M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy and Society

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed over three semesters (full-time). It is designed to provide students with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of education's role in society. The program emphasizes critical analysis of educational policies, practices, and outcomes, particularly concerning underserved populations, including historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups, non-proficient English speakers, and those with limited financial resources. Students also explore gender disparities and unequal social and economic opportunities within education on a global scale. The program culminates in a comprehensive exam or a research project, allowing students to apply their analytical skills to a specific educational issue.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society is built around a core set of courses that provide foundational knowledge in the field. While specific course titles may vary, they typically include "Foundations of Education," "Educational Research Methods," and courses exploring educational policy, cultural contexts of education, and social issues in education. Students delve into how educational institutions, policies, and practices facilitate or limit individual well-being and social, economic, and educational outcomes. The program also provides opportunities for students to focus on cross-national differences in educational policies and practices, allowing for a comparative and global perspective on education. Elective options allow students to explore areas of particular interest, such as critical pedagogy, higher education policy, or the sociology of education.

Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society at UB has a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in critical inquiry and scholarly analysis of educational phenomena. Faculty within the Graduate School of Education conduct diverse research on topics such as the impact of educational policies on equity and access, the role of culture in shaping learning experiences, historical analyses of educational reforms, comparative studies of international education systems, and the socio-political dimensions of curriculum. Students are trained in various research methodologies and apply these skills in their coursework and culminating projects. The program aims to equip graduates with the ability to conduct independent research, analyze complex data, and contribute to the scholarly discourse on educational issues.

Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society program at UB prepares graduates for influential roles in diverse sectors that impact education and society. While it does not lead to K-12 teacher certification, graduates are highly sought after by educational policy organizations, government agencies (local, state, federal) focused on education, non-profit advocacy groups, research institutions, higher education administration, community development organizations, and international development agencies. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, policy analysis, and understanding societal forces makes graduates well-suited for roles in program development, evaluation, advocacy, and strategic leadership in various educational and social contexts.

Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society at UB inherently fosters a profound global perspective, making it a cornerstone of the program. Students are encouraged to study education in broad-based social, cultural, political, and historical contexts across nations. Significant attention is directed towards understanding cross-national differences in educational policies and practices, gender disparities, and unequal social and economic opportunities in a global context. This comparative approach is central to the curriculum, preparing graduates to address transnational educational challenges, contribute to international development initiatives, and work effectively in diverse global settings. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, further enriching the global learning environment and perspectives within the program.