Residential
Social Studies Education
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Curriculum and Instruction
Courses
Courses
The master’s degree in Social Studies Education is a 30-credit hour program consisting of the following:
I. Foundational and Research Courses
12 credit hours
- EDCI 58000 Foundations of Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDCI 58500 Multicultural Education (3 credits)
- EDCI 62400 Research Seminar in Social Studies Education (3 credits)
- EDPS 53300 Intro duction to Educational Research
II. Social Studies Content Courses
12 credit hours
Students select graduate courses in relevant social studies content area(s).
III. Elective Courses
6 credit hours
Consult with the advisor.
supplemental info
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 master’s thesis in social studies education is a scholarly research paper that demonstrates graduate student’s competence and mastery of one or several areas of social studies education. Students who choose the master’s thesis option will work with their advisor to select the topic, discuss the timeline and ensure that all requirements of the thesis are met.
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
Admissions
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.
Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.
- Transcripts (from all universities attended)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 3 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.
When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Social Studies Education
- Please select a Degree Objective: Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
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Licensure
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
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