Graduate Programs

Overview

The M.Ed. in Educational Theory and Social Foundations explores the intersections of education, community institutions and democratic values across all types of institutions — from PreK–12 schools to global nonprofits. Grounded in praxis — the powerful blend of theory and action — students work alongside faculty and engage with community-based organizations to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact. The program prepares future educators and community leaders.

The program is designed for working professionals. Courses are offered in the evening with opportunities for asynchronous online learning. The program is unique with its emphasis on multidisciplinary training, where students simultaneously complete a certificate focused on community involvement from fields such as Disability Studies, Higher Education, Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Municipal Administration or Urban and Regional Planning. Students complete the program with a hands-on action research project centered on a critical community issue.

The program mentors and nurtures community leaders and educators who engage with local organizations to foster community improvement. Potential career outcomes for our graduates include teachers and educational reformers, professionals in nonprofit and governmental organizations and community agencies, program and training specialists, educational consultants, and urban developers and planners. Our alumni become positive leaders and role models, many in the city of Toledo.

Top Reasons to Study educational theory and social foundations at UToledo

1. Engage with the community.

   Our students have opportunities to learn and participate in a range of popular, community-based programs.
2. Engage with experienced peers.

   Our graduate students bring extensive experience working in schools and other community institutions. Their experiences provide a rich learning environment of collaboration and exchange.
3. Pursue a novel community-based degree.

   Our M.Ed. program offers a unique focus on the relationship between education and
   community, geared for individuals interested in growing as community leaders, educators and
   activists.

4. Enhance career opportunities with interdisciplinary certificates.

   Our master’s students complete a certificate from a range of fields including Disability Studies, Higher Education, Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Municipal Administration or Urban and Regional Planning. The culminating action research project offers students a rare hands-on opportunity to engage with real issues in their communities.

Graduate students in the program conduct research, present their work at national conferences and co-author articles with faculty. 

Faculty and students strive to address issues such as: 

What jobs can I get with an educational theory and social foundations degree?

A Social Foundations of Education graduate degree prepares students for careers as: 

• Professionals in nonprofits and governmental organizations, community agencies and businesses valuing diversity
• Scholars and researchers
• Teachers and educational reformers
• University administrators, faculty and staff
• Urban developers and planners

Graduates of our master’s program have been hired as:

• Assistant professor, Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb.
• Co-director of The Truth Telling Project and visiting assistant director, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa.
• Dean, College of General Studies, Indiana Tech University, Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Director of research and operations, Intermedia, Nairobi, Kenya
• Educational consultant, Coimbatore, India
• Faculty, American Language Institute, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
• Professor, Al-Quds University, Palestine, Israel
• Professor of English, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
• Program and training specialist, Advocacy Learning Center, Minneapolis, Minn.
• Toledo EXCEL coordinator, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio