Equity and Diversity in Education, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Lynda Wiest, Graduate Program Director
wiest@unr.edu
(775) 682-7868

Mailing Address:

University of Nevada, Reno
College of Education, Mail Stop 0299 
1664 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557-0330

II. Brief Introduction

The master’s program in Equity and Diversity in Education (EDE) offers advanced study on use of inclusive methods to serve diverse learners in the classroom and beyond. This program allows educators and those in related fields to enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work more effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Multiple dimensions of human diversity are addressed through the program’s course work, with special attention to gender, race/ethnicity, national origin, language, social class, and exceptionality.

• For students who are not licensed Nevada teachers, licensure courses may be taken as part of a master’s degree. Several areas of emphasis are available within each.
• For students holding a teaching license, it is possible to earn credits toward an endorsement in ESL.
• It is also possible, upon admission to a postbaccalaureate licensure program (in elementary, special or secondary education), to concurrently pursue a graduate certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. See the departments for more information.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate to equity and diversity in education. 
• Graduates will show an ability to apply research and theory to practice.
• Graduates will display scholarly writing skills that are culturally sensitive and mechanically correct.

IV. Admission Requirements

Applicants need to meet and/or complete the following:

• Completion of the program application
• GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Statement of professional goals
• 1-2 page resume
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Qualified in the professional judgment of the program faculty

The specific curriculum requirements are adapted to the professional needs of the student. Students should not enroll in any graduate-level course without first securing the approval of the program that such a course is acceptable toward a selected major or minor.

In addition to admission requirements specified by each department, applicants must be qualified in the professional judgment of the College of Education faculty.

V. Program Requirements

The MS Degree in Equity and Diversity requires students to develop a program of study in conjunction with their advisor and committee that includes a minimum of 32 graduate credits, at least 15 of which must be at the 700-level. In order to earn the master of arts, master of science or master of education degrees, students must complete 32 to 67 credits of approved courses with a major in education. Master of arts and master of science degree programs, in some areas, may also require a six-credit thesis. 

All degree candidates are required to complete one or more research courses. All MEd students are also required to take 1 to 3 credits of comprehensive examination. A maximum of six graduate credits of S/U grades may be applied toward a master’s degree.

Completion Requirements for the Master’s Degree include:

1. Filing a program of study, approved by the Graduate School
2. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA in all graduate work
3. Successful completion of a culminating comprehensive examination or project.

Generally, students are advised to enroll in improvement courses for in-service education at the graduate level. These courses are also offered in extension or branch centers, workshops, short conferences, evening schools and individual problem courses by arrangement. Inquiries are encouraged.

VI. Total Units (32 units)