Master of Education in Social Justice Education | Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Master of Education in Social Justice Education Overview

Build knowledge and skills for careers in education and social impact Or Education, equity, and social change in diverse contexts

Develop the knowledge and skills to engage with education, equity and social change in diverse professional contexts.

The Master of Education (MEd) in Social Justice Education at OISE, University of Toronto, is designed for students interested in applying critical perspectives on education to real-world settings. The program explores the social, historical, cultural, political, and ethical dimensions of education, while supporting students in developing practical and research-informed approaches to social justice.

This program is well suited for those interested in careers in education, community organizations, policy, and global or non-profit sectors, as well as those considering further graduate study.

Students learn in a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and critical engagement. Through discussion-based courses and shared inquiry, the program encourages dialogue, reflection, and the exploration of complex social issues. This supportive academic community allows students to learn from one another, engage with faculty, and connect theory to real-world contexts in meaningful ways.

At a Glance

Study Options
Full-time (4–6 sessions or minimum of 1.5-year program)
Part-time (up to 10 sessions)
Coursework only or coursework plus Major Research Paper (MRP)

Funding and Tuition
For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit Tuition & Financial Support.

Applications
For official deadlines and details, please visit the OISE Application Deadlines page.

Apply

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Have questions about our program, admissions, financial support or career options after graduation? Our team has the answer you’re looking for. Contact us for one-on-one support.

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Why this Program Now?

Whether you're finishing your undergraduate studies, wrapping up language training or exploring a career shift, the MEd lets you move forward without pause—offering a flexible, supportive pathway to graduate studies that aligns with your evolving goals.

Who Should Apply?

This program is a strong fit for:

Students with backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, or education
Individuals interested in equity, diversity, and social justice
Professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers
International students looking for a flexible graduate degree in Canada

We welcome applicants with diverse academic and professional experiences.

Have a Question?

SJE email: oise.sjegrad@utoronto.ca.

We encourage prospective students to reach out for guidance: drop-in sessions available upon request.

For answers to common questions about the admissions process, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Why I Chose Social Justice Education

Devonnia Miller (Master of Education)

Devonnia Miller (she/her) is an SJE doctoral candidate. With over 15 years of experience in higher education administration, she has worked in various roles, including residence services, student life, academic and events coordination, and executive assistance. She was the president of the departmental student association for the 2024-25 academic year.

Student Experience and Outcomes

Students in the SJE program engage with real-world issues while developing skills in critical thinking, research, and communication.

Graduates pursue careers in education, community organizations, policy, and global or non-profit sectors, and some continue to doctoral studies.

Learn more about our alumni and their career paths.

Admission Requirements

We welcome applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.

General admission requirements are set by the School of Graduate Studies. Please visit the OISE Admissions website for full details.

Program-specific requirements include:

An appropriate bachelor’s degree in a humanities, social science, or related field
Minimum academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year
Relevant professional or field experience is considered an asset.

Required documents:

Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Two letters of reference (academic and/or professional)
Résumé outlining relevant experience
Statement of Intent
Sample of written work demonstrating engagement with social justice or related fields

If you are unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to contact us for guidance.

Additional Program Information

Curriculum

Coursework only

Students are required to complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including:

At least 2.5 of the FCEs must be in the Social Justice Education program.
Major Concepts and Issues in Education (SJE1903H, 0.5 FCE) is recommended.
Students who are registered in a collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive credit.
Students are strongly recommended to take Integrating Research and Practice in Social Justice Education (SJE1906H, 0.5 FCE) towards the end of their degree program. This course provides students an opportunity to complete a research project synthesizing their educational experience with their professional, intellectual, and/or community goals.

Coursework and major research paper

Students are required to complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including:

At least 2.0 of the FCEs must be in the Social Justice Education program.
Major Concepts and Issues in Education (SJE1903H, 0.5 FCE) is recommended.
Students who are registered in a collaborative specialization may apply to have their SJE course requirement reduced by 0.5 FCE.
Students must consult with their faculty advisor before enrolling in any out-of-department course for which they wish to receive credit.
Students are strongly recommended to take Integrating Research and Practice in Social Justice Education (SJE1906H, 0.5 FCE) towards the end of their degree program. This course provides students an opportunity to complete a research project synthesizing their educational experience with their professional, intellectual, and/or community goals.

Major research paper (SJE2001Y, 1.0 FCE)

Collaborative Specializations

Collaborative specializations provide graduate students enrolled in participating degree programs with an additional multidisciplinary experience as they complete their home degree program.

Learn more about the collaborative specializations offered to MA students in the Social Justice Education program:

Faculty Research Areas

Faculty in the Social Justice Education program have multi-disciplinary teaching and research expertise in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

Anti-colonial and Indigenous education
Anti-racism education
Ethics and education
Critical race studies
Indigenous knowledges
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Queer and gender theory

MEd Focus Streams

Master of Education (MEd) focus streams consist of lists of suggested courses that may be taken to complement the personal and academic interests of MEd students. The completion of these combinations of courses provide students the opportunity to maximize their learning experience in a particular area of study.

These include:

Teaching in and for Diverse Classrooms
Disability and Critical Studies
Environmental and Sustainability Studies in Education
Media Literacy in Education
Indigenous Studies in Education from Local to Global
Black Studies
Race and Racial Formation Studies in Education

Ready to join one of the world’s top universities?

Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at OISE.

Apply Now