The Master of Arts degree in Education is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 36 semester units is required for the degree. The curriculum for each of the concentrations in this degree links theory to practice for teachers, counselors, principals, and other educators.
Graduation Requirements
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Records Office, Point Loma campus);
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher;
- Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
- A recommendation from the program coordinator and director of the Regional Center;
- All accounts paid in full.
Program Eligibility for the Master of Arts in Education
- A completed application for admission to the program;
- Successful completion of post-baccalaureate credential program or graduate degree program or an undergraduate upper-division grade-point average of 3.000;
- Official transcript showing completion of a bachelor degree (other transcripts may be required if a Master's program is joined with a credential program, but these will not be required for admission);
- A minimum of two recommendations from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant's character and professional performance;
- A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability;
- Test scores: Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test and/or a graduate degree; and
- An interview with the appropriate graduate director or coordinator.
CONCENTRATIONS
The Master of Arts in Education offers four specializations: (1) Teaching and Learning for classroom teachers; (2) Special Education; (3) Counseling and Guidance; or (4) Educational Leadership.
Teaching and Learning
The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning strategically refines the ability of classroom teachers to deeply understand and apply "best practices" and the latest research on effective teaching to significantly improve student learning in the classrooms. This program substantially builds on the foundation of the Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject credential and Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Induction program requirements.
Candidates serving in private schools or charter schools, who are not part of a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) induction program, may earn a California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved 2042 Fifth Year Professional Clear credential as part of the Master of Arts program.
The Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning is a 36 unit evidence-based program, focused on significant candidate transformation along the California Standards for the Teaching Profession's Learning to Teach continuum.
Candidates develop differentiated learning plans for their graduate coursework, building on the evidence of their prior knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Up to six units of post- baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates with their preliminary coursework from this university may apply up to 12 units of approved coursework.
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| EDU 502 |
Research-Based Learning Theory |
3
|
|
OR |
|
| EDU 600 |
Foundations of Education and Learning Theory |
(3) |
| EDU 506 |
Principles of Language Acquisition and Preparation to Teach English Learners |
3 |
|
OR |
|
| EDU 601 |
Language Acquisition and Diverse Populations |
(3) |
| EDU 508 |
Assessment and Research Practices |
3
|
|
OR |
|
| EDU 603 |
Classroom Assessment and Research Practices |
3 |
|
AND Either |
|
| EDU 522 |
Differentiated Writing and Related Language Arts Instruction for All Learners (Multiple Subject) |
3
|
|
OR |
|
| EDU 610 |
Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing (Multiple Subject) |
(3) |
|
OR |
|
| EDU 536 |
Curriculum Development, Innovation, and Evaluation (Single Subject) |
3 |
|
OR |
|
|
One course in content specific pedagogy (EDU 622- 629) |
(3) |
As part of fulfilling the program elective requirements, an in-depth option may be chosen in a variety of areas including:
- Reading Certification
- Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development
- Educational Leadership
- Special Education
- Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA)
- Counseling and Guidance
- Graduate Education 689 Master's Project (3-6 units)
- Advanced candidates may pursue in-depth research in a content area with a content area expert.
