Master of Science in Education/Education and Social Policy

The Master's degree in Education and Social Policy offered at the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences provides graduate students a 30 credit hour program, culminating with a capstone project.  The program permits students to complete a variety of courses, focusing on foundational questions and applications such as:

  • How has the present educational system developed, in the U.S. and worldwide?
  • How do poverty and inequality affect the school performance of children?
  • What knowledge should schools aim to impart?
  • How can education help achieve a more just, democratic, and multicultural society?
  • What are the ethical responsibilities of teachers and other educators in an unequal and changing society?
  • What are the competing purposes of education, and how do we make choices among them?

As a field of study, Education and Social Policy is also known as Social Foundations of Education at some institutions.  At KU, this master’s level degree program offers an individualized student experience that addresses big questions in education, such as inequality, multiculturalism and social justice – and can be completed in less than two calendar years.  The program is designed for full-time and part-time graduate students.  Graduate students enrolled in the program can expect to:

  • Increase their knowledge and ability to assess problems in contemporary education, particularly concerning questions of inequity, multiculturalism, and social justice.
  • Apply knowledge from a diverse array of courses and departmental perspectives including sociology, philosophy, history, political science, and more.
  • Examine problems in curriculum and learning, especially around questions of language and culture.
  • Gain understanding of schooling & develop an appreciation of the political, economic, and social forces that influence the decisions of educational leaders.
  • Share in-depth analyses and discussions of theory for application to real-world experiences in classes and other settings.
  • Complete a capstone project during their final semester demonstrating competencies in social and cultural dimensions of education.