Urban Education Graduate Certificate

Graduate students in the College of Education have an opportunity to study issues of urban education in greater depth through the Urban Education Graduate Certificate program. This interdepartmental sequence of courses is primarily for doctoral students who have a particular interest in teaching and conducting research within the contexts of urban communities.

Preparation for Teaching in Urban Communities

Addressing inequities in education for students of color, English language learners and young people growing up in under-resourced communities is a major priority of Michigan State University’s College of Education. The college also has a specialized undergraduate teacher preparation program focused on education in urban areas.

From the Program Coordinator

“We have said urban education is important, and this is one thing we are doing to make an impact,” said Christopher Dunbar, coordinator of the Urban Education Graduate Certificate and a Professor of Educational Administration. "We want school districts to know that MSU is a place where educators can gain the knowledge and insight to successfully teach, lead and conduct research in urban school environments."

Defining Urban Education

We define urban education as teaching and learning in urban contexts that serve students who have been historically disenfranchised and traditionally marginalized by systems of inequality based primarily on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, social class, language, and disability.

Providing you with the Tools to Better Serve Urban School Children

To earn a certificate in urban education, students are required to complete 12 credits from the selection of new and revised classes on topics such as Teaching in Urban Contexts, Critical Race Theory in Education, and Diverse Families and Communities. They also must complete an internship focused on urban education developed in consultation with their advisor.

Graduate Certificate Courses

For more information, please see the College-wide Urban Education Graduate Certificate Sequence of Courses for PhD Students.

Important Forms

• Intent to Enroll Form
• Completion Review Form

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