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Cultural Foundations of Education, M.S.

The master’s degree in Cultural Foundations of Education (CFE) prepares its students to question, analyze, and deepen insights into the foundations of education’s relationship with culture and society.

Students in this program examine and gain expertise in a range of areas of scholarship that inform the study of education, such as race and ethnic studies, disability studies, international education, media and popular culture, histories and philosophies of schooling, intergroup dialogue, globalization and transnationality, gender studies, migration, technology and access. Drawing from the humanities and social sciences, we train our students in interdisciplinary analysis, critical theory, and diverse methodological frameworks. Each program is designed individually in collaboration with their advisor, based on personal and research interests, to foster critical inquiry into the cultural and social forces that shape issues of education and beyond.

The School of Education and the Syracuse University College of Law also offer a joint three-year J.D./M.S./C.A.S. program, which adds an additional emphasis on Disability law and policy. Students apply through and complete their first year in the College of Law before applying to the CFE program.

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15/October 1 depending on semester start | More admissions information

Why Cultural Foundations of Education at Syracuse?

  • Curriculum is designed for the student seeking a broad education with disciplinary competence, rather than a narrowly specialized program of study.
  • We are committed to broadening public conversations about education, equity, antiracism, and social justice, and producing research, scholarship, and creative projects that address educational policy and practice, institutions, and underrepresented communities.
  • Students join a community of scholars dedicated to educational justice, collaborating on research and creative projects, and sharing feedback around student work.
  • An emphasis on exploring diverse research approaches, such as combining philosophical analysis with empirical work or historical research with policy analysis.
  • The CFE Colloqium Series regularly engages faculty, students, and alumni to share and discuss their research and work.
  • Faculty expertise draws from disciplinary fields including philosophy, anthropology, history, and sociology. Our outstanding graduate students have many opportunities to collaborate  with faculty in research, publishing, conferences, and other professional activities.
  • Take part in School of Education short-term study abroad trips or semester-long programs around the world. School of Education students are also eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.

Graduates work in a wide range of educational, research, and advocacy roles including:

  • Governmental and NGO work
  • Educational Policymaking
  • Qualitative Research-Based Consultancy work
  • Educator and Leadership positions in K-12 schooling
  • Program administration in higher education
  • Further studies in the Ph.D. Cultural Foundations of Education program (M.S. coursework can transfer) or another area of interest

Program Contacts

Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
bknieves@syr.edu|315.443.2505
Breana Nieves Vergara
Gretchen Lopez, Associate Professor; Director, Intergroup Dialogue
gelopez@syr.edu|315.443.8344
Gretchen Lopez