What Does It Mean to Study Cultural Foundations? Three Students Share Their Journey at Kent State Online

Education is about more than lesson plans and curriculum. Every classroom, policy and learning experience is shaped by culture, history, philosophy and the communities we serve. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations invites students to explore those connections while preparing them to become thoughtful educators, leaders and lifelong learners.

Students come to the program from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and with different goals, but they share a common desire: to better understand education and its role in shaping society. Through the experiences of Vera Li, Jocelyn Haag and Timo Acker, that journey comes to life.

Different Backgrounds, One Shared Curiosity

Each student found the Cultural Foundations program for a different reason.

For Vera Li, whose career has been rooted in international education for more than a decade, the program offered an opportunity to deepen her understanding of how culture influences education around the world.

“I wanted to deepen my understanding of how culture intersects with and influences education on a broader scale. After learning more about the program, it became clear that it was the perfect fit for my professional and academic needs.”

Jocelyn Haag spent years searching for a graduate program that aligned with both her professional interests and her busy life as a classroom teacher and mother of two.

“After several years of looking for a master’s program that fit my interests and availability, I stumbled upon the Cultural Foundations program at Kent State. Based on the description of the courses and the degree, I was immediately interested.”

For Timo Acker, the motivation was simple.

“When I first decided to go to graduate school, I wasn’t in need of a career change at all. I quite simply enjoy going to school, studying and learning.”

His passion for education, politics and philosophy made Cultural Foundations a natural fit.

“The program strikes a great balance between my different interests while allowing me to focus my studies on those aspects that interest me most.”

A Graduate Degree That Fits Real Life

Graduate school looks different for every student. Some are balancing careers and families, while others are studying from thousands of miles away. The flexibility of Kent State Online’s fully online format allows students to pursue their goals without putting the rest of life on hold.

Living and working in China, Vera says the asynchronous format made earning her degree possible.

“The asynchronous delivery allows me to engage with the coursework without the challenge of a significant time difference. It provides the flexibility I need to pursue my master’s degree while maintaining my full-time job.”

For Jocelyn, flexibility meant finally being able to achieve a long-held personal goal.

“Being an online student is the only way I would have been able to achieve this personal and professional goal. As a working mom of two, the flexibility to complete coursework on my own time has made this possible.”

As a full-time teacher, Timo appreciates being able to take one course at a time while continuing to invest deeply in his learning.

“All of the classes I’ve taken have either been asynchronous or held in the evenings. Taking one class per semester allows me to go deep with my learning without sacrificing my other responsibilities.”

Although their schedules differ, each student found that the online format provided both flexibility and the academic rigor they were seeking.

Learning to See Education Through New Perspectives

One of the defining characteristics of the Cultural Foundations program is its interdisciplinary approach. Students explore education through social, cultural and philosophical perspectives that challenge them to think more deeply about the systems that shape learning.

For Vera, the curriculum expanded her understanding of international education in ways she hadn’t expected.

“The core courses explore the social, cultural and philosophical dimensions of education, helping me develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the field.”

Jocelyn says the program has transformed how she approaches her work as a classroom teacher.

“The intersectional nature of the program has been immensely interesting and eye-opening. As a classroom teacher, I am able to put into practice many of the ideas and perspectives we discuss in class on a daily basis.”

For Timo, intellectual challenge is one of the program’s greatest strengths.

“The driving factor behind my expanded understanding has been exposure to new and diverse ideas. I genuinely enjoy studying the materials, even when—or especially when—they challenge me.”

That challenge has reshaped his understanding of educational philosophy.

“When confronted with new information, I updated my perspectives and made an effort to firmly ground my thoughts in educational theory. It’s an ongoing process.”

Connecting Theory to Practice

Students also describe how coursework extends beyond discussion boards and readings into their professional practice.

While studying Social Theories in Education, Vera analyzed contemporary educational issues through multiple sociological perspectives. Today, she uses that knowledge in conversations with students and families.

“I now find myself drawing on different theoretical perspectives, which allows for deeper and more insightful discussions.”

One of Jocelyn’s most meaningful experiences came during a course focused on disability studies. Developing a disability inclusion plan opened her eyes to the impact of thoughtful accommodations.

“It was eye-opening to see how many small accommodations can truly make or break someone’s success or even their ability to feel welcome. With thoughtful and reasonable accommodations, individuals who may otherwise be excluded can fully participate.”

Rather than pointing to one specific project, Timo says the program continually influences his teaching.

“I apply my learning by reflecting on my values, my ethics and adjusting my teaching methods accordingly.”

