Education & Society MA Thesis Prize

The Education & Society MA Thesis Prize is awarded each year for the best MA thesis that investigates education-related issues using the tools of the social sciences. The prize is awarded to an MA thesis that exemplifies the highest qualities of originality, disciplinary rigor, and which contributes most significantly to advancing knowledge relevant to education. 

Any student writing an MA thesis related to education is eligible for nomination. There are two rounds of competition for this year’s prize — one for June graduates and one for August graduates.

How to Apply

To be considered for the prize, student papers must be nominated by their advisor or preceptor. To nominate a student’s paper, advisors/preceptors should fill out this nomination form and attach a letter of support. Advisors/preceptors may only nominate one student paper per prize cycle (i.e. one June grad and one August grad).

Dates and Deadlines 

• Deadlines for the 2026-2027 prize cycle will be posted in Spring 2027

The winners will receive a prize and the June winner will be recognized at the Committee on Education End of Year Celebration. For more information on this opportunity, please contact: Lisa Rosen, Associate Senior Instructional Professor, Director of Instructional Programs, Committee on Education, at rosen@uchicago.edu.