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.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Masters of Science in Education in Education and Social Policy Application Requirements
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement (1-2 pages) that describes your interests related to educational policy and governance. It is recommended that you address your personal and academic background and your professional goals. In addition, please address any life experiences or achievements that would help you contribute to the ELPS program; to KU's mission for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to your professional aspirations once you complete the degree.
- Current resume or CV.
Education and Social Policy
Students take the following courses in consultation with their faculty advisor.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| ELPS 757 | Education in American Society | 3 |
| |
| ELPS 830 | Foundations of Multicultural Education | 3 |
| or ELPS 782 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education |
| or C&T 807 | Multicultural Education |
| or ELPS 960 | Leading Diverse Communities |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 27 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| ELPS 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| |
| 30 |
Capstone Project: Students will select one of two options for a capstone project:
Policy report.. The policy report option gives students an artifact they can use on the job market. The report will analyze a contemporary educational policy issue and may include policy origin, intended objectives, surrounding debates, potential outcomes, unintended consequences, and other policy features.
Online portfolio. The online portfolio option allows students to create a portfolio of their learnings in the master’s program. The online portfolio may include a page for curriculum vitae, research, teaching and learning, service, and other educational projects.
At least 50% of coursework in the master degree must be at the 700 level or above.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Synthesize, critique, and apply educational theories and concepts to significant problems related to equity-minded policy, programs, and practices.
- Formulate and answer relevant questions about policy or practice that are motivated by theory, research, and context.
- Communicate persuasively about issues in education with scholars, practitioners, and the public.
- Interrogate structural conditions that serve to maintain and reproduce systemic inequities in education, and design responses to ameliorate them.
- Engage in ongoing reflection about how course content is relevant and meaningful in their own personal and professional lives.
- Describe the major dimensions of educational inequality and the factors that have shaped them.
