Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.Ed. in Education Studies
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Education Studies at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students, with flexible options for part-time study. This program offers a broad yet rigorous exploration of education as a field of study, focusing on theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and critical analyses of educational issues. Students can choose to pursue a general M.Ed. in Education Studies or select from various internal specializations (though these do not lead to specific certifications). The program typically culminates in a comprehensive exam, a project, or a thesis, depending on the student's chosen pathway and interests.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.Ed. in Education Studies is designed to provide a foundational understanding of educational principles and allow for significant customization based on individual interests. Core courses often cover areas such as "Foundations of Education," "Educational Research Methods," and "Curriculum Theory." Students then have the flexibility to select a wide range of elective courses from various departments within the Graduate School of Education, including specialties like Comparative Education, Educational Policy, Educational Psychology, Higher Education, Learning and Instruction, or Social Foundations of Education. This allows students to tailor their program to address specific interests in areas such as diversity and inclusion, technology in education, or educational leadership, even if not directly leading to certification.
Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Education Studies at UB has a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to engage with educational scholarship and apply research methodologies to understand complex educational phenomena. Faculty within the Graduate School of Education are actively engaged in diverse research areas, including educational policy analysis, curriculum development, learning and instruction, social justice in education, educational psychology, higher education administration, and international education. Students typically complete a research project or thesis as their culminating experience, providing them with hands-on experience in designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to educational knowledge.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Education Studies program at UB prepares graduates for a wide array of roles that require a deep understanding of educational processes and institutions, beyond traditional K-12 teaching roles. Graduates are sought after by organizations in higher education (e.g., student affairs, academic advising, program administration), non-profit educational organizations, government agencies focused on education policy, corporate training and development departments, museum education, and community outreach programs. The program's emphasis on research and analytical skills makes its graduates valuable in roles requiring program evaluation, policy analysis, and curriculum design in diverse professional contexts.
Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Education Studies at UB inherently fosters a strong global perspective, particularly through its emphasis on comparative education, international educational policies, and the global challenges facing education systems. Students are encouraged to explore educational practices and theories in different cultural contexts, understanding how global trends impact local educational initiatives. Many faculty members in the Graduate School of Education conduct research with international dimensions or focus on issues of global learning and interconnectedness. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to educational issues from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in international educational settings or on projects with global implications.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.Ed. in Education Studies from UB are versatile professionals prepared for diverse roles across various educational and related sectors, often focusing on educational leadership, program development, policy, or research, without direct K-12 teaching certification.
Educational Program Coordinator/Manager: Develop, implement, and oversee educational programs in universities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community settings.
Higher Education Administrator: Work in student affairs, academic advising, admissions, alumni relations, or program administration at colleges and universities.
Instructional Designer: Develop educational content, learning experiences, and instructional materials for various platforms, including online learning, corporate training, or K-12 curriculum.
Education Policy Analyst: Research and evaluate educational policies, advocate for reforms, and assess the impact of policies on educational outcomes for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.
Corporate Trainer/Learning and Development Specialist: Design and deliver training programs for employees in corporate settings to enhance skills, knowledge, and performance.
Curriculum Developer: Design, review, and update curriculum materials for educational institutions, publishing companies, or training organizations.
Educational Researcher/Analyst: Conduct research on educational issues, analyze data, and provide insights to inform educational practice and policy in academic settings, research firms, or government.
Non-profit Education Specialist: Work for non-profit organizations focused on educational initiatives, literacy, youth development, or community learning.
Assessment and Evaluation Specialist: Design and implement assessments to measure learning outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.
Consultant (Education): Provide expert advice to educational institutions, businesses, or government agencies on educational strategies, program development, or organizational effectiveness.
