MA in Education, Equity and Social Justice (Ethnicity and Race)

Units required for Major: 30

Program Description

The MA in Education, Equity, and Social Justice explores theoretical and pedagogical related to issues on gender, ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic status and how these impact educational, community settings, and workplace settings. The program prepares students seeks to serve as ‘change agents’ to promote gender equity, anti-racism and inclusion in the public schools and other educational venues. Program instructors have backgrounds that include expertise and experience in the areas of gender equity, bilingual/multicultural education, community activism, and anti-racism and inclusive education. We strive to support students in the examination of educational theories and methods from a multicultural perspective, taking into account gender, race, ethnicity, language, social class, and disability. Finally, we work towards preparing students to take an active role in the reconstruction of the education and/or social systems into one that is equitable for students from various gender identities, racially, ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Admission Requirements

Complete an online application, via Cal State Apply, for admission

One set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.

A baccalaureate degree;

A minimum 2.5 GPA in the total and/or last 60 units;

  1. a Personal Statement that addresses: Why the applicant wants to enter this particular program; and
  2. Career objectives which coincide with program goals;

The personal statement should not exceed 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font and type-written

1.     An essay that addresses either an education/gender related topics (for Gender Equity Studies concentration); OR

2.     An essay that addresses a current critical issue in the field of education in communities with children, adolescents, or adults with either a focus on racial/ethnic diversity, English Learners, and/or disabilities, and the relationship of this issue to your motivation to become a social justice advocate (for Ethnicity and Race concentration). The essay should not exceed 3 pages, double spaced, 12 point font and type-written

Resume: Please include a copy of a current resume or curriculum vita, which includes relevant experience in working with diverse population and/or equity/social justice issues

Note: Upon approval, the program may approve up to six units of graduate level units based on review of course syllabi.  

Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the Degree

Units required for the MA:  30

Minimum Cumulative GPA:  3.0

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy indicating a proposed program of study for the MA. The student must be advanced to candidacy prior to enrolling in EDBM 565. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units of courses in the graduate program (see Degree Requirements) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
  • taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first three semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website. The student will complete the form after planning a degree program in consultation with the Department Graduate Coordinator. The form must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Thesis/Project Registration

Check with the Graduate Coordinator for the policies regarding Report in Progress ("RP") grades and continuous enrollment. The culminating experience for the MA may be a thesis or project.

A 2-unit course is required when doing the thesis/project. Enrollment in the culminating experience may occur only after Advancement to Candidacy.

The Thesis/Project course requires the student to file and have an approved Thesis/Project Petition form and Advisor Reservation form on record with the Graduate Coordinator at least one full semester in advance of registration. Both forms are due by April 1st for fall enrollment and by November 1st for spring enrollment. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the inability to enroll in the Thesis/Project course for the desired semester.

The Thesis/Project Petition and reservation forms must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator at least one month prior to the submission due date (i.e., March or October); the forms will then be forwarded to the Graduate Committee for review and recommendations.

Students may enroll in the Thesis/Project course a maximum of two semesters for credit. Students must submit the Reservation Form only to continue in the Thesis/Project course for the second semester. Failure to do so will result in inability to work with the Thesis/Project advisor for the desired semester.

Approved Master's Thesis/Project Format: American Psychological Association (APA) - Latest Edition.

Program Requirements

Core Courses (16 units)
EDTE 251Education for a Democratic, Pluralistic Society3
EDBM 250Education Research 4
EDGR 210Contemporary Issues in Education: Curriculum and Social Emotional Well Being of Students3
EDTE 227Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction, K-123
EDTE 268Theory and Practice of Gender Issues and Race3
Ethnicity and Race Concentration Required Courses (14 units)
EDBM 220Multicultural Curriculum, Advocacy, and Community3
EDBM 228The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies3
ETHN 203Contemporary Issues in Ethnic Studies3
ETHN 204Foundations of Ethnic Studies: Theory and Praxis3
EDBM 565Culminating Experience: MA in Education, Equity and Social Justice (Ethnicity and Race)2
Total Units30