Program Overview: Cultural Studies in Education is a field that draws perspectives from the humanities and social sciences to examine the study of education, both formal and informal. The program focuses on the ways culture, knowledge and power shape education and learning in the human community. The program is multidisciplinary and offers analytic and narrative perspectives on the philosophical, historical, socio-economic, political and cultural dynamics that impact education and learning. The goal of the program is to assist in the development of citizens who, in their various roles, are committed to be change agents that work to increase social justice across their communities, nations and world. Cultural Studies in Education is intellectually and culturally diverse, encouraging students to reflect, think critically, and act with conviction. The program is centered around coursework focusing on the history, philosophy, and sociology of education, diversity studies in education, gender studies, as well as democratic, critical and alternative pedagogies. This is undertaken within the framework of critical and narrative social theories. Because education occurs in every context of human life, the need to examine how, why and what we learn is a complex, but necessary undertaking.

Admissions Policy: Applicants for the Cultural Studies in Education Master’s degree program should note the following admission criteria: 

1. CSE accepts rolling admissions (each semester) although prefers a Fall Semester start date. 
2. A GRE score is not required for admission to the CSE M.Ed. program.
3. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must meet and provide evidence of the following criteria:  
   1. Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent), 
   2. Overall 2.90 gpa from undergraduate degree, OR 3.25 gpa from the final 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of undergraduate work, (Note: If applicant does not meet these minimum gpa requirements, they may be considered by meeting benchmark scores on the GRE). 
   3. Official transcripts from every institution of higher education attended (regardless of whether final Bachelor’s degree was awarded from that institution), 
   4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous faculty or professional colleagues who can speak to the academic potential of the applicant to engage in and complete academic work at the graduate level, 
   5. A 3 - 5 page autobiographical statement addressing the following:
      
      1. relevant personal and professional information and experience
      2. why the applicant wants to study in the CSE program
      3. what the applicant hopes to gain from study in the CSE program, and iv. how does the applicant see the CSE Master’s degree complementing future outcomes and professional goals. 
4. If the applicant cannot meet the above requirements, please note that there are potential alternative pathways which will be considered. For further details on alternative admissions, visit the website of the Department of Educational Studies.  

Change Policy: Not applicable

Transfer Policy: Not applicable

Opportunities: The Cultural Studies in Education Master’s degree prepares students for a variety of post-graduation paths. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, students may choose to prepare for further graduate study, community/technical, college and university teaching, community-based education programs, community organizing, professional work in non-profit organizations, social service agencies, or governmental relief agencies such as United Nations’ programs. Graduates of the program may also choose to enter the Peace Corp or AmeriCorp, or choose some form of community, national or global service that have educational components.

The program prepares graduates with an in-depth understanding of issues of diversity, the interaction between education and the larger culture, understanding the dynamics inherent in knowledge and learning processes, the development of communities for learning, and the use of critical democratic and alternative pedagogies for enhancing the flourishing of human lives.