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 educators 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. 

University Policies

Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. The master’s degree requires the completion of 32 units of coursework, including:

• Required courses: 16 units
  • EDUC 410. Introduction to Community-Engaged Education & Social Change
  • EDUC 426. Critical & Asset-based Frameworks
  • One of the following:
    • EDUC 445. Introduction to Education, Evaluation, Assessment, & Effectiveness
    • EDUC 448. Introduction to Data System Management & Governance
  • EDUC 451. Practicum for Community-Engaged Education & Social Change Students (Capstone)
• CEESC-aligned elective courses: 16 units 
  • Determined in consultation with the CEESC program director

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

Students of the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Pitzer, Harvey Mudd, Claremont McKenna, and Scripps) admitted to the Community-Engaged Education and Social Change Accelerated BA-MA program may carry forward up to 8 units of undergraduate coursework, or up to 12 units for Pitzer College students in the Critical Action & Social Advocacy (CASA) program.

Capstone. Students will culminate their program by taking EDUC 451 - Practicum for Community-Engaged Education & Social Change Students. This is a structured course meant to assist students as they design and implement a capstone project. The capstone project or thesis, completed by the end of the course, validates students as master scholar-practitioners fully prepared to engage as critical actors in their field.