University Center for Teacher Education
Education Bldg. (02), Room 121
(805) 756-2583

The Master of Arts degree in Education is designed to provide both a broad-based perspective of education and increased competence in positions of special responsibility. The specializations are closely related to the occupational and professional requirements of a variety of vocational pursuits in the fields of education, counseling, college student affairs, and agencies involved with community affairs.

All programs require a minimum of 45 quarter units of acceptable graduate work, with at least 24 units of 500-level Education courses. Courses taken in these programs may also be applied toward related credentials.

The candidate must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better in all coursework attempted subsequent to admission to postbaccalaureate standing. Calculation of the grade point average will include all grades, although only the courses with A, B, or C grades will be counted to satisfy requirements for the degree. Required courses with a D or F grade must be repeated in all M.A. programs. All candidates must meet the current Graduation Writing Requirement.

Credits earned in student teaching will not be accepted toward completion of any specialization within the Master of Arts in Education. At least 36 program-required quarter units shall be completed in residence. Transfer and/or extension credits will only be accepted when the credits are acceptable for master's degree credit by the offering institution in its own programs.

Depending on the specialization, final assessment of a candidate's progress shall include a comprehensive written examination and EDUC 590 Research Applications in Education, or the completion of a thesis/project. Students must enroll in EDUC 599 Thesis/Project (or EDUC 598) for every quarter in which they are receiving advisement.

The student may enroll in a graduate degree curriculum, if in the opinion of the appropriate campus authority, the student can remedy any deficiencies by additional preparation.

For admission as a classified graduate student, a student shall have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter units attempted. A student shall have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Or, the student shall have completed equivalent academic preparation and have satisfactorily met the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as the appropriate university authorities may prescribe. Only those applicants who show promise of success and fitness will be admitted to the graduate degree program, and only those who continue to demonstrate a satisfactory level of scholastic competence and who possess appropriate personal qualities will be eligible to continue in such a program.

Advancement to master's degree candidacy requires completion of a minimum of 24 quarter units of program-required courses in residence, specified in a formal program of study, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and the formal recommendation of the specialization faculty. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all coursework included on the formal program of study, and in all coursework completed subsequent to admission to postbaccalaureate standing.

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in public or private school counseling or student affairs work in higher education. Admission to the program requires references, an autobiographical statement, and an interview. Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential candidates must meet credential requirements of the State of California. Only six quarter units of fieldwork experience will apply toward the M.A., although additional fieldwork will be required to meet PPS credential and student affairs requirements. Student affairs candidates must include EDUC 562 in their formal program of study. EDUC 590 and a comprehensive written examination or EDUC 599 are required for degree completion. Candidates whose goals are for clinical counseling careers in agency settings or in private practice should refer to the Master of Science degree program in Psychology in the Psychology and Human Development Department.

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The Curriculum and Instruction Specialization aims at expanding the candidate's instructional skills and knowledge of curriculum at the elementary and/or secondary level. Candidates may want to improve their skills as classroom teachers; they may choose to enter positions as curriculum specialists or instructional team leaders; or they may seek employment in the private sector in curriculum development and training related positions. Courses taken in this program may be applied toward a fifth year of study for a clear teaching credential. In addition to the general prerequisites, applicants must have successfully completed student teaching or the equivalent prior to entering the program.

EDUC 590 and a comprehensive written examination, or EDUC 599, are required for the completion of a master's degree with a specialization in curriculum and instruction.

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This program is designed for career candidates in educational administration. It emphasizes a comprehensive knowledge of educational administration including applied theory of administration and leadership, schools in contemporary society, and effective management related to educational outcomes. While designed for career school administrators, the program can be helpful for administrators in other fields. EDUC 590 and a comprehensive written examination, or EDUC 599, are required for completion of a masters degree with a specialization in Educational Administration.

Work in this program may be applicable to an Administrative Services Credential (See credential programs).

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The Master of Arts degree in Education with a specialization in Reading is designed to present the candidate an opportunity for advanced preparation in reading. Graduate students not meeting minimum standards may appeal for special consideration to the Reading Assessment Committee.

EDUC 590 and a comprehensive written examination, or EDUC 599, are required for the completion of a master's degree with a specialization in reading.

The Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Special Education is an academic program that offers the student an opportunity for advanced learning in Special Education. Applicants must meet personal and professional standards, including necessary qualifying examinations, presentation of personal recommendations, and a personal interview.

Units for the master's degree program can be applied towards the requirements for a clear single or multiple subjects teaching credential. It is also possible for the qualified student to complete the requirements for the Specialist Credential while pursuing the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Education.

EDUC 590 and a comprehensive written examination, or EDUC 599, are required for the completion of the Master's degree with a specialization in Special Education.

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