Social Justice Education
Program Overview
Social Justice Education is a multi- and interdisciplinary graduate program leading to the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The program is offered by the Department of Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), providing students with critical understandings of the social, historical, cultural, political, economic, and ethical contexts of education, broadly conceived. Based on the diverse intellectual traditions of the humanities and social sciences, the department is committed to multi- and interdisciplinary studies in education, with a focus on equity and social justice in educational studies from a variety of perspectives including history, philosophy, sociology, and social justice education.
Through humanities, social sciences, and/or social justice education, faculty and students may pursue studies including anti-racism, critical race theory, and Indigenous studies; aesthetics, media, and communication; feminist and gender studies; class and poverty studies; francophone studies; post-colonial, diaspora, and transnational studies; queer and disability studies; cultural and philosophical contexts in education; and democracy, ethics, and social class and/or may follow traditional disciplinary inquiry.
The department’s vision is to enable students to explore such questions as “What was, what is, and what should be the relationship between education and society?” and “What kinds of knowledge do educators need to answer those questions?” The department aims to provide graduate students and initial teacher education students with the disciplinary background, substantive knowledge, and theoretical language necessary to raise questions of critical importance to educational theory, practices, and society.
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application payment deadline | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: Please see http://uoft.me/oisedeadlines for more information | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: Please see http://uoft.me/oisedeadlines for more information |
| Minimum admission average | MA, MEd: EdD, PhD: | MA, MEd: EdD, PhD: |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: Supervisor interest identified | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: Supervisor interest identified |
| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: No | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: No |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MA: Advisor assigned likely to be supervisor. After coursework completed, advisor either signs to be supervisor or helps student find thesis supervisor MEd:Advisor assigned for non-thesis M.Ed. Admission. No supervisor required for all coursework M.Ed. EdD, PhD:Advisor assigned likely to be supervisor. After coursework completed, advisor either signs to be supervisor or helps student find thesis supervisor | MA: Advisor assigned likely to be supervisor. After coursework completed, advisor either signs to be supervisor or helps student find thesis supervisor MEd:Advisor assigned for non-thesis M.Ed. Admission. No supervisor required for all coursework M.Ed. EdD, PhD:Advisor assigned likely to be supervisor. After coursework completed, advisor either signs to be supervisor or helps student find thesis supervisor |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: NA | EdD, MA, MEd, PhD: NA |
Master of Arts
Program Description
The Social Justice Education (SJE) program welcomes applicants with diverse, relevant backgrounds. The MA program is a research-based degree program which can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
Delivery options: Although not all elective courses are offered in each modality, students may be able to complete the MA degree program through one of three delivery modes:
- in-person (students will mainly complete their coursework and other program requirements in-person, with up to one-third of their coursework online);
- hybrid (students will experience a mix of modes of engagement, with some of their coursework and other program requirements in-person and between one-third and two-thirds of their coursework online); and
- online (students will be able to complete all their coursework and other program requirements online) depending on their choice of a collaborative specialization, or other elective courses.
Note: not all collaborative specializations or courses are offered in each modality. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and/or graduate liaison officer regarding available options.
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
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Admission to the MA program requires an appropriate bachelor's degree in a humanities, social science, or cognate discipline from a recognized university, with standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.
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Applicants must submit the following though the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
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A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application that demonstrates intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities, or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests.
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Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked.
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At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities, or social sciences, and social justice in education.
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Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
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Program Requirements
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Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
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Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE1903H Major Concepts and Issues in Social Justice Education (0.5 FCE) is recommended.
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2.5 other FCEs, of which at least 1.5 FCEs must be SJE courses.
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Students who are registered in an optional collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
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Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
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Additional courses may be required of some students, and some students may be required to take specified courses in research methods and/or theory.
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Students complete a thesis which may lay the groundwork for doctoral research.
Program Length
6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
10 sessions part-time
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time
Master of Education
Program Description
The Department of Social Justice Education (SJE) welcomes applicants with diverse, relevant backgrounds. The Master of Education (MEd) program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
Delivery options: Students may choose to pursue the MEd degree program through one of three delivery modes:
- in-person (students will mainly complete their coursework and other program requirements in-person, with up to one-third of their coursework online);
- hybrid (students will experience a mix of modes of engagement, with some of their coursework and other program requirements in-person and between one-third and two-thirds of their coursework online); and
- online (students will be able to complete all their coursework and other program requirements online) depending on their choice of a collaborative specialization, or other elective courses.
Note: not all collaborative specializations or courses are offered in each modality. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and/or graduate liaison officer regarding available options.
