Equity and Social Justice Education
Master of Arts
About this program
The fully online Master of Arts in Equity and Social Justice Education invites you to explore how race, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other social identities shape educational experiences and outcomes in PK–12 schools, colleges and universities. Students critically analyze the historical, political, cultural and institutional causes of educational inequity while developing strategies to advance transformative change. Through collaborative learning, reflective practice and engaged scholarship, the program prepares students to become leaders and advocates for educational equity and social justice in diverse educational settings. Graduates pursue impactful work in schools, colleges, community organizations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The fully online MA in Equity and Social Justice Education brings together a vibrant community of educators, advocates, and leaders from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond who are committed to advancing equity and social justice in education and society. The program encourages students to explore issues in equity and social justice education that are personally and professionally meaningful while developing the knowledge and skills needed to create transformative change in educational and community settings.
Courses examine a range of theoretical, historical, cultural, social, and political perspectives on educational equity and social justice using an intersectional framework. A major emphasis of the program is leadership, advocacy, and social activism. Students connect theory to practice through critical dialogue, reflection, collaborative learning, and participatory applied coursework designed to deepen understanding and support transformative educational practice.
Students develop the critical perspectives, practical tools, and leadership capacities needed to become effective advocates and change agents in the educational and community settings they care about most.
Additional Program Information
Former SF State post-baccalaureate teaching credential students (i.e. PK–3, Multiple Subject, and Single Subject, SPED): You can apply up to 12 units of recent post-baccalaureate credential coursework toward elective requirements in the MA in Equity and Social Justice Education. In addition, letters of recommendation are not required as part of the application process for these applicants.
Coursework: Students in the MA in Equity and Social Justice Education select from a range of dynamic courses that explore equity and social justice issues across diverse educational and community contexts, including:
- Intersections of Race and Language in Education
- Queering Education: Research, Policy, and Pedagogy
- Education, Disability, and Race: A Critical Inquiry for Equity, Justice, and Liberation
- The Educational Experiences of Latinx Students: An Equity and Social Justice Perspective
- Critical Theories and Pedagogies
- Culture, Cognition, and Power Issues in Education
- Crossing Borders: Immigration, Intersectionality, and Critical Education
- Critical Perspectives on Black Students and U.S. Education
- Topics in Equity and Social Justice Education
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the M.A. program in Equity and Social Justice Education, students will be able to:
- Understand and analyze key historical events, legal decisions, and education policies directly related to equity and social justice issues in U. S. education, focusing on history, law, and education policy.
- Analyze and discuss educational equity and social justice issues in their own educational contexts by using a variety of theoretical frameworks, including, but not limited to, critical theory, critical race theory, feminist theories, queer theory, and culturally responsive pedagogies.
- Analyze, interpret, and discuss scholarly research related to issues of educational equity and social justice.
- Develop and describe their visions as educators, to develop instructional strategies and advocacy skills related to issues of educational equity and social justice.
- Analyze, interpret, and discuss their own cultural biases, values, beliefs and their roles as educators in shaping students’ educational experiences.