Overview
Why study this program?
Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI) focuses on the theoretical, philosophical, and ideological underpinnings of education as well as the social and cultural contexts in which education takes place. Formerly known as “educational foundations,” the SJI specialization draws heavily on philosophy, history, sociology, and other social sciences in its approach to the study of education within varying local, national and international settings. Accordingly, ethics, epistemology, historiography, political economy, sociology, social and political theory, comparative education, and cultural studies provide the conceptual lenses through which education is systematically examined. SJI courses thus explore linkages between education and economic, political and cultural systems, and expose students to a range of political, moral-ethical, and epistemological frameworks for thinking about social and economic inequality, gender and race relations, multiculturalism, sexual orientation, school-to-work transitions, and North-South conflicts.
To be admissible applicants must possess advanced skills in independent research, essay writing, logical argumentation, and narrative analysis. Beyond this, preference will be given to applicants who have:
- A strong background in the social foundations of education and/or one or more of the following humanities and social sciences: philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural and communication studies; and
- Substantial work experience in the educational sector (e.g. public or private schooling, adult education, NGOs, social movements, corporate or government communications).
In addition to the department core courses (6 units), students must complete specialization core courses (9 units) and optional courses (9 units) for a minimum total of 24 units in graduate courses.
Options (9 units)
- 500-level or 600-level courses taken across the department or faculty chosen to enhance the program.
- Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.
Residence Requirements
The minimum period of residence for the PhD degree is two academic years of full-time study at the University of Alberta.
Students are expected to have significant contact with the University of Alberta during their residence through time spent on campus and through interactions with the faculty and graduate students at the University:
Pattern A:
As part of the program there will be a period of full-time study for a minimum of 12 continuous months.
Pattern B:
Students must complete at least 18 units (courses and/or THES registration) in each of the first three years. For students who start their programs part-time, the candidacy exam must be completed by the end of year four.
Courses
Graduate courses in Education can be found in Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Education (EDU)
Education - Elementary (EDEL)
Education - Elementary and Secondary (EDES)
Education - Policy Studies (EDPS)
Education - Secondary (EDSE)
Education - Career Technology Studies (EDCT)
Education - Instructional Technology (EDIT)
Education - Psychology (EDPY)
Health Sciences Education (EDHS)
Library and Information Studies (LIS)
Educational Policy Studies:
The Faculty offers graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships to some students based upon application and academic merit.
The University also offers support in the form of scholarships and awards to some students based upon application and/or nomination.
Educational Psychology:
In addition to scholarships awarded by outside granting agencies such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and by the University such as the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Scholarships, the Faculty offers financial support to some students in the form of graduate research assistantships and graduate teaching assistantships. Assistantship applications are available to students admitted to the Faculty.
Elementary Education:
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available.
Library and Information Studies:
Inquiries regarding program and course details, and financial assistance should be made to the School of Library and Information Studies. Details about University awards are found at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca.
Secondary Education:
A number of graduate assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the EdD or PhD in Secondary Education for services rendered in the Faculty’s research and teaching programs. These assistantships do not provide full support.
There are a number of financial supports available to students through fellowships, scholarships, and awards through the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), and the Graduate Students Association.
The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email essgrad2@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1