EdM in Education for Equity & Social Justice

The Master of Education (EdM) in Education for Equity & Social Justice at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development prepares responsible, empowered, and civically engaged professionals to confront the consequences of systemic inequities and discrimination against people who have been historically marginalized in educational and social service institutions because of their socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, level of ability, and other social markers.

This transdisciplinary program is offered fully online, with the option to take electives in person. It taps the intellectual resources available across the many schools of Boston University (e.g., the School of Public Health and College of Arts & Sciences) to understand and address inequity in education and human development by drawing on multiple perspectives, including health, education, housing, policy, and the legal and criminal systems. Students will be part of a cohort, which will facilitate a sense of belonging, engagement, and partnership.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Education in Equity & Social Justice master’s degree program will use their knowledge and skill in a variety of professions that seek professionals skilled in addressing issues of equity, social justice, and antiracist education. They will be fully equipped to advance in their current roles or pursue new opportunities in positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Education in Equity & Social Justice Program Requirements

This 34-credit master’s degree includes six core courses (22 credits) and electives (12 credits). Electives are available from across BU’s schools and colleges. With advising support, students will select a specialization of courses that allows them to focus on their primary professional goals such as antiracist education, disability studies, public health, community development, or others.

Core Courses

  • Origins of Inequity (4 credits)
  • SED HD 610 Psychology of Oppression and Liberation (4 credits)
  • SED BI 510 Institutional Racism in Health and Science (4 credits)
  • Research for Equity and Social Justice (4 credits)
  • SED AP 641 Equity and Community Partnerships (4 credits)
  • Thesis: Equity and Social Justice in Practice (2 credits)

Five of these courses (all but Research for Equity and Social Justice) constitute the 18-credit certificate in Education for Equity & Democracy.

Electives

Electives are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and are chosen from courses offered across several Boston University college and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, and the Chobanian & Avedesian School of Medicine.

Research Project Thesis

A research focus is an essential feature of the EdM in Education for Equity & Social Justice, and with support from their academic advisor, students will design and complete a research project. Students may elect to participate in an optional research apprenticeship with an outside organization to learn basic research skills while working with the organization to address concerns or problems related to issues of equity.

Visit the BU Bulletin for more information on the Education for Equity & Social Justice graduate program’s academic requirements.

Program Faculty from BU Wheelock

The faculty associated with the master’s program in Education for Equity & Social Justice include both faculty from BU Wheelock and from other Boston University schools and colleges.

Program Faculty from Other BU Schools and Colleges

Adam Labadorf, Medicine

Sandra McEvoy, Political Science

Melisa Osborne, Biology

Next Steps in Education in Equity & Social Justice

Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about our master’s degree in Education in Equity & Social Justice. This graduate program builds the leadership and skills of professionals dedicated to equity, diversity, and social justice. Our Education in Equity & Social Justice applicants are not required to submit GRE/GMAT scores.

Contact Info

For more information about this program, contact Program Director Felicity Crawford at fcraw@bu.edu