The MA in Community-Engaged Education and Social Change (CEESC) draws on relevant coursework in the School of Educational Studies to inform students of the important nexus between learning, teaching and the local context. Courses will provide students with knowledge and skills so that they can work in community agencies in close connection with educatiors to ensure the best possible opportunities for all students in the community. Coursework includes action-based strategies for social change in our local communities. Bridging the divide between academia and activism, this program provides students with an opportunity to exercise alternative and critical pedagogies within the context of local community organizations and school programs. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in a variety of non-profit and educational organizations that promote and support relationships between the community and formal and non-formal education. 

Degree Requirements

Coursework. The master’s degree requires the completion of 32 units of coursework, taken from among the following:

• Required courses: 16 units
• CEESC-focused courses: 8 units
• Electives: 8 units (may select from CEESC-focused classes or other Education offerings)

Transfer Credit.  The University’s policy on transfer credit applies.  The Education program permits a maximum of 6 semester units of transfer credit and stipulates that prior graduate coursework must have been taken within the last five years.

Degree Completion Option.  With advisor approval, students select writing either a thesis or a critique.

• Thesis.  Two faculty readers and formal submission to the Registrar’s Office is required.  Thesis formatting and submission procedures follow those for dissertations and are available on the registrar’s website.
• Critique.  Only one faculty reader is required.  A final version of the critique must be submitted to the program office.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.

Master’s Degree Along the Way to the PhD

CGU offers students the option of earning a Master’s degree along the way to the doctoral degree.  Education students qualify by meeting all of the following criteria.

• Must be enrolled in the doctoral program with the intention of completing 72 units of coursework at CGU
• Completion of 32 units of study
• Passing one approved qualifying exam in lieu of the thesis or critique
• Degree completion requirements for the Master’s degree must be followed