CORE COURSES
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| GED 628* |
Using Technology to Support Student Learning (BTSA Standard 16) |
3 |
| GED 639* |
Health Education (BTSA Standard 16) |
2
|
| GED 642* |
Advanced Teaching of English Learners (BTSA Standard 19) |
3 |
| GED 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
3 |
| GED 677* |
Teaching Special Populations (BTSA Standard 20) |
3 |
| All students enrolled in the MATL concentration are required to complete an Action Research Project through either of the options below |
| GED 689 |
Master's Project |
3 |
|
OR |
|
| GED 693 |
Research-Based Intervention Models and Strategies
(For students in the Reading Certification program) |
(3) |
| GED 689P |
Action Research Project Support |
1 |
|
OR |
|
| GED 698 |
Special Studies in Education: Literacy Field Studies (Reading Certificate Level)
(For students in the reading certificate program) |
(1) |
|
In-Depth Options (below) |
3-6 |
|
MASTER'S TOTAL |
36 |
|
|
|
| Teachers enrolled in a BTSA or Clear Credential program can choose EITHER: |
| GED683* |
BTSA Induction |
3-6 |
| GED 683C** |
Reflective Coaching |
(3) |
| *Clear Credential requirements |
|
| **Clear Credential option for non-BTSA participants |
|
IN-DEPTH OPTIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Reading Certification
|
| GED 692 |
Standards, Assessment and Instruction: Comprehending and Composing Written Language |
3 |
| GED 693 |
Research-based Intervention: Models and Strategies |
3 |
| GED 694 |
Standards, Assessment and Instruction: Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development |
3 |
| GED 698 |
Special Studies in Education: Literacy Field Studies (Reading Certificate Level) |
1 |
|
Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) |
| EDU 601 |
Language Acquisition and Diverse Populations |
3 |
| GED 641 |
School Communities in a Pluralistic Society (BTSA Standard 17) |
3 |
| GED 642 |
Advanced Teaching of English Learners (BTSA Standard 19) |
3 |
GED 668
|
Bilingual Education and Specially Designed Academic Instruction |
3
|
| Educational Leadership |
| GED 603 |
Visionary Leadership (plus one unit of related fieldwork) |
3 |
| GED 604 |
Instructional Leadership for the Success of All Students (Plus one unit of related fieldwork) |
3 |
| Options |
Other Educational Leadership courses as approved by advisor |
3 |
|
Special Education |
| GED 621 |
Assessment Procedures and Services for Students with Disabilities |
3 |
| GED 631 |
Curricular and Instructional Adaptations for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities |
3 |
| GED 632 |
Collaboration and Consultation for IEP Implementation, Evaluation and Program Development |
3 |
| Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) |
| GED 616 |
Curricular Development, Innovation and Evaluation |
1-3 |
| GED 641 |
School Communities in a Pluralistic Society |
3 |
| GED 689 |
Master's Project |
3-6 |
|
Counseling and Guidance |
| GED 662 |
Foundations of Counseling and Counseling Theory |
3 |
| GED 663 |
Individual and Group Counseling and Ethical Standards |
3 |
| GED 664 |
Counseling for Academic Achievement and Career Development |
3 |
| Options |
Other Counseling and Guidance courses as approved by advisor |
3 |
Special Education
The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Special Education builds on the foundation of the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist credential. M.A. candidates develop advanced level knowledge, skills, and dispositions aligned with professional standards and directly apply research-based theory and "best practices" as they teach students with special needs in their own classrooms.
Level II Education Specialist credential requirements are incorporated into this advanced degree and are strategically aligned and blended with BTSA induction requirements to equip special education teachers in BTSA Induction programs to address Level II credential proficiency requirements as they complete their BTSA requirements.
The Master of Arts in Special Education is an evidence-based program. Candidates develop differentiated learning plans for their graduate level coursework, building on the evidence of prior knowledge, skills, and dispositions that they bring into the program. This customized instructional design is focused on significant transformation along the California Standards for the Teaching Profession's Learning to Teach Continuum and the Council for Exceptional Children's Professional Standards.
Up to six units of post- baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates with their preliminary coursework from this university may apply up to nine units of approved coursework. Mild/Moderate students may use Graduate Education 621, 631, and 632. Moderate/Severe students may use Education 508, Graduate Education 621 and 626.
Special Education [Mild/Moderate]
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
|
Post-Baccalaureate Preliminary Credential or other graduate level coursework |
0-9
|
| GED 616 |
Curriculum Development, Innovation, and Evaluation (BTSA Standard 15) |
1-3 |
| GED 622 |
Advanced Special Education Assessment |
1-3 |
| GED 628 |
Using Technology to Support Student Learning (BTSA Standard 16) |
3 |
| GED 634 |
Transition Services for Students with Disabilities |
1-3 |
| GED 639 |
Health Education (BTSA Standard 18) |
3 |
| GED 642 |
Advanced Teaching of English Learners (BTSA Standard 19) |
3 |
| GED 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
3 |
| GED 684 |
BTSA Induction Fieldwork or Reflective Coaching Fieldwork for non-BTSA Candidates |
3-6 |
|
Elective Recommended: |
|
| GED 638 |
Systems Management for Student Success in the Moderate/Severe Classroom |
3 |
|
OR |
|
| GED 689 |
Master's Project |
(3) |
|
MASTER'S TOTAL |
36 |
Special Education [Moderate/Severe]
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
|
Post-Baccalaureate Preliminary Credential or other graduate level coursework |
0-9 |
| GED 622 |
Advanced Special Education Assessment |
1-3 |
| GED 628 |
Using Technology to Support Student Learning (BTSA Standard 16) |
3 |
| GED 634 |
Transition Services for Students with Disabilities |
1-3 |
| GED 638 |
Systems Management for Student Success in the Moderate/Severe Classroom |
1-3 |
| GED 639 |
Health Education (BTSA Standard 18) |
3 |
| GED 642 |
Advanced Teaching of English Learners |
3 |
| GED 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
3 |
| GED 684 |
BTSA Induction Fieldwork or Reflective Coaching Fieldwork for non-BTSA Candidates |
3-6 |
|
Elective Recommended: |
|
| GED 616 |
Curriculum Development, Innovation, and Evaluation |
3-6 |
|
OR |
|
| GED 689 |
Master's Project |
(3) |
|
MASTER'S TOTAL |
36 |
Counseling and Guidance
The purpose of the concentration in counseling and guidance is to prepare school counselors for service to students in a changing world. Candidates may be eligible for a Pupil Personnel Services credential upon successful completion of requirements. This concentration can also be designed for individuals who seek a Master of Arts degree only.
