Education, Equity and Cultural Diversity Concentration, M.Ed.

The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) with a concentration in equity and cultural diversity provides current educators or other professionals programming in educational theory and practice that emphasize diversity. Core courses examine educational research, learning theory, curriculum development and contemporary issues in education, enabling participants to critically analyze policies, practices and procedures in American K-12 schools with an understanding of the cultural, social and political context of these institutions.

The cultural diversity core courses emphasize language diversity and explore the intersection of language and culture in theory and practice. Understanding second language acquisition, socio-cultural variables that impact student learning and factors that shape immigrants’ learning experiences will aid participants in creating effective school programs and educational services to meet the needs of culturally diverse individuals. The cultural diversity core includes a practicum at the College of Education Career Development Academy assisting and interacting with first generation immigrant adult learners and their family members. To provide some flexibility in meeting individual candidate goals, the program also offers electives to be selected by the student with advisor approval. These courses must aid the candidate in his or her understanding of diversity and may be courses within or outside of the College of Education at the 500 or 600 level. By giving candidates course options, they can shape their program of study to assist them in multiple career options such as diversity leadership positions in academic institutions, public schools, and federal and state agencies.

Admission Criteria

All criteria are considered with reviewing the candidates for admission to this Master of Education degree program. However, no one criterion will be the sole reason for lack of admission to the program. Criteria include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT) is required only for individuals who do not have an undergraduate degree of 3.0 or higher.
• Professional resume.
• A two-to-three page written statement (double-spaced) describing the applicant’s professional background, the educational issues that the applicant would like to address in the master’s program and the applicant’s long-term professional goals.
• Evidence of the candidate’s skills or experiences that may help promote and affirm cross-cultural learning or awareness.
• Informal interview with at least one of the program’s faculty members to ensure the applicant understands the goals and requirements of the M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Equity and Cultural Diversity.
• Two professional reference letters.

Admission Steps

Meet or talk with a program adviser to discuss your interests and goals in earning the M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Equity and Cultural Diversity.

Apply to The Graduate School by completing the online application for obtaining the graduate degree-Master of Education with a concentration in equity and cultural diversity. Required documents include official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, written statement, two professional references, and professional resume.

Graduation

All requirements for the degree must be completed by the course work completion deadline in the semester in which the degree is conferred to receive a diploma dated the day of graduation. Applications for graduation should be completed early in the term in which the candidate plans to graduate. Candidates who will satisfy all degree requirements in the summer may participate in the spring commencement ceremony if they have completed an Application for Graduation form signed by their adviser and program coordinator, and they must be pre-registered for summer classes prior to the May commencement ceremony. Candidates must be enrolled during the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. It should be noted that applicants actually graduate and receive their degrees only when all requirements are satisfied. Candidates who do not satisfy all requirements for graduation will be notified of deficiencies and must re-apply for a later graduation date.