Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Overview
Social and philosophical foundations of education is the study of the roots and history of education.Social and philosophical foundations of education programs teach people the impact of cultural change, economics, and politics on education. Students study education as it relates to specific populations, issues, and types of work.
This program includes topics such as:
- Philosophy of education
- History of education
- Educational literature
- Politics of education
- Educational policy studies
Students learn the impact of cultural change, economics, and politics on education. They also study education as it relates to specific populations, issues, and types of work.
Schools
Very few colleges and universities offer social and philosophical foundations of education programs at the undergraduate level.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in social and philosophical foundations of education. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Demography and Population Studies
- Economics
- Education Administration
- Education Measurement and Testing
- Education, General
- Higher Education Administration
- History
- International and Comparative Education
- Public Policy Studies
- Statistics
- Urban Education
- Urban Studies
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Economists
- Education Administrators
- Political Scientists
- Sociologists
- University and College Teachers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- English Composition
- Pre-Calculus
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
- Teacher Aide
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Graduate Program Courses
A master's degree program in foundations of education typically includes courses such as the following:
- Comparative Education
- Education and Social Change
- Philosophical Foundations of Western Education
- Qualitative Foundations of Educational Research
- Social History of American Public Education
A doctoral degree program in foundations of education typically includes more courses such as the above, plus courses on research methods.
In addition, graduate programs typically require the following:
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
In a doctoral program, you may have opportunities to work part time as a research assistant or teaching assistant. Although either of these activities can extend the amount of time it takes to get your degree, you are paid for the work, your tuition fees may be waived, and they help build your career.
Universities usually make it easy for you to study part time while working as a teacher.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Education--Cultural Studies & Social Thought in Education
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Educational Foundations, Leadership & Policy--Social & Cultural Foundations
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Communication Studies-MS--Instructional Communications Focus
- M.Ed--Educational Foundations
West Side Area
Saint Martin's University
- Higher Education and Student Affairs