Specialization in Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI)

Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI) is a specialization that focuses on the theoretical, philosophical, and ideological underpinnings of education as well as the social and cultural contexts in which education takes place. Formerly known as "educational foundations," the SJI specialization draws heavily on philosophy, history, sociology, and other social sciences in its approach to the study of education within varying local, national and international settings. Accordingly, ethics, epistemology, historiography, political economy, sociology, social and political theory, comparative education, and cultural studies provide the conceptual lenses through which education is systematically examined. SJI courses thus explore linkages between education and economic, political and cultural systems, and expose students to a range of political, moral-ethical, and epistemological frameworks for thinking about social and economic inequality, gender and race relations, multiculturalism, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, ecology, development, globalization, social movements, and coloniality.

To be admissible applicants must possess advanced skills in independent research, essay writing, logical argumentation, and narrative analysis. Beyond this, preference will be given to applicants who have:

  1. A strong background in the social foundations of education and/or one or more of the following humanities and social sciences: philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural and communication studies; and
  2. Substantial work experience in the educational sector (e.g. public or private schooling, adult education, NGOs, social movements, corporate or government communications).

The SJI specialization is available in both the Doctoral and Master's programs. 

Prior to July 01, 2018 the specialization was known as Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies in Education (TCI).

Master's Program 

Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI) is a specialization that focuses on the theoretical, philosophical, and ideological underpinnings of education as well as the social and cultural contexts in which education takes place. Formerly known as "educational foundations," the SJI specialization draws heavily on philosophy, history, sociology, and other social sciences in its approach to the study of education within varying local, national and international settings.

Program Structure

The MEd degree requires a minimum of ★36 for course-based programs, or ★24 for thesis-based programs. This includes ★6 in the department core courses and ★6 in the specialization core courses. Each student's program includes study in core areas, research methods, electives, and a thesis or capping exercise.

Please see Bear Tracks for current Educational Policy Studies graduate courses.

Educational Policy Core Courses

  • EDPS 580 – Contemporary Issues in Education: Perspective & Practice ★3
  • EDPS 581 – Introduction to Evaluating Educational Research ★3

Specialization Core Courses

  • EDPS 590 – Foundations of Education: Perspectives on Canadian Issues ★3
  • EDPS 591 – Foundations of Education: Perspectives on International Issues ★3

Specialization Electives

Course-based programs require three courses (★9). Thesis-based programs require two (★6).

  • EDPS 501 – Courses proposed and taught by SJI faculty (only applicable to 501s offered from Fall 2017 onwards) ★3
  • EDPS 515 – Sexual and Gender Minorities in Education and Culture ★3
  • EDPS 520 – Adult Education, Popular Movements and NGOs in the Global South ★3
  • EDPS 522 – Citizenship Education ★3
  • EDPS 523 – Education and Development Theory ★3
  • EDPS 524 – Feminist Theories and Epistemologies ★3
  • EDPS 525 – Globalization, Global Education and Change ★3
  • EDPS 526 – Race, Racialization and Education ★3
  • EDPS 527 – Youth, Culture and Education ★3
  • EDPS 528 – Global Transformations, Indigenous Knowledge and the Crisis of Sustainability ★3
  • EDPS 530 – History of Education ★3
  • EDPS 544 – Critical and Feminist Pedagogical Research ★3
  • EDPS 562 – Social Theory and Education ★3
  • EDPS 563 – Social Justice Education from a Sociological Perspective  ★3
  • EDPS 564 – Education and Social Change ★3

Options/Electives

  • 500-level and above courses taken across the department or faculty, chosen in consultation with the supervisor or program advisor.

Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their advisor/supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

Course-Based Program

  • EDPS 900 – Directed Research Project ★3

Thesis-Based Program

Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a thesis-based Master of Education shall present a thesis embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor.

Doctoral Program

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Faculty of Education will only consider applicants to the PhD program with full-time status if they meet one of the following conditions: 

  • Remains professionally employed at or above .5 FTE (this includes four over five arrangements) during their studies. 
  • Has a supervisor who has expressed in writing the ability and intention of funding the student to $25,000 for each of the first two years (this includes financial co-sponsorship with another faculty member).
  • Is applying as an Indigenous student (1 studentship) or a member of an equity-denied group (1 studentship). 
  • Is sponsored by an external agency at or above $25,000 per year or has an external scholarship at or above $25,000.

Social Justice and International Studies in Education (SJI) is a specialization that focuses on the theoretical, philosophical, and ideological underpinnings of education as well as the social and cultural contexts in which education takes place. Formerly known as "educational foundations," the SJI specialization draws heavily on philosophy, history, sociology, and other social sciences in its approach to the study of education within varying local, national and international settings.

Program Requirements

The EdD and PhD degrees across the Faculty require a minimum of ★36. This normally includes a minimum of ★24 in graduate courses and a dissertation.

At this time, the SJI program is only admitting to the PhD route. Students are not normally admitted to the EdD in this Specialization.

Please see Bear Tracks for current Educational Policy Studies graduate courses.

Educational Policy Core Courses

  • EDPS 680 - Policy Research and Education
  • EDPS 681 - Frameworks for Research in Educational Policy Studies

Specialization Core Courses

  • None

Options

  • 500-level or 600-level courses taken across the department or faculty chosen to enhance the program.

A list of courses to be offered during the Fall Session (September to December) and Winter Session (January to April) can be found through Bear Tracks, the University's secure online service for students, applicants, and staff. Information about courses offered during the Intersession (May to August) will be available on Bear Tracks when the University publishes its Spring/Summer Guide, normally by December.

Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.Candidacy examination

The completion of coursework, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Training and the Candidacy Exam must be completed within three years of the start of the program. For part time students, these requirements must be complete within four years of the start of the program.

Dissertation

Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a doctoral program are required to present a dissertation embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Candidacy examination

The completion of coursework, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Training and the Candidacy Exam must be completed within three years of the start of the program. For part time students, these requirements must be complete within four years of the start of the program.

Residence Requirements

The minimum period of residence for the PhD degree is two academic years of full-time study at the University of Alberta. Students pursuing the EdD degree may satisfy their residence requirement in one of two registration patterns. Students are expected to have significant contact with theUniversity of Alberta during their residence through time spent on campus and through interactions with the faculty and graduate students at the University:

Pattern A

As part of the program there will be a period of full-time study for a minimum of 12 continuous months.

Pattern B

Students must complete at least ★18 (courses and/or THES registration) in each of the first three years. For students who start their programs part-time, the candidacy exam must be completed by the end of year four.

Contacts

Graduate Advisors:
Please direct admissions questions, program inquiries, etc., to essgrad2@ualberta.ca.