Overview
Why study this program?
Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI) is a specialization that 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, Black studies, 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, gender identity, citizenship, ecology, development, globalization, social movements, and coloniality.
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 program core courses (6 units), students must complete specialization core courses and optional courses selected from the following for a total of 33 units for course-based programs, or 24 units for thesis-based programs.
Specialization electives (Course-based programs require 9 units; Thesis-based programs require 6 units)
- EDPS 501 - Special Topics in Educational Policy Studies - Courses proposed and taught by SJI faculty (only applicable to 501s offered from Fall 2017 onwards)
- EDPS 513 - Educational Policy and Reform
- EDPS 520 - Adult Education, Popular Movements and NGOs in the Global South
- EDPS 523 - Education and Development Theory
- EDPS 525 - Globalization, Global Education and Change
- EDPS 526 - Race, Racialization and Education
- EDPS 527 - Youth, Culture and Education
- EDPS 528 - Climate Change Impact, Implications, & Nature of Response: Indigenous Knwldge at the Intersection
- EDPS 530 - History of Education
- EDPS 544 - Critical and Feminist Pedagogical Research
- EDPS 556
- EDPS 562 - Social Theory and Education
- EDPS 563 - Social Justice Education from a Sociological Perspective
- EDPS 564 - Education and Social Change
- EDPS 565
- EDPS 636
Options/Electives
- 500-level and above courses taken across the Faculty, chosen in consultation with the supervisor or program advisor.
- Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their advisor/supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.
Thesis-based Program:
- Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a thesis-based Master of Education shall present a thesis embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor.
Ethics Requirement
Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Social Justice and International Studies in Education must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 (for both master’s and doctoral students) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.
Professional Development Requirement
Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Social Justice and International Studies in Education fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement through their program.
Length of Program
There is no residence requirement for the Master of Education program.
The maximum time to complete the course-based MEd program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.
The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MEd program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.
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 Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
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 Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1