Cultural Studies in Education

The Master of Arts in Cultural Studies in Education at the University of Texas at Austin offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the intersections of culture, education, and society. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring how cultural practices, beliefs, and identities shape educational experiences and outcomes across diverse communities. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, students engage with critical issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and power dynamics within educational settings. The curriculum emphasizes analysis of cultural texts, institutional practices, policy implications, and community engagement, equipping graduates with the analytical skills necessary to challenge and transform educational environments. Students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty involved in cutting-edge research and to participate in seminars, workshops, and community projects that emphasize social justice and equitable education. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, educational policy, community organizations, non-profit sectors, and cultural institutions. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural factors influencing learning and teaching, empowering students to become informed advocates who can contribute to positive social change. With a flexible structure, the program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, allowing them to tailor their studies to their professional goals and personal interests. The University of Texas at Austin’s program in Cultural Studies in Education emphasizes critical thinking, reflective practice, and active engagement in contemporary cultural debates, making it an ideal choice for those committed to advancing inclusive and culturally responsive education worldwide.

Research Methodology Requirement (3 hours)

EDC 380R Educational Research and Design

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Requirement (6 hours required)

Students may select 2 courses from the following, with assistance of the area program advisor:

• EDC 381F  Introduction to Teaching and Teacher Education
• EDC 383F  Curriculum Theory
• EDC 384P  Multicultural Education
• EDC 385G  Cultural Knowledge of Teachers and Teaching
• EDC 385G  Foundations of Curriculum
• EDC 385G  Learning Theories: Instructional Implications

Specialization (15 hours)

Students with an emphasis on Cultural Studies in Education will take additional related courses (minimum 15 hours), selected with the assistance and approval of the area program adviser. To help meet their personal career goals, students are encouraged to select courses from other clusters in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

CSE Program Area Specifics (9 hours)

Select 3 courses from the following:

• EDC 380F  Sociocultural Foundations
• EDC 385G  Advanced Multicultural Education
• EDC 380G  Anthropology of Education
• EDC 385G  Chicana Feminist Theorists
• EDC 385G  Critical Pedagogy
• EDC 385G  Cultural Knowledge of Teachers and Teaching
• EDC 385G  Education in Contemporary Black America
• EDC 385G  Explorations in the Education of the Mexican American Child
• EDC 385G  Foundations of Curriculum
• EDC 385G  Identity, Agency, and Education
• EDC 385G  Race and Ethnic Relations in Schools
• EDC 392L  Philosophical Foundations of Education

Specialization Electives (6 hours)

Choose an additional 2 (two) courses in EDC (Curriculum & Instruction) with a clear cultural focus. Consult with the CSE Graduate Advisor for course approval, or you may choose from the courses listed above.

Courses Out of Department (Minimum 6 hours)

CSE students are highly encouraged to take courses outside the College of Education to fulfill this requirement. Suggested areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Mexican American Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, Asian and Asian American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Latin American Studies, Cultural Studies, American Studies.

Additional Requirements (Minimum 6 hours)

Additional requirements differ for Master of Arts with Thesis, Master of Arts with Report, and Master of Education.

Master of Arts With Thesis

• EDC 698A  Thesis: Research
• EDC 698B  Thesis: Writing

Master of Arts With Report

• EDC 398R Report
• One additional elective (3 hours)

Master of Education

• Two additional electives (6 hours)

Requirements

• TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
• IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination
• GIAC Online Application
  Select the appropriate major on the drop-down menu. Note: STEM Education requires a specific major selection. Applicants to all other programs should select Curriculum and Instruction as their major.
• Official Transcripts
• Supporting Materials
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of Reference
  • Supplemental Non-English Writing Sample (Bilingual/Bicultural Education applications only)

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Cultural Studies in Education program at the University of Texas at Austin offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees are determined annually and are subject to change based on university policies and state funding, but detailed cost estimates are provided on the university's official financial aid website. Graduate students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid programs, including federal student loans, which require submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to federal assistance, the university offers a range of internal scholarships and fellowships tailored specifically to students in graduate programs within the College of Education. These awards are merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards specific research interests and demographic backgrounds. Students can also seek teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and associate positions that provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work responsibilities related to their academic pursuits. The university maintains a comprehensive financial aid office that offers counseling and assistance in applying for various funding sources. External funding options include scholarships from professional organizations, grants for research projects, and private foundation fellowships aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in education. International students are advised to explore funding avenues specific to their status and may also consider external scholarship programs for international students. The university promotes financial literacy and planning workshops to help students manage their finances effectively during their studies. Furthermore, students are encouraged to consult their academic advisors and the university’s financial aid officers for personalized guidance on funding opportunities and application procedures. Overall, the program emphasizes accessible financial support to ensure that qualified students can participate fully in their educational experience without undue financial burden.

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies in Education at the University of Texas at Austin offers students a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which culture influences educational practices, policies, and identities. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for careers in education, community activism, policy analysis, and cultural organizing by providing a strong foundation in critical cultural theory, educational research, and social justice issues. The curriculum integrates coursework from several departments, including Education, Anthropology, Sociology, and American Studies, emphasizing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

Students in this program engage with topics such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality, examining how these social categories intersect and shape educational experiences. The program encourages critical analysis of curricula, pedagogical approaches, and institutional structures, advocating for equitable and inclusive education systems. Through participatory learning experiences, students develop skills in qualitative research, community engagement, and policy advocacy, enabling them to become active agents of change in diverse educational settings.

The program includes opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and research projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Graduates are prepared for graduate study or careers in education reform, non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, or governmental agencies that focus on educational equity and social justice. The University of Texas at Austin provides a supportive academic community with faculty who are leading scholars in the fields of cultural studies, education policy, and social justice. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking and active engagement equips students to analyze and address complex cultural and educational issues in local, national, and global contexts.