Meet Dr. Niesz!

Dr. Tricia Niesz’s journey in education began with aspirations of becoming an elementary school teacher. However, her fascination with the intersection of culture, society, equity, and justice led her to pursue a deeper exploration of these themes. Now a faculty member in Kent State University’s Cultural Foundations Master of Education Online Master’s Degree program, Dr. Niesz shares insights into this unique academic path and its impact on students and communities.

Learn more about Tricia Niesz Ph.D.

Real-World Experience in Education

Dr. Niesz’s instruction is deeply rooted in her research, providing students with a rich understanding of cultural, societal, and historical dimensions in education. She emphasizes the importance of examining education through interdisciplinary lenses, combining sociology, cultural anthropology, philosophy, history, multicultural education, and more.

The program has recently been redesigned to better align with the professional practices of its students. Students learn to address real-world problems of practice through community-engaged inquiry, partnering with stakeholders to create meaningful solutions. This applied focus sets the program apart, making it more relevant to the needs of educational practitioners.

What Sets Kent State’s Program Apart?

One of the hallmarks of the Cultural Foundations Master of Education program is its exceptional faculty. Courses are taught by a combination of full-time faculty members and scholar-practitioners who bring specialized expertise to the classroom. This blend ensures a robust and dynamic educational experience.

The program’s new structure centers around four core courses, including an introductory seminar and a capstone project focused on community-engaged inquiry. These courses are delivered synchronously in a cohort model to foster a sense of community among students. Elective courses, which can be taken online asynchronously, online synchronously, or in person, allow students to tailor their learning to their career goals.

The program is available entirely online for maximum flexibility, enabling working professionals to complete coursework from anywhere. For those in Northeast Ohio, a hybrid option combining online and in-person courses is also available.

Diverse Career Opportunities

While the program doesn’t lead to a specific career pathway, it opens doors to numerous opportunities. Graduates often pursue roles as leaders and practitioners in higher education or K-12 settings, with many focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Others use their advanced degrees to enhance their current roles or embark on entrepreneurial and activist endeavors within their communities.

Graduates are equipped to:

• Address issues of equity and social justice in education.
• Lead initiatives in community engagement and advocacy.
• Use interdisciplinary perspectives to solve problems of practice in educational and cultural organizations.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Niesz highlights the diversity of the student body as one of the program’s strengths. With a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds represented, students benefit from a rich exchange of perspectives that enhances their learning experience. The program also emphasizes the importance of addressing structural inequities and fostering educational opportunities for all.

Advice for Prospective Students

When considering a graduate program, Dr. Niesz advises students to look closely at who is teaching the courses. At Kent State, the combination of experienced faculty and scholar-practitioners ensures a high-quality and impactful educational journey.

Students do not need prior experience in the field of education to apply, making this program accessible to individuals from diverse professional and academic backgrounds. Most students complete the program in two years, depending on their course load and schedule.

Begin Today

Explore more about the Cultural Foundations Master of Education program at Kent State University by visiting https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-cultural-foundations.

Kent State University’s Cultural Foundations of Education Online Master’s Degree program provides students with the tools and perspectives to critically examine education and its role in society. Under the guidance of dedicated faculty like Dr. Tricia Niesz, students are empowered to create meaningful change in their professional and personal spheres.