MEd Program (Coursework Only Option)
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
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Admission to the MEd program requires an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.
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Applicants must have the equivalent of 12 months of professional experience.
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Applicants must submit the following through the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
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A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application that demonstrates intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities, or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests.
-
Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked; the second letter of reference may be written by a work or community-based supervisor.
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At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.
-
Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
-
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCES) including:
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Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE1903H Major Concepts and Issues in Social Justice Education (0.5 FCE) is recommended.
-
At least half of the FCEs in an MEd program must be SJE courses.
-
Students who are registered in an optional collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
-
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
-
Program Length
4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
10 sessions part-time
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time
MEd Program (Coursework Plus Major Research Paper Option)
Minimum Admission Requirements
-
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
-
Admission to the MEd program requires an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better in the final year.
-
Applicants must have the equivalent of 12 months of professional experience.
-
Applicants must submit the following through the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
-
A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application of intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests.
-
Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked; the second letter of reference may be written by a work or community-based supervisor.
-
At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.
-
Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
-
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCES) including:
-
Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE1903H Major Concepts and Issues in Social Justice Education (0.5 FCE) is recommended.
-
At least half of the FCEs in an MEd program must be SJE courses.
-
Students who are registered in an optional collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
-
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
-
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Major Research Paper (MRP): SJE2001Y0 Major Research Paper.
Program Length
5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W);
10 sessions part-time
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
Doctor of Education
Program Description
The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program is distinct from the PhD in that students are encouraged to orient towards applied and theoretical dimensions of professional educational practice understood as knowledge, teaching, and learning which takes place within or beyond schooling.
The EdD in Social Justice Education (SJE) is ideal for those with an interest in professional and/or voluntary practice in relevant field domains, where there is a relation between theory and practice and where the skills and commitment of dedicated and research-informed practitioners are pivotal to outcomes. Those interested in the degree program will be professionals including teachers, school and community leaders, health and legal professionals, and those working, volunteering, or seeking employment in related fields in social justice education.
The Department of Social Justice Education welcomes applicants with diverse, relevant backgrounds. The EdD program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.
Delivery options: EdD programs are delivered in-person with the possibility of completing the program requirements through a hybrid delivery mode — students will experience a mix of modes of engagement with some of their coursework and other program requirements in-person, and between one-third and two-thirds of their coursework online.
Minimum Admission Requirements
-
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
-
Admission to the EdD program requires a University of Toronto MEd or MA in education, or its equivalent from a recognized university, in the same field of specialization proposed at the doctoral level, completed with a standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in master's courses.
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Applicants must have the equivalent of 12 months of professional experience.
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Applicants must submit the following through the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
-
A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application that demonstrates intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests.
-
Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked; the second letter of reference may be written by a work-based supervisor.
-
At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.
-
Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
-
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
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Required half course (0.5 FCE): SJE3997H Practicum in Social Justice Education (72 hours).
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Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE3905H Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research: Theory and Praxis (0.5 FCE) is recommended.
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Students who have completed the recommended course SJE3905H must take 3.0 other FCEs, of which at least 1.5 FCEs must be SJE courses.
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Students who are registered in an optional collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
-
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
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Thesis (dissertation in practice). Students submit a thesis and defend it at a Doctoral Final Oral Examination. The thesis (dissertation in practice) is the culminating component of the EdD degree in Social Justice Education that shall include an identification and investigation of a problem of practice, the application of theory and research to the problem of practice, and a design for action to address the problem of practice. Specifically, the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be the product of original research, designed and implemented in the form of an innovative, impactful, and potentially sustainable plan, policy, guideline, advocacy or activism model, relevant to an educational setting, broadly defined, and aimed at improving practice on a local, regional, national or international scale.
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Students may begin their studies on a part-time basis. However, they must register full-time for a minimum of two consecutive sessions, not including Summer, of on-campus study. Once enrolled full-time, students must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis, are completed.
Program Length
4 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Time Limit
6 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description
The PhD degree program is designed to provide opportunities for advanced study, original research, and theoretical analysis. The PhD program can be taken on a full-time or flexible-time basis. The Department of Social Justice Education (SJE) welcomes applicants with diverse, relevant backgrounds.
The flexible-time PhD degree is designed to accommodate demand by practising professionals for a PhD degree that permits continued employment in areas related to their areas of research. Degree requirements for the flexible-time and full-time PhD programs are the same. Flexible-time PhD students register full-time during the first four years and part-time during subsequent years of the program.
