History of Education - Humanities and Social Sciences S tudy in the history of education is designed to prepare people for careers in teaching and administration at both the high school and postsecondary levels, in policy analysis, or in the management of nonprofit organizations, especially philanthropic foundations. Graduate students work closely with their advisors to plan a program that suits their interests and aspirations. They may focus their studies on the history of schools and colleges or other institutions and media of education, including the family, the press, and political or social movements. Often studies link the history of education and current issues of public policy. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses throughout the University and to take advantage of New York City's abundant cultural resources.
Many graduates go on to executive positions in foundations or become educational consultants.
Most graduates from the Ph.D. program secure teaching positions in colleges and universities. The demand for professors of history of education has increased in recent years and is expected to continue to rise. The master's program requires 36 points that can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students take 18 points in courses in the history of education on such topics as past and present theories about the function of the school and the role of the teacher in the educative process, the place of the humanities and sciences in education, historical analyses and comparisons of leading educational theorists of the 20th century, and readings in the history of Western thought. In addition, students take 12 points in courses outside the history of education, which are selected in consultation with an adviser, and 6 points working on a final integrating paper, the topic for which will emerge from the student's program of study.