Social and Comparative Analysis in Education (SCAE) is the scholarly study of fundamental problems and questions in education in the United States and around the world from a critical, global perspective. We look at education holistically, including formal and non-formal settings across the lifespan. We analyze the relationship between education and social justice in the complementary fields of social foundations, comparative, international, and development education.
The program is grounded in the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences (anthropology, economics, history, literature, philosophy, political science, and sociology) and in innovative, interdisciplinary fields such as business, cultural studies, global studies, and women's studies. In conjunction with their program of study, students have the opportunity to earn a certificate from one or more of the area studies programs coordinated by the University Center for International Studies (African,
Asian, Latin American, Russian and East European, and West European).
Our graduates are able to bring a diverse repertoire of analytic skills to a broad range of academic and professional fields. Our graduates are prepared to teach and do research in the traditional social foundation disciplines, teacher education, and other education areas at the university level. They are also well prepared to take on leadership roles in international and development organizations, education policy-making bodies, consulting and evaluation firms, non-profit organizations, and innovative
schools.
The following sections highlight the distinguishing features of SCAE:
Individually Designed Program
The SCAE program offers highly motivated and capable students the opportunity to create an individually-tailored program at both the master's (MA or MEd) and doctoral (PhD) level. Students work closely with faculty advisors to build on their strengths to select courses, to enhance their range of applied experiences, and to better hone their expertise. Our graduates are highly prepared for the diverse repertoire of skills that they can apply to a wide range of fields.
Diverse Student Body
We take pride in our heterogeneous and highly-qualified student body, who come from different regions of the US and virtually every part of the world. Our students come to SCAE from many different undergraduate majors and master's degree programs. Most have national, international, and intercultural interests. Some are teachers (especially in the field of social studies) or are school leaders. Others work in non-formal education such as after-school, community-based or museum settings. Many bring
professional experience gained through such organizations as Jumpstart, the Peace Corps, City Year, JET, AmeriCorps, VISTA, or Bonner Scholars. Others have extensive leadership experience in domestic or international agencies involved in educational development and policy. Many have valuable teaching experiences in our schools. As a result, SCAE students enjoy a dynamic exchange of diverse perspectives and experiences in our classes.
Experiential, Research-based Preparation
In addition to a rigorous set of disciplinary core courses, SCAE students receive credit for experiential learning and applied educational experiences. These include individualized directed studies with professors doing cutting-edge research, internships and field research conducted locally and abroad, and study groups on advanced topics. Many also take part in a well-established international service-learning sequence. All SCAE doctoral students complete a research apprenticeship to learn the methods,
ethics, and standards of researching and generating products under the direct supervision of a graduate faculty member.
Degrees
- Master of Education (MEd) - professional degree for the graduate student who wishes to pursue advanced study in at least one field of educational effort and to demonstrate a superior level of expertise and capacity for leadership in that field
- Master of Arts (MA) - professional degree for the graduate student who wishes to pursue advanced study in education and to demonstrate through the master's thesis their capacity for planning and arranging original research related to professional practice
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - emphasis is placed on the development of competencies necessary to careers devoted primarily to the conduct of research, scholarly inquiry, and teaching
Contact Information
Michael Gunzenhauser
EMAIL: mgunzen@pitt.edu
PHONE: 412-648-2119
Admission Inquiries and Application Materials should be directed to:
School of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
PHONE: 412-648-2230
FAX: 412-648-1899
EMAIL: soeinfo@pitt.edu
ONLINE (preferred): Inquiry Form
APPLICATION: Admissions Application