Although their applications look different, each student demonstrates how Cultural Foundations encourages educators to connect theory with meaningful practice.

Exploring Fairness, Culture and Social Justice

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to examine education through the lenses of fairness, inclusion and social justice.

For Vera, coursework in multicultural education highlighted the importance of culturally responsive educational systems and deepened her understanding of educational disparities.

For Jocelyn, those conversations were both professionally valuable and personally meaningful.

“As a person of color who studied culture and ethnicity during my undergraduate experience, it has been empowering to discuss these topics and put words to experiences that I have personally lived through and that I have also seen others experience.”

Timo says the program broadened his perspective beyond his own experiences.

“The coursework has really taken me out of my personal bubble. By reading about a wide range of educational experiences, I am able to identify connections between systemic inequities and everyday educational realities.”

Together, their experiences illustrate how the program encourages students to engage thoughtfully with complex educational issues while considering how culture, identity and systems influence learning.

An Online Community That Feels Connected

Although students complete the program online, all three emphasized the relationships they have built with classmates and faculty.

Vera was surprised by how connected she felt.

“The rapport I’ve built with my peers and professors is no less significant than what I would expect from an in-person program.”

Jocelyn agrees.

“I’m a number one fan of the Kent State online program. I feel very connected to the faculty and supported, even though I haven’t set foot on campus since before I officially started classes.”

Timo says engaging discussions have been one of the highlights of his graduate experience.

“Our online discussions are at their best when everyone comes prepared with quotes, references and a willingness to connect the readings to their own experiences.”

He also credits faculty with creating an environment that encourages both intellectual curiosity and respectful dialogue.

“They invite diverse perspectives into the discourse and foreground intellectual growth in their course design.”

Different Goals, Shared Growth

While their career aspirations vary, each student says the program has expanded the way they think about education and their role within it.

Vera plans to continue building her career in international education with a stronger academic foundation and broader perspective.

Jocelyn says every new insight ultimately benefits the young learners she serves in her classroom.

“Continuing to acquire knowledge directly supports the educational experiences I provide for my students.”

For Timo, the master’s degree is preparing him for his next academic goal: pursuing a Ph.D. and continuing to explore the philosophy of education through research.

Advice for Future Students

When asked what advice they would give prospective students, each offered something different—but together their responses paint a clear picture of the experience.

Vera encourages students to establish a consistent weekly study routine that makes balancing graduate school and work sustainable.

Jocelyn’s advice is simple.

“If you’re interested, reach out and ask all the questions. If you’re willing to do the work, go for it. You won’t regret it.”

Timo recommends embracing the opportunity to engage deeply with the material.

“Prioritize depth over breadth. Taking my classes one at a time has allowed me to shape my learning around my evolving interests.”

More Than a Graduate Degree

Whether studying from China, balancing family life with a teaching career or preparing for doctoral research, Vera, Jocelyn and Timo each found something unique in Kent State’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations.

Their stories demonstrate that the program is about more than earning a credential. It is an opportunity to ask meaningful questions, challenge assumptions, explore a range of viewpoints and better understand the complex relationship between education, culture and society.

For educators, international professionals, future researchers and lifelong learners alike, the Cultural Foundations program offers the flexibility to pursue graduate education while joining a community committed to thoughtful dialogue, intellectual growth and making a meaningful impact through education.

Why Choose Cultural Foundations at Kent State?

The experiences of Vera, Jocelyn and Timo reflect what makes Kent State’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations unique: an interdisciplinary curriculum, supportive faculty and a flexible learning environment designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of education and society.

Through coursework focused on the social, cultural and philosophical foundations of education, students develop the knowledge and critical perspectives needed to create meaningful educational experiences in a variety of settings—including schools and universities, community organizations, cultural institutions and professional environments.

Whether you are looking to expand your impact as an educator, explore new leadership opportunities or simply better understand the complex relationship between education and the world around us, the Cultural Foundations program provides a purposeful path for continued growth.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Kent State’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations is designed for educators, community leaders, higher education professionals and lifelong learners who want to examine how educational systems shape society—and how thoughtful, informed professionals can help create more inclusive, engaging and sustainable learning environments.

Graduates are prepared to pursue opportunities in education, nonprofit and community engagement, curriculum development, policy, leadership and other fields where understanding culture and education is essential.

If you are ready to challenge assumptions, explore new perspectives and develop the knowledge to create meaningful change through education, Kent State’s online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations can help you take the next step.

Explore the online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations.