Master of Education in Social Justice Education | Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Master of Education in Social Justice Education Overview

Transform education and social justice for the next generation

This program focuses on critical understandings of the social, historical, cultural, political, economic and ethical contexts of education. It is ideal for those interested in social justice, committed to social change, or aspiring to assume research-informed responsibilities in a school or community organization.

During their program of study, students are expected to have exposure to a variety of methods and approaches to research.

This program attracts students coming directly from undergraduate studies, as well as returning students, who are interested in professional development, lifelong education, or continuing on in higher education. Graduates of this program may have the opportunity to pursue doctoral-level studies. We welcome applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.

For detailed information about the program, please consult the School of Graduate Studies Calendar.

At a Glance

Study Options
Full-time (4 - 6 sessions full-time)
Part-time (10 sessions part-time)
Coursework only
Coursework plus major research paper (MRP) *

Funding and Tuition
For detailed and up-to-date information about tuition fees, funding, and financial support, visit Tuition & Financial Support.

Deadlines
Applications to the MEd in Social Justice Education for 2025-2026 admissions cycle will be open until January 15, 2025

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Why I Chose Social Justice Education

Marie Laing (Master of Arts 2018)

Writer, educator, and youth leader, Native Youth Sexual Health Network
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Award recipient

"I was hungry for language to describe settler-colonialism and how it relates to my queer, two-spirit and trans Indigenous community. I was also eager to see how leading scholars were applying anti-racist education in a variety of contexts to create positive change. OISE’s Department of Social Justice Education was one of the few places I found where I could engage in all of these intellectual projects at once."

Master of Education in Social Justice Education Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

Please visit the OISE Admissions website for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents.

Program-Specific Information (Minimum Admission Requirements)

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
Admission to the MEd 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.
At least one year of professional experience.

Required Supporting Documents

All applicants must submit:

Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended
Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional)
A résumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies
Statement of Intent (Applicants are asked to answer each of the following questions in an essay format [bullet points are not acceptable]. Not only will the content of your responses be used in the assessment of the application, but so will the quality and clarity of your writing. Please limit responses to 200-250 words per question.)

What research interests do you intend to pursue in your graduate studies?
How did you become interested in this area of research? (Please feel free to refer to any relevant literature and/or personal experiences.)
Why is Social Justice Education at OISE the best place to pursue your research interests?
What faculty members in Social Justice Education could support your graduate studies and chosen research direction?
What previous experiences, skills, and strengths will support you in your graduate studies?

At least one sample of written work that demonstrates engagement with the humanities or social sciences, and social justice in education.

Additional Program Information

Curriculum

Coursework only

Students are required to complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including:

At least 2.5 of the FCEs must be in the Social Justice Education program.
Major Concepts and Issues in Education (SJE1903H, 0.5 FCE) is recommended.
Students who are registered in a 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 credit.
Students are strongly recommended to take Integrating Research and Practice in Social Justice Education (SJE1906H, 0.5 FCE) towards the end of their degree program. This course provides students an opportunity to complete a research project synthesizing their educational experience with their professional, intellectual, and/or community goals.

Coursework and major research paper

Students are required to complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including:

At least 2.0 of the FCEs must be in the Social Justice Education program.
Major Concepts and Issues in Education (SJE1903H, 0.5 FCE) is recommended.
Students who are registered in a 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 credit.
Students are strongly recommended to take Integrating Research and Practice in Social Justice Education (SJE1906H, 0.5 FCE) towards the end of their degree program. This course provides students an opportunity to complete a research project synthesizing their educational experience with their professional, intellectual, and/or community goals.

Major research paper (SJE2001Y, 1.0 FCE)

Collaborative Specializations

Collaborative specializations provide graduate students enrolled in participating degree programs with an additional multidisciplinary experience as they complete their home degree program.

Learn more about the collaborative specializations offered to MA students in the Social Justice Education program:

Faculty Research Areas

Faculty in the Social Justice Education program have multi-disciplinary teaching and research expertise in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

Anti-colonial and Indigenous education
Anti-racism education
Ethics and education
Critical race studies
Indigenous knowledges
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Queer and gender theory

MEd Focus Streams

Master of Education (MEd) focus streams consist of lists of suggested courses that may be taken to complement the personal and academic interests of MEd students. The completion of these combinations of courses provide students the opportunity to maximize their learning experience in a particular area of study.

These include:

Teaching in and for Diverse Classrooms
Disability and Critical Studies
Environmental and Sustainability Studies in Education
Media Literacy in Education
Indigenous Studies in Education from Local to Global
Black Studies
Race and Racial Formation Studies in Education

Ready to join one of the world’s top universities?

Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at OISE.

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