Program Highlights

Are you interested in a critical study of educational issues? Do you want to become a more effective educator by thinking deeply about how the foundational disciplines of history, philosophy and sociology affect educational theory and practice? If so, the Master’s programs in Educational Foundations may be right for you. Find out about admission requirements »

The Foundations of Education

The foundations of education are three distinct scholarly traditions of practice – philosophy of education, history of education, and sociology of education – that inform education and conceptualize frameworks for education research.

Here are three suggested areas of study in Foundations, each built around core course offerings:

  • Philosophy, History & Sociology of Education: study all the foundations or specialize in one; learn how to use a method of inquiry for individual or collective practice.
  • Value, Bias & Social Justice: examine key themes, their socio-historical influence and value for decision-making in policy and practice.
  • Arts, Media & Culture: study the arts as historical, sociological, and philosophical projects in teaching, learning and research.

Once you are admitted to the program, you will work with the Program Coordinator to design a program plan that will focus on one of these areas, or another area of study in the field of Educational Foundations.

Your Career

Our program is designed for those working in traditional education systems (schools, school boards, government ministries of education, teachers’ unions), as well as for those in any other occupation requiring knowledge of the history and philosophy of education.

This degree is the most widely applicable of all the graduate degrees; if you want work in policy studies, public administration, in leadership positions in for-profit or not-for-profit organizations, a Master’s degree in Foundations of Education can help you achieve your goals.

Are you ready to get started? Apply now »