Cultural Foundations
The Master of Education in Cultural Foundations at Kent State University is an online program that examines the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of education. Designed for educators and professionals seeking to address issues of equity, diversity, and social justice in education, this program prepares graduates to advocate for meaningful educational reform.
Cultural Foundations Master’s Degree Program Overview
The Master of Education degree in Cultural Foundations engages students in the exploration of education through a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives from the humanities and social sciences. Students examine the social contexts of education with particular emphasis on structural inequities; issues of access and the distribution of educational opportunity; normative considerations about the purposes of education; and the transformative potential of education. Students learn to use these perspectives to identify problems of practice through their work as educators and leaders in communities, cultural organizations and educational organizations. To address these problems of practice, students learn to conduct community-engaged inquiry in partnership with stakeholders and communities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Use perspectives from the sociocultural foundations of education to identify and explore problems of practice.
- Lead community-engaged inquiry to address problems of practice collaboratively in partnership with diverse communities and with local cultural and educational organizations.
- Enact commitments to equity and social justice through work as scholarly practitioners, educators and leaders.
What is the focus of the Master’s in Cultural Foundations program?
The program examines education’s social, cultural, and historical contexts, preparing students to address issues of equity, social justice, and community engagement. It’s designed for educators and advocates across a range of professional contexts, from schools and universities to community organizations, cultural institutions, and centers of non-formal education.
Is the program 100% online?
Yes, the Master’s in Cultural Foundations program is entirely online, allowing working professionals to complete coursework from anywhere.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the program in 2 years.
Who is this program designed for?
This program is ideal for current and prospective educators, educational leaders, and professionals in a variety of related fields who want to advance their understanding of cultural and social issues in education and become advocates for equity and inclusivity. The program serves those working in formal education, non-formal education, community organizations, cultural institutions, and other spaces where learning takes place.
What career opportunities are available after completing this degree?
Graduates pursue a variety of roles in educational leadership, community engagement, and advocacy within schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions. Many students also use this degree to enhance their teaching careers, gaining the skills to address social justice issues, foster inclusivity, and drive meaningful change within their classrooms and school communities.
What types of courses will I take?
Courses cover topics such as the role of culture in education, equity issues in education, and community-engaged inquiry.
Can I balance this program with my current job?
Absolutely. The program is designed with working professionals in mind, offering a flexible online format that allows you to balance your studies with your career and personal commitments.
Are there opportunities for hands-on or community-based learning?
Yes, the program encourages students to engage in real-world projects and community-based initiatives, applying what they learn to create meaningful change.
Cultural Foundations Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé or curriculum vitae is required starting with spring 2025 admission term
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 1ELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, related professional experience, academic or professional references, scholarly activities and professional activities, among others.
1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
Important Dates
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CULT 60011 | SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES | 3 |
| CULT 60040 | APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY ENGAGED INQUIRY | 3 |
| CULT 69592 | ADVANCED PRACTICUM AND INTERNSHIP IN CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS | 3 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: | 18 | |
| CULT 60030 | SOCIAL CONTEXTS OF EDUCATION: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND THEORY | |
| CULT 69510 | CLASSICS IN PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69521 | MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE AND POLICY | |
| CULT 69522 | ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | |
| CULT 69530 | MULTICULTURAL THEORIES AND SCHOLARSHIP IN EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69560 | CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69564 | HISTORY OF AMERICAN EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69575 | ANTHROPOLOGY AND EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69582 | SOCIAL THEORIES IN EDUCATION | |
| CULT 69591 | SEMINAR IN CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS | |
| CULT 69595 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS | |
| CULT 69691 | VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: GREAT IDEAS IN EDUCATION | |
| Other electives with faculty advisor approval | ||
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| CULT 69999 | CAPSTONE | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the program.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Cultural Foundations Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $594.78 | $1,784,34 | $17,800 part-time1 $13,100 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $604.78 | $1,814.34 | $18,100 part-time3 $13,400 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. This program was calculated at students taking 15 credits for 2 semesters.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully only degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken per semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This program was calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters plus the surcharge ($150 x 2).
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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