School of Education

Overview

By deepening your understanding of the economic, social, political, and cultural forces that drive education practice and policy, you can work to improve your effectiveness as a practitioner, or pursue a career in leadership, policymaking, or research.

Degrees

The IU School of Education offers the following degrees in History, Philosophy, and Comparative Education:

M.S.Ed. in International and Comparative Education

Understand the economic, social, political, and cultural developments that shape education practice in the United States and around the world. In this 36-credit hour program, you’ll be introduced to core concepts in comparative education and gain an anthropological, sociological, and economic perspective on education policy.

You can also take advantage of the opportunity to do independent research in the United States or abroad as part of your optional master’s thesis.

Degree Requirements

Complete course descriptions and detailed degree requirements may be found in the IU Bloomington School of Education Graduate Bulletin.

Basic Core (9 cr.)

• H551 Comparative Education (3 cr.)
• H552 Comparative Education II: Case Studies (3 cr.)
• H637 Topical Seminar – Comparative and International Education Topic (3 cr.)

Specialized Studies in Educational Foundations (9 cr.)

Choose up to three of the following courses:

• H504 History of American Education (3 cr.)
• H520 Education and Social Issues (3 cr.)
• H525 Anthropology of Education (3 cr.)
• H530 Philosophy of Education (3 cr.)
• H540 Sociology of Education (3 cr.)
• H620 Seminar in Educational Policy Studies (3 cr.)
• A624 Economic Dimensions of Education (3 cr.)
• H637 Topical Seminar (3 cr.)

Or one of the following courses:

• H590 Independent Study (3 cr.)
• H553 Travel Study (3 cr.)

Concentration (9 cr.)

Three courses, selected with the advisor, that form a coherent concentration pertinent to the student’s specific interests in comparative and international education or the application of comparative methods to the study of education (for example, African studies, curriculum, East Asian studies, higher education, language education).

Courses may be selected from those offered by any appropriate unit in the university, but in planning the concentration, students are particularly encouraged to include courses outside the School of Education.

Inquiry Methodology (3 cr.)

One course in educational inquiry methodology, selected with the advisor. These are usually Y-prefix courses in the School of Education, but they may include approved inquiry courses outside the School.

Electives (6 cr.)

Students choosing to complete a master’s thesis will take six credits of H599 Master’s Thesis to meet the elective requirement. Those who choose not to complete a thesis should take elective courses with the consent of their advisor.

M.S.Ed. in History and Philosophy of Education

Explore the historical roots of educational policies and problems and understand the economic, social, political, and cultural developments that shaped them.

Most students pursue this degree as a step toward the doctoral degree. As a result, your course work will should be planned in consultation with your faculty advisor to ensure it aligns well with your future research interests.

Degree Requirements

Complete course descriptions and detailed degree requirements may be found in the IU Bloomington School of Education Graduate Bulletin.

Major Core (15 cr.)

• H504 History of American Education (3 cr.)
• H530 Philosophy of Education (3 cr.)
• Nine additional hours of H-prefix courses, approved by the program advisor. See a complete list of graduate courses in education »

Course Work outside the School of Education (9 cr.)

Course work must be relevant to the history and philosophy of education and should be selected in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Electives (12 cr.)

Courses may be taken in the School of Education or outside departments. Elective courses must be approved by your program advisor.

Ph.D. in History of Education

Explore the history of U.S. education and the external forces that have shaped education policy since the nation’s founding, including race, gender, social class, and international relations. In this 90-credit hour degree program, you’ll conduct original research into education experiences at the elementary, secondary, and higher educational levels. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete supplementary course work in disciplines outside the School of Education, including African American and African Diaspora Studies, American Indian Studies, American Studies, East Asian Studies, Latino Studies, Philanthropy Studies, and Women’s History and Gender Studies.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in university teaching and research, as well as in development and consulting for education-centered organizations, and government agencies.

Degree Requirements

Complete course descriptions and detailed degree requirements may be found in the IU Bloomington School of Education Graduate Bulletin.

At the completion of your course work and before you begin your dissertation, you will need to pass a qualifying exam.

Major (36 cr.)

At least six (6) credit hours must be in inquiry linkage courses, including an early inquiry experience.

Inquiry Core (9 cr. minimum)

The inquiry core includes a survey course in research methodologies and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. See a complete list of approved inquiry core courses from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Minor (12 cr.)

At least twelve (12) credit hours of course work will be taken in an area of study outside of the history of education. The minor must complement the major. The committee member representing the minor field must approve the selection of courses in the minor area.

An interdepartmental/interdisciplinary minor is also possible. In this case, the student must submit a written description of the theme of the minor, an explanation of the contribution of each course to that theme, and a rationale for the selection of the minor representative.Electives (up to 27 cr.)This category can include foundations courses, minor course work, or inquiry course work.

Electives and/or Second Minor (18 cr. minimum: 6 credits for electives and 12 credits for second minor)

A minimum of six (6) credits hours of electives must be taken, although students may exceed that total with the approval of the advisory committee. An additional minor requires a minimum of 12 hours, subject to the rules governing the first. All electives and courses for a second minor must be approved by the advisory committee.

Dissertation (15 cr.)

• At least three (3) credit hours of H795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation
• At least twelve (12) credit hours of H799 Doctoral Thesis in Curriculum and Instruction

Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education

What we teach, how we teach, and why—these questions have their roots in the philosophical underpinnings of education and have important implications for future practice and policy. As a Ph.D. candidate, you’ll explore those issues from various perspectives that may focus upon ethics, epistemology, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and the works of historically important educational thinkers. In addition to education course work, you are encouraged to include relevant classes from outside disciplines, including philosophy, religious studies, history, and philosophy of science.