Master’s Degree only
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| GED 633 |
Educational Law and Finance |
3 |
| GED 641 |
School Communities in a Pluralistic Society |
3 |
| GED 662 |
Counseling and Counseling Theory |
3
|
| GED 663 |
Individual and Group Counseling and Ethical Standards |
3 |
| GED 664 |
Counseling for Academic Achievement and Career Development |
3 |
| GED 667 |
Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Programs: Coordination and Collaboration |
3
|
| GED 670 |
Advanced Educational Psychology |
3 |
| GED 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
3 |
| GED 681 |
Educational Measurement and Evaluation |
3 |
| Fieldwork/Elective (A minimum of 3 units fieldwork) |
| GED 687 |
Research, Field Studies & Practicum in Counseling and Guidance |
3-9 |
| Electives (6 units) to be selected from: |
| GED 601 |
Foundations of Leadership and Educational Issues |
3 |
| GED 665 |
Safe Schools and Violence Prevention |
3 |
| GED 675 |
Family Systems |
3 |
| GED 677 |
Teaching Strategies for Special Populations |
3 |
|
MASTER'S TOTAL |
36 |
Master’s and PPS Credential
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| GED 601 |
Foundations of Leadership and Education Issues |
3 |
| GED 633 |
Educational Law and Finance |
3 |
| GED 641 |
School Communities in a Pluralistic Society |
3
|
| GED 662 |
Foundations of Counseling and Counseling Theory |
3 |
| GED 663 |
Individual and Group Counseling and Ethical Standards |
3 |
| GED 664 |
Counseling for Academic Achievement and Career Development |
3
|
| GED 665 |
Safe Schools and Violence Prevention |
3 |
| GED 667 |
Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Programs: Coordination and Collaboration |
3 |
| GED 670 |
Advanced Educational Psychology |
3
|
| GEN 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
6 |
| GED 675 |
Family Systems |
3 |
| GED 681 |
Educational Measurement and Evaluation |
3 |
| GED 687 |
Research, Field Studies & Practicum in Counseling and Guidance |
9 |
|
AND Either |
|
| GED 677 |
Teaching Strategies for Special Populations |
3 |
|
OR |
|
|
Demonstration of competency in the area of Special Education |
(0-3) |
|
TOTAL |
45-48 |
Educational Leadership
The purpose of the program leading to a concentration in educational leadership is to prepare leaders to meet the challenges of school improvement and improve student achievement in a rapidly changing society. Candidates may be eligible for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential upon successful completion of requirements.
Required Courses for the Credential & Education Leadership Degree
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
GED 603
& 603F |
Visionary Leadership |
3+1 |
GED 604
& 604F |
Instructional Leadership for the Success of All Students |
3+1 |
GED 606
& 606F |
Organizational Leadership and Resource Management |
3+1 |
GED 609
& 609F |
Collaborative and Responsive Leadership |
3+1 |
GED 610
& 610F |
Leadership within the Political, Social, Economic and Legal Framework |
3+1 |
GED 611
& 611F |
Ethical, Moral and Servant Leadership |
3+1 |
| GED 672 |
Philosophy of Education |
3 |
| GED 681 |
Educational Measurement and Evaluation |
3 |
|
Electives |
6 |
|
CREDENTIAL TOTAL |
24 |
|
MASTER'S TOTAL |
36 |