Master of Arts in Social Justice Education
Master of Arts in Social Justice Education Overview
Transform education and social justice for the next generation
This research-based master's program focuses on critical understandings of the social, historical, cultural, political, economic and ethical contexts of education, and is designed primarily for those interested in research and careers in academia.
This program is ideal for those who wish to apply their disciplinary backgrounds and critical abilities to examine theoretical and/or empirical problems regarding equity in education, while drawing from a variety of perspectives including history, philosophy, sociology and political science.
With four different degree programs to choose from, students from diverse backgrounds and professional interests find their home in Social Justice Education.
During their program of study, students are expected to have exposure to both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
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 (6 sessions full-time)
Part-time (10 sessions part-time)
Coursework plus thesis
Funding and Tuition
We are pleased to offer OISE Graduate Funding Packages to full-time MA students in year 1. For detailed and up-to-date information about tuition fees, funding, and financial support, visit Tuition & Financial Support.
Deadlines
Applications to the MA in Social Justice Education for 2025-2026 admissions cycle have been extended to November 25th, 2024.
Apply
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.
Speak with our Team
Have questions about our program, admissions, financial support or career options after graduation? Our team has the answer you’re looking for. Contact us for one-on-one support.
Attend an Info Session
We host information sessions, open houses and tours throughout the year. Come discover what it's like to study at OISE. Explore campus and meet our community.
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 Arts 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 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.
Required Supporting Documents
All applicants must submit:
- Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended
- Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional)
- Résume 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
Coursework
Students are required to complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including:
- Major Concepts and Issues in Education (SJE1903H, 0.5 FCE) is recommended.
- 2.5 other FCEs, of which at least 1.5 FCE must be SJE courses.
- 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 SJE credit.
- Additional courses may be required of some students, and some students may be required to take specified courses in research methods and/or theory.
Thesis
Based on original research, which may lay the groundwork for doctoral research.
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:
- Comparative, International and Development Education
- Development Policy and Power
- Diaspora and Transnational Studies
- Education, Francophonies and Diversity
- Environmental Studies
- Ethnic, Immigration and Pluralism Studies
- Sexual Diversity Studies
- South Asian Studies
- Women and Gender Studies
- Workplace Learning and Social Change
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
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.
