality of life: social and ecological justice, globalization, and the ethics of teaching in schools and society. The program’s goal 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 the American Educational Studies Association defines.

Program Description

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

Cultural Studies, Education, and Urban Contexts, which allows students to pursue individualized research interests, and provides 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 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 to analyze the social implications of educational policy and 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.

Online Education for Out-of-State Students

This program is available online. International applicants should check with International Admissions or program advisor before applying.

Program Admission

Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

Satisfy one of the following:
- Hold a 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- 3.0 GPA in the last half of the undergraduate work
- 3.3 GPA in 12 hours or more of work at the graduate level
- a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA and 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination writing
Furnish an analysis of professional goals written by the candidate. This analysis should describe how the chosen degree program will help meet the selected goals and how the candidate’s life experiences, accomplishments, and interests will contribute to their success in the program.
Request and have submitted two letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s professional commitment, experience, and potential.

The transcripts, analysis of goals, and letters of recommendation should give evidence of potential for graduate-level scholarship.