About Social Justice Education

The Social Justice Education curriculum seamlessly bridges theory and practice, drawing on a variety of fields and areas of study beyond education, including critical theory, social movement history and theory, community organizing, human relations, clinical social psychology, and trauma theory. Students engage deeply with research, methodology, and theory, interrogating and contributing to the current thinking on social justice issues and social justice education practices. They explore the way that social processes like exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism, and violence lead to inequities in education. They learn about the resources that individuals, families, social groups, and communities bring to personal and social change and to the transformation of educational institutions and practices. Our program also takes a clinical approach, with extensive hands-on experience where students learn to employ effective social justice education practices in classrooms and other educational settings.

Graduates of the program find professional positions in a variety of education-related fields. They are often employed in local, state, and national advocacy or education programs, as well as in nonprofit organizations that focus on issues of diversity and social justice. Those who have previous certification as K-12 teachers, counselors, or administrators often return to these or other positions in K-12 education after completing their graduate work. Those without previous certification who are interested in careers in K-12 education, can take the required certification courses while working on their degree. Our graduates also work in higher education, as faculty and researchers, and in positions in student affairs, residential life, disability services, LGBT resource centers, diversity and multicultural affairs offices, and women’s centers.

Note about Licensure

Students in the Social Justice Education program do not necessarily complete courses and practica that lead to eligibility for professional certification or licensure. Those who want to pursue such certification or licensure will need to take additional coursework beyond the degree requirements.

Virtual Information Sessions

Interested applicants are invited to join us for a Virtual Information Session to learn more about our three graduate degree programs. We’ll be discussing our master’s, educational specialists, and PhD programs. Info sessions will be led by current faculty and students and we will provide an overview of what makes our program unique, our courses and specializations, as well as details about our admissions process. Each session will last about an hour and we’ll have plenty of time for questions.

Information session dates:

• Monday, October 21, 5:00-6:00 pm EST
• Tuesday, October 29, 6:30-7:30 pm EST

Please complete this form to register; you will then receive the zoom login information.