Graduates typically attain professional roles in university teaching and research, but you may also pursue a career in development and consulting for governmental and private-sector organizations.

Degree Requirements

Complete course descriptions and detailed degree requirements may be found in the IU Bloomington School of Education Graduate Bulletin.

At the completion of your course work and before you begin your dissertation, you will need to pass a qualifying exam.

Major (36 cr.)

At least six (6) credit hours must be in inquiry linkage courses, including an early inquiry experience.

Inquiry Core (9 cr. minimum)

The inquiry core includes a survey course in research methodologies and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. See a complete list of approved inquiry core courses from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Minor (12 cr.)

At least twelve (12) credit hours of course work will be taken in an area of study outside of the philosophy of education. The minor must complement the major. The committee member representing the minor field must approve the selection of courses in the minor area. An interdepartmental/interdisciplinary minor is also possible. In this case, the student must submit a written description of the theme of the minor, an explanation of the contribution of each course to that theme, and a rationale for the selection of the minor representative.

Electives (6 cr. minimum)

This category should included courses in fields relevant to the philosophy of education.

Dissertation (15 cr.)

• At least three (3) credit hours of H795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation
• At least twelve (12) credit hours of H799 Doctoral Thesis in Curriculum and Instruction

Doctoral Minor in International and Comparative Education

Core requirements (6 credits)

• H551 Comparative Education I
• H552 Comparative Education II
• H637 Topical Seminar on Comparative Education topic

Electives (6 credits)

Choose two courses from the following:

• H560 Education and Change in Societies
• H620 Seminar in Education Policy Studies
• H525 Anthropology of Education
• H540 Sociology of Education
• H552 Comparative Education (if not taken in the core)
• H631 Social and Political Philosophy and Education
• H637 Topical Seminar (if not taken in the core)

At least one of the four total courses must be at the 600 level.

Faculty Contacts

Students should contact program faculty before enrolling in this minor.

• Bradley A. U. Levinson, Professor of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Adjunct Professor of Anthropology and Latino Studies
• Heidi A. Ross, Professor and Director, East Asian Studies Center; adjunct, East Asian Languages and Cultures
• Margaret Sutton, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the M.S.Ed. in International & Comparative Education Program

Doctoral Minor in Philosophy of Education

The minor in philosophy of education requires at least twelve (12) semester hours of courses that consist of:

Educational Foundations Core (2 courses)

• H530 Philosophy of Education
• One other 500-level H-course in the School of Education approved by the advisor for the minor

For most students, the second foundations core course should be:

• H504 History of American Education.

For students whose Ph.D. major already includes H504, the second foundations core course may be:

• H510 Foundations of Educational Inquiryor
• H525 Anthropology of Education
• H540 Sociology of Education
• H560 Education and Change in Societies

In special circumstances, the advisor for the minor may approve a substitution for the second foundations core course, such as an additional 600-level H-course in the philosophy of education taught in the School of Education beyond what is required for the philosophy of education specialization.

Philosophy of Education Specialization (two courses)

In most instances, the specialization will consist of two 600-level H-courses in the philosophy of education taught in the School of Education.

In special circumstances, the advisor for the minor may approve the substitution for one of the two specialization courses a relevant graduate course in philosophy taught in the Philosophy Department or a 500-level H-course in the philosophy of education taught in the School of Education.

In all cases, the student must complete at least one 600-level H-course in the philosophy of education taught in the School of Education.

Advisors for the Minor in Philosophy of Education

The advisor for the minor in philosophy of education may be any faculty member who regularly teaches a graduate H-course in the philosophy of education in the School of Education. At present, the minor advisors are Barry Bull, Luise McCarty, and Phil Carspecken.

Qualifying Examinations

All minors must pass a written qualifying examination in the philosophy of education following one of the approved formats for that examination. Students have the option of a proctored four-hour examination or a take-home examination. Questions for the qualifying examination will be prepared by the student’s advisor for the minor. Examinations must be read and rated by the student’s minor advisor and at least one other philosophy of education faculty member.

Doctoral Minor in Social Foundations of Education

This minor introduces students to the use of sociological and anthropological research in the study of education. It encompasses the intellectual foundations of these social sciences, the educational theories and findings of scholars in these disciplines, and the research methodologies of these disciplines that are relevant to educational research.

The twelve credit hours of course work required for this minor cannot duplicate those taken in the major field. A listing of the required courses is available in the office of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Faculty

Our faculty’s research interests range from the moral and ethical implications of education policy to citizenship education in emerging democracies. Their global focus spans education and schooling in China to the impact of slavery on American education.

Wherever your own scholarly interests take you, you’ll find a willing mentor to help you plan your degree program, choose research topics, and guide your intellectual growth.

Careers

While most students go on to faculty positions in education, this discipline has important implications for education policy, instructional design, and education leadership in the public and private sectors. As a result, many of students find employment opportunities as policymakers, instructional designers, and education leaders in the private sector or with public institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Contact

For detailed information about history and philosophy of education degrees, contact:

History of Education

Donald Warren
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4202
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8379
Email: dwarren@indiana.edu

Andrea Walton
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4250
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8359
Email: andwalto@indiana.edu

Philosophy of Education

Luise McCarty
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4236
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8385
Email: lmccarty@indiana.edu

International and Comparative Education

Dr. Heidi Ross, Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4238
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8389
Email: haross@indiana.edu

Dr. Bradley Levinson
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4250
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8359
Email: brlevins@indiana.edu

Dr. Margaret Sutton
W.W. Wright Education Building, Room 4250
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Phone: (812) 856-8368
Email: msutton@indiana.edu