Master of Arts in Equity and Social Justice Education
Graduate Advisors: Professors Deborah Curtis, Helen Hyun, Doris Flowers
Take the next step in your educational journey by enrolling in the MA in Equity and Social Justice Education at San Francisco State University. Join a vibrant and diverse community of educators and change agents from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond who are committed to equity, social justice, and transformative educational practice.
This program is dedicated to improving the lives and educational experiences of all individuals. Our coursework reflects our sustained commitment to examining issues of race, ethnicity, social class, disability, language, gender, and sexual orientation, and how these intersecting identities shape how children and adults learn and participate in society.
Delivery Format
The MA in Equity and Social Justice Education is offered in a distance education format—almost all courses are fully online. All of our classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening.
Program Overview
Courses in the MA in Equity and Social Justice Education examine theoretical, historical, and political perspectives on educational equity and social justice using an intersectional framework. A major component of the program is social activism. The pedagogies and teaching philosophies modeled in our classes are facilitative, interactive, and participatory, emphasizing critical dialogue and reflection, class demonstrations, and simulations to deepen graduate students' understanding of educational equity and social justice issues.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the MA program work as educational leaders in a variety of settings, including TK-12 schools, colleges and universities, community service agencies, educational non-profit organizations, and government agencies. (Note: A California teaching credential is required to teach in California public schools).
Prospective graduate students are encouraged to visit our Alumni News page to learn more about the professional pathways of program graduates.
Questions? Contact an Advisor
Dr. Deborah Curtis - curtis@sfsu.edu
Dr. Doris Flowers - dflowers@sfsu.edu
Dr. Helen Hyun - hhh@sfsu.edu
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
The MA in Equity and Social Justice Education is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Through WRGP, eligible students from 16 Western states and territories may enroll as non-residents while paying California in-state tuition rates. Additional information is available here.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Additional entrance requirements include:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
- Evidence of written English proficiency.
Application Due Dates
Fall application deadline: June 1
Spring application deadline: November 1
International Applicants
Because nearly all courses in this program are offered fully online, San Francisco State University can not issue an I-20 for this degree program.
Application Procedure
New students apply to the university through Cal State Apply.
Upload the following documents:
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Two letters of recommendation. (Applicants who completed a post-baccalaureate teaching credential at SFSU are not required to submit letters of recommendation).
- Curriculum vitae or résumé.
- Statement of Purpose (approximately 750 words) describing your reasons for pursuing this MA degree. Both content and writing skills are evaluated as part of the admissions process.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One
Written English proficiency will be assessed based on the Statement of Purpose, submitted as part of the application. Students admitted conditionally or not meeting the written English proficiency standards must demonstrate Level One Written English proficiency by completing the earning a grade of B or higher in ISED 715 or ISED 747.
Level Two
Written English proficiency at Level Two is assessed through the final report submitted as the culminating experience for ISED 895 or ISED 898.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MA in Equity and Social Justice Education, you will be able to:
- Understand and analyze key historical events, legal decisions, and educational policies related to equity and social justice issues in U. S. education.
- Analyze educational equity and social justice issues in their own educational contexts using a variety of theoretical frameworks, including critical theory, critical race theory, feminist theories, queer theory, and culturally responsive pedagogies.
- Analyze and interpret scholarly research related to issues of educational equity and social justice.
- Articulate a personal vision and goals as an educational leader and develop instructional strategies and advocacy skills grounded in an educational equity and social justice framework.
- Critically reflect on personal cultural biases, values, beliefs, and the roles that educational leaders play in shaping students’ educational experiences.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement
Graduate students have the semester they enroll in their culminating experience project (Field Study Project or Master's Thesis) and the following semester to complete their culminating experience. Students requiring additional time to complete their culminating experience must enroll in a zero-unit CPAGE course each subsequent semester until completion.
Contact Us
Website: https://elsit.sfsu.edu/content/equity-and-social-justice-education-ma
Email: elsit@sfsu.edu
Phone: (415) 338-1653
Office: Burk Hall 239
Equity and Social Justice Education (M.A.) — 30 units
Core (12 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 715 | Race, Class, and Gender in Education Policy | 3 |
| ISED 717 | Foundations of Social Justice Education | 3 |
| ISED 747 | Culture, Language, and Society in Education | 3 |
| ISED 797 | Seminar in Educational Research | 3 |
Electives (15 units)
Students select 15 units of advanced coursework under consultation and approval by their program advisor to create an area of specialization. Areas of specialization may include but are not limited to (a) Equity and Social Justice Leadership, (b) Adult Education, and (c) an Individualized Special Interest Area. Other graduate courses may be used with the permission of the program advisor.
Recommended electives are as follows:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 706 | Principles and Methods of Adult and Vocational Education | 3 |
| ISED 716 | The Intersection of Race and Language in Education | 3 |
| ISED 718 | Queering Education: Research, Policy, and Pedagogy | 3 |
| ISED 720/SPED 903 | Disability, Education, and Race: A Critical Inquiry for Equity, Justice, and Liberation | 3 |
| ISED 725 | The Educational Experiences of Latinx Students: An Equity and Social Justice Perspective | 3 |
| ISED 735 | The Adult Learner: Theory, Practice, and Transformation | 3 |
| ISED 736 | Leadership and Policy for Community and Non-Formal Education | 3 |
| ISED 738 | Critical Theories and Pedagogies | 3 |
| ISED 748 | Culture, Cognition, and Power Issues in Education | 3 |
| ISED 760 | Crossing Borders: Immigration, Intersectionality, and Critical Education | 3 |
| ISED 770 | Topics in Equity and Social Justice Education | 3 |
Culminating Experience (3 units)
Select One:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 895 | Field Study Project | 3 |
| ISED 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |