M.S. in Transformative Education and Social Change

We are proud to provide a M.S. degree in Transformative Education and Social Change (TESC) that seeks to support educators in the examination of the transformative potential of teaching and learning. Candidates in the program will be given the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, analyze the issues confronting contemporary education and society, and explore justice-oriented frameworks in order to build a better educational vision for the future. This cohort-based program is ideal for K-12 teachers, community-based educators, and community organizers who are committed to diversity, access, inclusion, and justice in a variety of contexts (suburban, urban, and rural).


In brief, we seek to offer a meaningful, personal, and rewarding experience for educators who, in spite of these trying times, still hold to what drove them into teaching: to have a positive impact on their students and the world. 


The TESC program envisions the preparation and inspiration of empowered educators - transformative intellectuals - who create and share knowledge and strategies to improve the quality of life for their students, schools, and communities. With this in mind, the TESC program centers around an action research project that encourages candidates to create meaningful educational programs that will address issues they see within their own teaching environments.


We welcome prospective candidates to reach out to us with questions about how the TESC program might support your personal and professional goals. We are excited to meet with you and answer any questions you might have!


With warmest regards,

 Jason Wozniak

Coordinator of TESC M.S.

Main & Philadelphia Programs

Program Highlights

Coursework and areas of interest

The TESC MS program seeks to inspire the development of conscious, engaged, and active educators who will embrace their role as democratic agents of change in the communities in which they teach. To this end, candidates will examine the following in their coursework:

  • the historical, social, political, and economic foundations of education in the US
  • the psychology of impactful teaching and learning
  • the role of technology in learning and social change in the twenty-first century
  • how to produce meaningful curricula and empowered pedagogies
  • And much more via elective opportunities!


Our department faculty focuses on a more critical theoretical foundation from which our candidates can make an honest analysis of the issues confronting contemporary education, identify points of concern, and construct transformative programs and practices in response. Faculty in the program draw on the following areas of interest:

  • Critical Pedagogy
  • Culturally Relevant/Culturally Responsive/Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies
  • Critical Race Theory and/or Racial Justice Frameworks
  • Urban Educational Studies
  • Disability Studies in Education
  • Latin American Philosophies of Education
  • Queer Theories/Pedagogies
  • Among others

Tracks for Graduate Certificates

Through the 12 credits of electives in the TESC program, students have the opportunity to gain an additional Certificate in the following areas.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES:

*Offered for programs at West Chester and Philadelphia locations

** Only offered for Philadelphia Center program

West Chester Program

Our West Chester program has successfully prepared dozens of transformative educators since its inception in 2015. Throughout the TESC program, candidates from a variety of local contexts develop a critical theoretical foundation from which they analyze the issues confronting contemporary education. This work culminates in the Critical Action Research Thesis proposal where TESC students formulate a program that will address a problem of practice stemming from their own experience as an educator. Our focus is providing a rewarding experience for educators who hold true to the idealism that drove them into teaching: having a positive, meaningful, and transformative impact on their students and the world we all share with them.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Coursework meets level II teacher certification requirements
  • Graduate certificates available in: Educational Technology, Education for Sustainability, or Higher Education Policy & Student Affairs
  • Evening classes for adult learners
  • Affordable tuition
  • Courses taught by internationally recognized professors who are committed scholars and activists in their respective fields
  • Provides an excellent foundation for further study at the doctoral level

Philadelphia CENTER Program

Our Philadelphia Center program is now open for enrollment and working with educators across the city! Throughout the TESC program candidates from a variety of urban contexts develop a critical theoretical foundation from which they analyze the most pressing issues confronting contemporary education. This work culminates in the Critical Action Research Thesis proposal where TESC students formulate a program that will address a problem of practice stemming from their own experience as an educator. Our focus is providing a rewarding experience for educators who hold true to the idealism that drove them into teaching: having a positive, meaningful, and transformative impact on their students and the world we all share with them.

In the TESC Philly program you will find a flexible and supportive learning environment at our Philadelphia location (701 Market Street) with advisors who will work with you directly to plan your graduate journey. Graduates of the program apply their research directly to their own classrooms, school districts, and communities to make a positive impact.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Coursework meets level II teacher certification requirements
  • Graduate certificate available in Urban Education
  • Evening classes for adult learners
  • Affordable tuition
  • Courses taught by internationally recognized professors who are committed scholars and activists in their respective fields
  • Convenient location
  • Provides an excellent foundation for study at the doctoral level

Application Procedure

Applicants for the M.S.* are expected to have:

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • An undergraduate degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (If an applicant possesses a master's degree, the GPA requirement applies to that degree)

In addition to meeting admission requirements of the University, the student must:

  • Submit two letters of recommendations, all transcripts and a goals statement
  • Be approved by the Department of Educational Foundations and Policy Studies for graduate work

Upon admission, students will be assigned advisors who will help them to outline the appropriate program. All work for the program must be approved by the advisor and the departmental graduate committee.

For additional information please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Jason Wozniak.

contact Dr. Jason Wozniak

To apply for the graduate program, visit The Graduate School site and click on the APPLY NOW button.

* This program does not lead to teacher certification.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Jason Wozniak
Call (610)436-3019
 Email Dr. Wozniak

Apply Now Program Requirements Previous Thesis Projects TESC FACT SHEET

Testimonials

  • "A lot of my coworkers have completed online programs and it seemed to be made up of "busy work". I wanted a program that would allow me to really get something out of it. I came across our MEd Secondary Education: Transformative Education and Social Change Program at at WCU and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The professors in the program know me on a personal level.”

    Alexandra C.

    Math Teacher in Royersford, PA since 2012

  • "The MEd Secondary Education: Transformative Education and Social Change Program has offered me many insights and useful skills into my teaching profession. Through the course of this program, I have been able to identify and begin to develop solutions to issues within my classroom. I have gained a deep understanding in the nuances of the education system in which we teach, and how to appropriately align my teaching practices to best suit my students' needs."

    Rob V.
    Physics Teacher in Kennett Square, PA since 2012

  • "Being a full-time high school classroom teacher, I was initially nervous to take on such a demanding task like grad school while I was working. But the professors have always understood our schedules and work demands. What we read, watched, and talked about often times related to what was directly happening in my own classroom."

    Samantha P.

    English Teacher in West Grove, PA since 2012


  • "I chose the program because I knew that I wanted to be able to interact with classmates and professors within the classroom as opposed to solely online. The structure of the program has helped me grow in my profession as an educator by giving me the opportunity to invest my time and work into a plan for change. This in turn has given me a stronger sense of purpose within my career and life-long learning."

    Erin M.

    Math Teacher in West Grove, PA since 2012


  • "The MEd Secondary Education: Transformative Education and Social Change Program at West Chester University has truly been an enlightening experience. It has allowed me to take a critical look at issues that are relevant to my teaching. Too often teachers isolate themselves and do not see meaning beyond their classrooms. This program opens your eyes to education at a state, national, and global level. In this program you get to select an issue in education that you feel passionate about, research the issue, and develop a thesis. Because it is an issue you care about, it makes the program very rewarding."

    Michelle F.

    Math teacher in King of Prussia, PA since 2009

  • "As a public school teacher in Philadelphia, I have seen the inequities and injustices of the US Education system first-hand and experienced the ways that it puts my students at a disadvantage when compared to the wealthier suburbs. Rather than continuing to accept these inequities and devising ways to work around them, the Transformative Education for Social Change curriculum has helped me to see that it is the system itself that needs to be changed."

    Heidi K.

    High school English and ESOL teacher, School District of Philadelphia since 2017

  • "The professors I’ve had have been extremely supportive, understanding, and flexible. The small class sizes allow for students to form close relationships with each other and professors through critical conversations surrounding subject matter and current policy. .... I think this program is amazing for people- especially educators, who are wholeheartedly dedicated to creating change."

    Chloe P.

    4th year Kindergarten teacher, School District of Philadelphia

  • "These courses have provided the most robust, critical, in-depth, and analytical analysis of public education that I have ever experienced. My HBCU background afforded me a solid foundation as an educator and this Transformative Education and Social Change program will forever change my approach to education. 

    The knowledge that I have gained goes beyond just teaching, it makes me want to be a better human being."

    Christo J.

    Middle school teacher, Springfield School District

  • "The TESC program at WCU has enabled me to view my teaching practice through a critical lens. This is the exact professional endeavor I was looking for to help me grow and consider ways to shape young minds and the future of education. As a full-time teacher, I am grateful for the affordability and accessibility of this program, as well as its outstanding faculty."

    Alexis A.

    K-8 Music Teacher Philadelphia