Research for Social Change

Explore the Master of Arts in Educational Studies, a versatile graduate program offering a range of concentrations tailored to empower students in education, learning, development and research for societal transformation. Choose from specialized tracks including Research for Social Change, Higher Education Administration, Applied Research Methods, and Educational Psychology and Child Study.

In the Research for Social Change concentration, students explore impactful research methodologies applicable across educational contexts and community settings. Through interdisciplinary coursework, participants acquire proficiency in translating research into actionable strategies, fostering social justice and empowering communities. Gain the expertise to drive change in educational and community-based organizations, research institutions, and advocacy for social justice initiatives

The vast majority of our students move into a career related to higher education within a few months of graduation. Preparation for a research career in social change is designed through a combination of coursework, guided experiences, and a master’s project or thesis. Students can tailor a focus of study that best serves their professional aspirations. Students, together with their advisor, design a program of study fitted to their individual interests and professional goals.

Students in the Research for Social Change concentration learn research skills to make a difference across the full breadth of the educational landscape and community settings. Through multidisciplinary coursework, students gain expertise in research-to-action and educational approaches toward social justice and strengthening of communities. Students in this concentration build the knowledge and skills to advance careers in educational and community-based organizations, research hubs, social justice work and other social change spaces.

• Building anti-oppressive relationships and communities
• Community land use and food systems
• Feminist and queer studies
• Housing politics and tenant activism
•  Jewish education
• Participatory action research
• Racism and racial capitalism in settler colonial contexts
• Relational contexts of teaching and learning
• Transformative and restorative justice
• Trauma informed approaches to research
• Action Research Center

Faculty in the Research for Social Change concentration within the Educational Studies M.A. program are recognized experts in the education field. With more than 100 publications, a range of presentations, various research and practice interests, and a depth of training and education experiences, the concentration's distinguished faculty members are well-positioned to train tomorrow's leaders in the field of higher education.