Master of Education in the Teaching of Social Studies
The degree is intended for experienced educators; it is aimed at developing leaders in social studies education for settings such as community colleges, high schools, curriculum agencies, publishing companies, foundations and museums. This degree does not lead to teacher certification.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Education
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Academic Writing Sample |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact AHadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
This Master of Education (Ed.M.) program requires a minimum of 60 points including an independent research project. The degree is intended for experienced educators; it is aimed at developing leaders in social studies education for settings such as community colleges, high schools, curriculum agencies, publishing companies, foundations and museums. Emphasis is on specialized work in curriculum development and the subject matters, methods, and materials of instruction. This degree program is also suitable for students contemplating future doctoral study. The program is flexible in nature and can be tailored to the student’s specific career goals.
Social Studies Foundations, Methods and Professional Content (27 points minimum):
The courses in this area are intended to familiarize students with the historical development and current state of social studies education and to provide experience in research on educational practices. Students should consult with an advisor to determine what additional research courses outside the program will be needed in their individual programs of study; these out-of-program courses may be used to satisfy requirements in this area.
Courses in the major field (15 points minimum):
Required courses:
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A&HW 5011 Contemporary Literature in Social Studies Research and Education I
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A&HW 5021 Contemporary Literature in Social Studies Research and Education II
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A&HW 6011 The Citizen and Society
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A&HW 6521 History Of Inequality and Social Justice.
Electives:
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A&HW 5530 History of American social thought
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EDPH 4070 History of education in the United States
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A&HW 5037 Advanced methods of social studies curriculum
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A&HW 6935 Studies in history and in the teaching of history and social studies
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A&HW 5232 Fieldwork: Social studies teacher education
Curriculum Study (12 points):
Required courses:
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A&HW 6530 Curriculum development, research, and supervision
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A&HW 5030 Social Inequities and Schools: Rethinking Social Studies One course in media and technology
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One additional course in curriculum
Social Studies Content Electives (12 points minimum):
A wide variety of courses combining content and pedagogy is offered in the program. Content courses are also available at Columbia University but should be approved by a Program advisor before registration.
Broad and Basic Areas of Professional Scholarship (15 points):
All master’s students at Teachers College must take at least three out-of-program courses. (For this requirement, a course is defined as one in which at least 2 points are earned). These courses should support students’ interests and professional growth but should include at least one course on the nature of education, one on the nature of persons and learning, and one on methods of evaluation. Selected with advisor’s approval.
Independent Study for the Master’s Project (6 points):
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A&HW 5931 Guided investigations in the teaching of social studies
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A&HW 6030 Research in social studies education
Master’s Project: The master’s integrative project will develop out of each student’s particular program of study. A student will work with an advisor to conceptualize, prepare, and write the thesis project. Students will enroll in the two courses above (A&HW 5931, A&HW 6030) in sequence across two semesters in order to plan and write the Ed.M. integrative project in close consultation with the advisor.