Social Studies Education, MSEd

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Residential

Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Curriculum and Instruction

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OVERVIEW

Advance Your Career

If you are interested in advancing into leadership roles specializing in teaching social studies, pursuing a master’s degree in social studies education is a sensible choice. Social Studies Education at Purdue University is one of the oldest programs in the nation. Our faculty and staff are committed to the traditions of excellence, integrity, and professionalism. At the core of our program is academic content and evidence-based practice. As a master’s student, you’ll combine coursework with inquiry and hands-on experiences to create powerful pedagogies and research.

This residential program has rolling admission. Applications must be fully complete and submitted (including all required materials) and all application fees paid prior to the deadline in order for applications to be considered and reviewed. For a list of all required materials for this program application, please see the “Admissions” section.

What degree is conferred upon satisfactory completion of this program?

Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration of Social Studies Education. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.

Apr 1

Fall Application Deadline

Oct 1

Spring Application Deadline

Feb 1

Summer Application Deadline

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Courses

The master’s degree in Social Studies Education is a 30-credit hour program consisting of the following:

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Exit Requirements

All MSEd degree students in social studies education submit either a thesis or exit portfolio. Although the demands for an exit portfolio are not as rigorous as those for a thesis, students work with their committees to select topics and formats for their portfolios and are supported by the committee as the portfolio is created. Students will use these portfolios or their theses to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the social studies graduate proficiencies.

A portfolio will allow you to reflect on your learning within the master’s program in Social Studies Education You will gather artifacts during your studies that will serve as evidence of the development of your competences that fit the College of Education’s model for professional education. The following are the examples of artifacts to demonstrate your competences:

Portfolio Contents

1. Synthesize Knowledge

The graduate will read and synthesize educational literature, describe fundamental theories of human learning, and apply knowledge of human learning, and effective pedagogy to the solution of practical problems in their field(s). Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

Write a conference paper based on the standards of either a state, regional or national conference
Write a grant proposal based on published grant guidelines
Write an analysis of a curriculum or its elements
Write a curricular document that connects educational theory and research.
Write a journal article based on the publication guidelines for a national or comparable journal
Write a project report based on a research project
Design and implement an instructional development project
Actively participate in the design and implementation of a course or a workshop and write a critical

2. Create Knowledge

The graduate will describe common research methods in their field(s), read and evaluate educational research, and apply research findings to the solution of practical problems in their field(s). Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

Conduct a mini-research project individually or collaboratively with peers or faculty
Conduct education research
Develop instructional materials based on research findings and/or theory

3. Communicate Knowledge

The graduate will communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including the ability to communicate content from their field(s) through the design and delivery of effective teaching/learning activities that integrate content and pedagogy, adapt instruction and support services to the needs of diverse learners, and appropriately assess learning outcomes. Candidates will demonstrate achievement in activities from the following list to satisfy this competency.

Present at one university, state, regional, or national meeting, class or colloquium
Present the results of an independent study project
Submit an article to an appropriate journal
Develop instructional materials that communicate information to diverse users (learning segment, unit or lesson plan)

4. Think Critically and Reflectively

The graduate will develop a personal vision of inclusive educational practice, identify the relationship of their field(s) to the broader field of education, and critically evaluate theory and practice. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

Prepare a critical and reflective paper on scholarly topics in education
Prepare a book/literature review
Prepare a constructive critique of a research design
Prepare a reflective autobiography
Prepare a journal or reflective piece on one’s growth in understanding of what it means to be a teacher

5. Engage in Professional Development

The graduate will demonstrate the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional development. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

Participate in workshops and other professional development opportunities related to social studies education
Write a paper or make a presentation about professional development opportunities
Attend professional conferences or symposia
Write a paper or make a presentation about their own engagement in profession

6. Participate Actively in Professional Community

The graduate will identify communities of practice and participate within these communities. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

Demonstrate in writing an understanding of and adherence to the discipline’s professional code of ethics
Participate actively in state, regional and national professional organizations
Provide volunteer service to community
Conduct professional development workshops
Conduct K-12 or higher education workshops
Publish a manuscript in a related journal
Participate actively in outreach events

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Admissions

A graduate application must be submitted and application fee paid (if applicable) by the application deadline. In addition, the materials listed under the Application Requirements section below must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and for the application to be reviewed for admission consideration. Please review the How to Apply section below before submitting an application.

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Licensure Information

This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.

program FACULTY

Learn From the Experts

Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the residential MSEd in Social Studies Education can prepare you to help all students learn.

John Broome

Clinical Associate Professor

Chrystal Johnson

Professor

Kathryn Obenchain

Professor

Anatoli Rapoport

Professor

Phillip VanFossen

Suzi & Dale Gallagher Dean of Education; J.F. Ackerman Distinguished Professor; Director, J. F. Ackerman Center; Assoc. Dir., Purdue Center for Economic Education; Faculty Athletic Representative

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Social Studies Education

OVERVIEW

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