Become a Champion of Equity
Confront and transform the systems that disadvantage marginalized communities. In BU Wheelock’s EdM in Education for Equity & Social Justice, you’ll work with experts across several disciplines to understand the origins of inequity—and gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to create a more just society. Specializations are offered in antiracist education, disability studies, public health, community-based work, and other fields.
This equity and social justice in education program is designed for professionals working in educational and human development institutions, as well as in social and community agencies. You can complete your social justice master’s online or in person, in 12 months of full-time study (with summer courses) or two years of part-time study.
Note: The 22 core credits for this degree can only be completed online. The 12 credits of electives may be completed either online or in person.
Program Pathways and Features
Online Flexibility
Earn your social justice master’s online, or complete your degree in a hybrid format that combines online core courses with in-person electives. You’ll join a cohort of peers who will progress through the program alongside you and support you as you learn, reflect, and grow.
Full and part-time study options are available for both formats.
Research Opportunities
Engage in research apprenticeships and projects developed with community partners in public education, nongovernmental organizations, social institutions, and more. You’ll apply what you learn to responsibly address inequity in social institutions.
Licensure Pathways
If you’re seeking initial teaching licensure, this social justice master’s degree allows you to add graduate courses that move you toward your goal. If you already have initial licensure and wish to advance to a professional level, this program also offers support.
“This program has allowed me to put words and actions to the things I am passionate about. I have been able to enter spaces with a deeper understanding of inequity and justice.”
Career Outcomes
Prepare for advisory, consulting, or executive roles in public and private institutions, including PreK-12 schools, higher education, government, and nongovernmental organizations. Graduates of BU Wheelock’s master’s in equity and social justice in education are equipped for such roles as:
- Chief diversity officer or chief equity officer
- Director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
- Director of DEI in human resources
- Employment equity manager
- Diversity consultant
- Diversity trainer
- Inclusion specialist
- DEI analyst
“Learning from faculty who have dedicated their lives to dismantling pervasive inequalities in their respective fields has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their expertise and passion translated to meaningful assignments, powerful discussions, and a call to action for each of us to be forces for good.”
Featured Faculty
Boston University’s equity and social justice in education program includes faculty from both BU Wheelock and other BU schools. Faculty members have a demonstrated commitment to working to interrupt and transform systems of inequity. Their expertise spans women’s, gender, and sexuality studies; clinical psychology; educational leadership; special education; and more.
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Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Stacy Scott
Senior Lecturer
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Kaylene Stevens
Clinical Assistant Professor
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Sujata R. Swaroop
Part-Time Instructor
Program faculty from other BU schools and colleges
Sandra McEvoy, Political Science
Melisa Osborne, Biology
Dr. Stacy Scott is a senior lecturer in educational leadership & policy studies at BU Wheelock. His research focuses on innovation, intuition, equity, and storytelling, as well as bringing concerns of equity in education to light. His career has included being a middle school teacher, director of diversity, psychologist, coach consultant, and finally superintendent of schools.
Equity and Social Justice Education Courses
Build self-awareness, understand difference, and gain the skills to enact change. Core courses focus on research, systems, and strategies for addressing inequity, while electives depend on the specialization you choose in consultation with your academic advisor. Specialization areas include antiracist education, disability studies, public health, community-based work, and other fields.
Required courses include:
- Origins of Inequity
- Equity and Community Partnerships
- Psychology of Oppression and Liberation
- Research for Equity and Social Justice
- Institutional Racism in Health and Science
- Thesis: Equity and Social Justice in Practice
Related Program
Education for Equity & Democracy Graduate Certificate
Take your next step toward advancing equity and social justice in education without the commitment of a full social justice master’s degree. This certificate features the same core courses as the master’s program, but without the thesis or elective components.
Admissions & Dates
Fall 2026 Start
Jul 1, 2026
Application Closes (International Applicants)
Fall 2026 Start
Aug 1, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 15, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about earning your EdM in Education for Equity & Social Justice. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
This social justice master’s degree is designed for professionals working in education, nonprofits, government, and community organizations. It’s ideal if you want to deepen your understanding of inequity and build skills to lead change in your field.
You’ll study how inequities shape outcomes across education systems and develop strategies to address them. This program focuses on theory, research, and practice related to equity and social justice in education, preparing you to create more just and inclusive environments.
Yes—this social justice master’s online program offers a flexible format designed for working professionals. The core coursework must be completed online, while the electives can be taken online or in person.
Yes—you have the option to add coursework that prepares you for initial teaching licensure in Massachusetts. The program also supports educators who want to advance from an initial to a professional license.
Graduates pursue roles such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader, program director, policy analyst, consultant, or educator. This program prepares you to advance equity and social justice in education and related community and policy contexts.