The sociological study of education began at Teachers College in the first decade of the twentieth century. Sociology was established as the first social science discipline providing a basic framework for the study of education, complementing the long-established reliance on psychology. Over this period, the Sociology and Education Program has applied research findings to education and has examined basic issues in education from a sociological perspective. Although the program’s theory and research have emphasized schools and colleges, attention also has been given to education in other contexts.

The faculty for Sociology and Education includes sociologists from other programs at the College and the Department of Sociology of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Faculty strengths are in education and social stratification; the social organization and design of schools, classrooms, and other learning environments; urban education; school desegregation and school choice; education and the life course; and the social analysis of education policy. The program provides training and hands-on experience in evaluation methods and both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

 

The curriculum of the Sociology and Education program emphasizes issues in urban edu-cation, including the social organization of urban schools and school systems, and the success or failure of urban schools in meeting the educational needs of the diverse populations they serve. The program faculty are actively engaged in the analysis and evaluation of educational policies and programs designed to serve educationally disadvantaged populations.

 

The program in Sociology and Education also offers a Policy Studies Concentration for students in the M.A. and Ed.M. programs. For more information on this concentration, which is open to students throughout Teachers College, please contact Professor Amy Stuart Wells.

 

Degree Programs

 

The graduate program in Sociology and Education offers four degree programs: the M.A., the Ed.M., the Ed.D., and the Ph.D. Each program is designed to meet the needs of students with a particular combination of prior experience and career objectives. The M.A., Ed.M., and Ed.D. programs may be completed on a part-time basis with classes offered in the evening hours. The Ph.D. program requires full-time study. Although students from all of the degree programs in sociology and education are prepared to assume positions in educational institutions, the program does not offer teacher certification. Certification programs are available in other departments at Teachers College.

 

Master of Arts

 

The Master of Arts program in sociology and education (with a policy concentration option) provides an introduction to the application of sociological perspectives to contemporary educational policy issues. The program provides coverage of the core principles and methods of sociology as they are applied to policy research and analysis. Students completing this program are prepared to assume positions as general analysts in a variety of organizations devoted to applied educational research, policy making, advocacy, consulting, and direct educational service.

 

Master of Education

 

The Master of Education in sociology and education (with a policy concentration option) is an advanced master’s degree pursued by students who already possess a master’s degree in a substantive area of education or by students without a prior master’s degree who want an opportunity to combine study in sociology and education with another area in education. The program involves study of sociological perspectives and methods in the context of contemporary educational policy issues. Current substantive areas that can be combined with study in sociology and policy include evaluation and institutional analysis, human development, technology, curriculum, administration, and foundations. Students completing this program are prepared to assume positions as specialists in a variety of organizations devoted to applied educational research, policy making, advocacy, consulting, and management of educational activities.

 

Doctor of Philosophy

 

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) program is designed for students with substantial background and interest in the discipline of sociology and its application to education. The Ph.D. is a highly specialized degree with few electives and requires substantial coursework to be done in daytime classes at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. This program, therefore, requires full-time study. Students completing this program are prepared to assume positions in college and university programs focused on sociological research in the field of education.

 

Doctor of Education

 

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program is designed to provide broad training in the social sciences, education, and educational policy. The program prepares students for positions in teaching, research, and policy through interdisciplinary study grounded in the sociological perspective. All coursework is available at Teachers College, and both part-time and full-time study is possible. Students completing this program are prepared to assume positions in college and university programs in education as well as leadership positions in a variety of organizations devoted to applied educational research, policy making, advocacy, consulting, and management of educational activities.