Curriculum Overview
Students in the M.A. in Educational Transformation gain the in-depth and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to be an effective professional through coursework anchored in a set of research-based practices that advance the learning of students and the transformation of education policies.
The M.A. in Educational Transformation requires 30 credit hours over four semesters (Summer I, Fall, Spring, and Summer II). During the fall and spring semesters, students split their time between classes and their residency. Our two summer semesters – required for all concentrations – bring students together across concentrations to explore the intersection between life inside the classroom and the external political forces which shape and constrict that environment. The first summer semester runs July-August, and the second summer semester runs the following May-June.
Full-Time Course Sequence
All program coursework occurs in the evenings with classes typically beginning at 5:00 pm., complemented by Experiential Learning during the work day. To complete the program in just one year, students follow the full-time course sequence.
Summer I (July-August) | Fall | Spring | Summer II (May-June) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cross-Concentration Course (3 credits) | Residency Course I (3 credits) | Residency Course II (3 credits) | Cross-Concentration Course (3 credits) |
Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) |
— | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | — |
Semester total: 6 credits | Semester total: 9 credits | Semester total: 9 credits | Semester total: 6 credits |
Part-Time Course Sequence
A part-time course sequence provides added flexibility when needed. Students following this sequence finish the program in two years. All program coursework occurs in the evenings with classes typically beginning at 5:00 pm.
First Year
Summer I (July-August) | Fall | Spring | Summer II (May-June) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cross-Concentration Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) |
Semester total: 3 credits | Semester total: 3 credits | Semester total: 3 credits | Semester total: 3 credits |
Second Year
Summer I (July-August) | Fall | Spring | Summer II (May-June) |
|---|---|---|---|
Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Residency Course I (3 credits) | Residency Course II (3 credits) | Cross-Concentration Course (3 credits) |
— | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | Concentration-Specific Course (3 credits) | — |
Semester total: 3 credits | Semester total: 6 credits | Semester total: 6 credits | Semester total: 3 credits |
Concentration-Specific Coursework
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning is a cornerstone of the M.A. in Educational Transformation, combining the study of educational research and theory with hands-on, experiential learning in schools, nonprofits, school districts, and public agencies. Through their experiential learning placements, students are immersed in the complex educational contexts of DC, a center of education policymaking and innovation, which offers a vivid perspective on the rewards and challenges of a career in the field. For more information, visit our Experiential Learning page.
Speaker Series
As part of Educational Transformation’s commitment to experiential learning, students from all concentrations participate in a Professional Development Speaker Series, composed of lectures, panels, workshops, and site visits aimed at exposing our students to experts engaged deeply in the ongoing and critical work of educational transformation in action. For more information, visit our Speaker Series page.