Εισαγωγή
The Master of Arts degree in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education (SCAE) is for the emerging educational scholar interested in the fundamental role that education plays in society. Under the guidance of senior faculty, SCAE students use the tools of the social sciences and humanities to study fundamental issues in education, such as equity, justice, school reform, and educational change. With interest in improving educational access, outcomes, and opportunities for all students, our MA students study both domestic and international settings. They ground their academic study in multiple forms of evidence and study how local settings are influenced by global trends. SCAE is a unique combination of two educational fields of study -- Comparative Education and Social Foundations of Education – that brings together a faculty with diverse interests in educational change and improvement.
Quick Facts
Program Duration: Students enrolling full-time typically complete the program in four semesters, taking nine credits per semester. Part-time students finish the program in six to eight semesters.
Time Commitment: Full-time or Part-time
Term of Enrollment: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Application Deadline:
Fall Deadline:   Rolling admissions; however, priority given to applications received by March 1.
Spring Deadline:  Rolling admissions; however, priority is given to applications received by November 1.
Summer Deadline:  Rolling admissions; however, priority is given to applications received by March 1.
Course Requirements: 36 credits
Admissions Requirements: GRE Exam Not Required
Program Details
Students complete study in one of two areas of emphasis:
 Social Context of Education
This area emphasizes how social and cultural contexts affect educational processes and outcomes. This specialization emphasizes that schools operate within a larger system of context and policy. Interest areas include social identities (gender, race and ethnicity, social class, ability); historical developments in the educational context, policy, and practice; the political economy of educational systems; and the contested moral and political purposes of education.
Comparative and International Education Policy
This area emphasizes the study and improvement of education throughout the world. Students learn about formal and non-formal settings, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. Interest areas include policy reform and analysis; trends in international development, economics, and politics; the education of ethnic and linguistic minorities; and the enhancement and expansion of higher education worldwide.
SCAE Specialization Courses in Social Context of Education
Required course:
EDUC 2100 - Education And Society
Select at least 9 credits from these foundational courses:
ADMPS 2302 - State/National Politics Of Education
ADMPS 2305 - Sociology Of Education
ADMPS 2306 - History Of Education
ADMPS 2310 - Contemporary Philosophy Of Education
ADMPS 2342 - Education And Culture
ADMPS 2352 - Anthropology Of Education
ADMPS 2398 - Economics Of Education
ADMPS 3127 - Curriculum: Perspectives And Issues (K-12)
ADMPS 3343 - Comparative Education
Select at least 3 additional credits from courses for the Social Context of Education.
SCAE Specialization Courses in Comparative and International Education Policy
Required courses:
EDUC 2100 - Education And Society
ADMPS 3343 - Comparative Education
ADMPS 3347 - International Organization Development Education
Select at least 3 credits from these foundational courses:
ADMPS 2305 - Sociology Of Education
ADMPS 2306 - History Of Education
ADMPS 2310 - Contemporary Philosophy Of Education
ADMPS 2352 - Anthropology Of Education
ADMPS 2398 - Economics Of Education
Select at least 3 additional credits from courses for Comparative and International Education Policy.
Supporting Field
Select at least 6 credits of coursework inside and outside the School of Education that deepen disciplinary knowledge and skill.
Psychological Perspectives on Education
Select 3 credits for developing competency in psychological perspectives on education.
EDUC 2000 - Psychology Of Learning And Development For Education
PSYED 2127 - Human Learning
PSYED 2503 - Development: Conception Through Early Childhood
PSYED 2504 - Development: Middle Childhood/Adolescence
Research Methods
Select at least 6 credits.
PSYED 2001 - Introduction To Research Methodology
Master's Thesis
A 6-credit master’s thesis is completed under the direction of the faculty advisor.
ADMPS 2090 - Research Seminar
ADMPS 2099 - Guidance In The Master’s Degree
Degree Requirements
With the help of their faculty advisor, each student designs an educational program that meets their professional and academic goals.
Students choose courses at the 2000- and 3000- level, using one of two templates (Social Context of Education or Comparative and InternationalEducation Policy) as a guide.
All SCAE MA students take 6 credits of research methodology, 3 credits of psychological perspectives in education, and 6 credits of ADMPS 2099 (Guidance in the Master’s Degree).
The MA program includes a required master’s thesis under the guidance of the faculty advisor.
Internships are encouraged but not required.
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree
Career Pathways
Students who pursue the MA degree in SCAE do so to advance their development as scholars and producers of original research. Students emerge as stronger, more capable scholars and typically pursue Ph.D. degree studies.
Master's Admissions Guidelines
To be considered for our master's programs, your admissions materials must include the following basic elements. Please visit the web page of your program of interest to see if there are additional program requirements.
Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Pitt Education Online Application Form
There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 (USD) to be paid by credit card
Your online application must include (a.) a Goal statement, (b.) your resume or curriculum vitae, and (c.) contact information for three academic or professional contacts to later be invited to provide letters of recommendation
The instructions for your goal statement are as follows: "Please share your reasons for pursuing a degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, focusing on your long-term goals and how your academic program will help you achieve those goals. Include any aspects of your experience, skills, and background which may aid the admission committee in evaluating your fit for the program for which you are applying. Your goal statement should be a maximum of 750 words."
Need-Based Application Fee Waiver
Applicants may be eligible for a need-based application fee waiver due to:
Pell eligibility within the last three years
Recent participation in federal, state, or local programs that aid students from low-income families
Qualification for public assistance
Otherwise demonstrable financial hardship, including emergency expenses or unexpected medical bills
If you believe that you are eligible for a need-based fee waiver, please submit your request HERE. Our admissions staff will review your request, and reach back out to assist you in completing your application. The School of Education reserves the right to request any necessary documentation.
Transcript Submission
Official transcripts from every institution previously attended can be sent to us electronically at soeinfo@pitt.edu or mailed to us at "School of Education Admissions and Enrollment Services, 5500 Posvar Hall, 230 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260"
Any courses that you took or degrees that you earned from the University of Pittsburgh after 2008 do not need to be sent. Our office can obtain these transcripts internally.
Additional Requirements for Teacher Preparation Programs Only
For Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and MOSAIC applicants - Completion of Documentation of 30 hours of Education-Related Experience Form.
For Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) applicants - Completion of our Online Transcript review.
For Foreign Language Education applicants - Completion of an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) to be scheduled through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL).
