General Information
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 and practice. Sociologists and social theorists of education consider social phenomena such as racism, sexism, and homophobia and how power dynamics exist in and are affected by formal and informal educational contexts. Historians of education research documents and artifacts of value to our understanding of past and present educational practices. Philosophers of education analyze key educational concepts such as bias, open-mindedness, and critical thinking, and make significant distinctions for researchers, teachers, and policy-makers.
The core course offerings in Foundations of Education are the GFDD courses described in the graduate calendar. Electives may be chosen from other graduate education programs and from graduate programs in other MSVU faculties, as specified in the MEd and MAEd Foundations requirements.
To study Foundations of Education at the PhD level, please consult the Nova Scotia Inter-University Doctoral Program in Educational Studies at: https://www.nsphdeducation.ca/
Admission Requirements
Students admitted to the Master of Education or Master of Arts in Education programs will possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and minimum average of B (GPA 3.0). Both MEd and MA candidates are required to write a short essay in which they explain their reasons for wanting to undertake graduate study in Educational Foundations. Academic referees should evaluate a student’s skill in writing, research and critical analysis. MA candidates should demonstrate advanced research and writing competencies. Candidates may be asked to submit samples of academic writing to verify adequate preparation for MA work.