Education students having discussion with professor

Educational Studies Master's

Master of Science (M.S.)

Develop research skills and learn the foundational ideas to prepare for a dynamic career in the diverse field of education.

Develop research expertise to examine educational issues from the interdisciplinary perspectives of history, sociology, anthropology and psychology in order to develop practical solutions to today’s educational challenges. With an M.S. in Educational Studies from UND, you will become an informed leader, reflective practitioner and successful communicator well suited for schools, higher education, industry and education doctoral programs.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2-3 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a master's in educational studies?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 1 | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The M.S. in Educational Studies offers an advanced social sciences and humanities education paired with robust training in research.

In this program you will:

  • Study historical, psychological, sociological and anthropological perspectives underpinning education
  • Acquire research skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Actively participate in a community of scholarship
  • Study current issues and trends in education practice and assessment
  • Focus on social justice to develop a critical voice on impactful education topics
  • Prepare yourself for advanced doctoral programs in education

The program culminates with a scholarly project, independent study or thesis.

Educational Studies Master's at UND

  • Enjoy flexibility in choosing research topics, customize your program of study and take elective courses from across the university.

  • Develop your enthusiasm for inquiry and join a community of scholars that positions you as a top applicant for doctoral programs in education.

  • Set a path for lifelong learning essential for intellectual curiosity, personal fulfillment and social responsibility through an advanced education in the social sciences and humanities.

  • Earn a graduate certificate in Learning Analytics, a signal to employers that you have particularly in-demand skills.

  • Attend class on a schedule that accommodates working professionals, including evening classes and online offerings.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Careers in Educational Studies

75k

Median annual salary for instructional coordinators, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

61k

Median annual salary for survey researchers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The demand for education professionals with advanced degrees is growing nationwide across a variety of industries. An M.S. in Educational Studies prepares you for rewarding careers in settings such as:

  • Research analysis
  • Higher education
  • Administrative positions in higher education or P-12 schools
  • Education consulting
  • Federal and state agencies
  • Nongovernmental organizations
  • Non-formal education organizations, such as museums and community programs
  • Curricular and program evaluation

Educational Studies Jobs

An Educational Studies degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Curriculum Development
  • Event Planning
  • Qualitative Research
  • Strategic Planning
  • Grant Writing
  • Software Development Life Cycle

UND Educational Studies Alumni

Educational Studies alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Grand Forks Public Schools
  • Blake High School
  • African Arts Arena
  • Bismarck Public Schools
  • E W, Inc.

Educational Studies Courses

EFR 501. Psychological Foundations of Education. 3 Credits.

A study of the learning process with secondary emphasis on how the learning process is affected by individual differences, growth and development, and personality. A background in undergraduate Educational Psychology is assumed. Both theories of learning and theories of instruction are considered. SS.

EFR 509. Introduction to Applied Educational Research. 3 Credits.

An introduction to applied research methodologies used to study education. The course covers quantitative as well as qualitative types of research. The paradigms of both types of research will be contrasted and the application of the methodologies in actual research investigated. F,S,SS.

EFR 510. Becoming a qualitative researcher: techniques, skills and practical methods. 3 Credits.

Qualitative researchers engage in systematic inquiry and direct collaboration with individuals and communities to explore highly contextualized phenomenon with the purpose of action or change. Qualitative methods are naturalistic, highly contextual, participatory and relational. Exploring the lived experiences and perspective of others requires attention to relationships, rapport and trust among all participants. From justice-centered and critical perspectives, this course introduces students to qualitative research methods in the social sciences to equip them with the skills for conducting qualitative research.Students will learn fundamental participatory methods of data collection including observations, interviewing, focus groups, as well as data analysis and writing up qualitative findings. F,S,SS.

EFR 515. Statistics I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to basic statistical methods, focusing primarily on descriptive statistics and inferential statistics up to and including two-way analysis of variance.

EFR 527. Education Policy: Theories & Research. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will explore the theories, approaches and methodologies that undergird policy research on all levels of education. Students will explore various education debates and the reforms, practices and policies that stem from them. Students will consider the role of policy as a pathway or barrier to social justice and the various ways researchers study and engage with policy. On demand.

EFR 505. Educational Equity and Social Change in Schooling. 3 Credits.

Students will study how education, and specifically schooling, has shifted with changing social and cultural conditions; and in response how schooling has been used as a means to assert social control over students and communities. Students will learn how schools are a place where inequitable social structures are both reproduced and can also be reformed. Students' final product demonstrates an application of these understandings related to a specific educational organization in the creation of a collaborative, action-oriented, product that reflects the goals of social change. On demand.

Educational Studies Master's Online

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND's Educational Studies master's is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus.

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this master's program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Educational Studies Master's Online Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Educational Studies

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.

Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Dr. Steven LeMire 
Program Director, Assistant Professor
P 701.777.3158

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