Delivery options: PhD programs are delivered in-person with the possibility of completing the program requirements through a hybrid delivery mode — students will experience a mix of modes of engagement with some of their coursework and other program requirements in-person, and between one-third and two-thirds of their coursework online.
PhD Program
Minimum Admission Requirements
-
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
-
PhD students who are admitted without sufficient previous study in a humanities, social science, or a cognate discipline may be required to take additional courses.
-
Applicants must submit the following through the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
-
A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application that demonstrates intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests.
-
Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked.
-
At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.
-
Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
-
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:
-
Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE3905H Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research: Theory and Praxis (0.5 FCE) is recommended. Additional courses may be required, and some students may be required to take other specified courses in research methods and/or theory.
-
At least 2.0 FCEs must be taken within SJE.
-
Students who are registered in an optional collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
-
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
-
-
Comprehensive examination:
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Students are encouraged to take, as part of their program requirements, one half course (0.5 FCE) focused on the substantive area on which they will be examined.
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Students choose one of the following:
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a major paper (30 to 40 pages); or
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a substantive course outline (30 to 40 pages) for a topic of interest to the student within the area of social justice education; or
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a solid draft of a scholarly article.
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The option selected and the date for the comprehensive exam will be decided by the student and the supervisor. The comprehensive exam should be taken no later than the end of Year 3.
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A student who fails the comprehensive exam will be permitted one additional attempt to pass. A second failure will result in the recommendation for termination of the student's registration.
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Comprehensive exams will be graded on a pass or fail basis.
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Students must submit a thesis and defend it at a Doctoral Final Oral Examination. The thesis must embody the results of original investigation conducted by the student under the direction of an OISE thesis committee. The thesis must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field of study. The student must have an approved thesis topic, supervisor, and an approved thesis committee by the end of Year 3, and must have completed all other program requirements.
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PhD students must register continuously and pay the full-time fee until all degree requirements have been fulfilled.
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Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.
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Students cannot transfer between the EdD program and PhD programs.
Program Length
4 years
Time Limit
6 years
PhD Program (Flexible-Time)
Minimum Admission Requirements
-
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.
-
PhD students who are admitted without sufficient previous study in a humanities, social science, or a cognate discipline may be required to take additional courses.
-
Applicants must submit the following through the online application system; incomplete applications may be subject to processing delays or rejection:
-
A careful response to all Faculty questions in the online admissions application that demonstrates intellectual interests and concerns relevant to the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education as well as reasons for undertaking a program in the department. Include a statement of preference for one or more faculty members whose research is best matched to the student's research interests
-
Two letters of reference, preferably from university instructors with whom the applicant has studied or worked
-
At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.
-
Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
-
-
Applicants must demonstrate that they are currently employed and are active professionals engaged in activities related to their proposed program of study.
Program Requirements
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Coursework. Students must complete at least 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:
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At least 2.0 FCEs taken in SJE, with the possibility to apply for a reduction of 0.5 FCE in the SJE course requirement if the student is also registered in an optional collaborative specialization.
-
Subject to consultation with a faculty advisor, SJE3905H Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research: Theory and Praxis (0.5 FCE) is recommended.
-
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive SJE credit.
-
-
Comprehensive examination:
-
Students are encouraged to take, as part of their program requirements, one half course (0.5 FCE) focused on the substantive area on which they will be examined.
-
Students choose one of the following:
-
a major paper (30 to 40 pages); or
-
a substantive course outline (30 to 40 pages) for a topic of interest to the student within the area of social justice education; or
-
a solid draft of a scholarly article.
-
-
The option selected and the date for the comprehensive exam will be decided by the student and the supervisor. The comprehensive exam should be taken no later than the end of Year 4.
-
A student who fails the comprehensive exam will be permitted one additional attempt to pass. A second failure will result in the recommendation for termination of the student's registration.
-
Comprehensive exams will be graded on a pass or fail basis.
-
-
Students must submit a thesis and defend it at a Doctoral Final Oral Examination. The thesis must embody the results of original investigation conducted by the student under the direction of an OISE thesis committee. The thesis must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field of study. The student must have an approved thesis topic, supervisor, and an approved thesis committee by the end of Year 3, and must have completed all other program requirements.
-
Students must register continuously until all degree requirements have been fulfilled. Students register full-time during the first four years and may continue as part-time thereafter, with their department's approval.
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Students cannot transfer between the full-time and flexible-time PhD options.
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Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs.
Program Length
6 years
Time Limit
8 years
“My goal is to become a practising psychologist with strong skill sets as both a clinician and researcher.”
- Tara Gralnick
- PhD Candidate, Counselling & Clinical Psychology