MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
Philosophy
The Master’s Program at CSUSM
is characterized by its emphasis on critical pedagogy and reflective practice.
Its view of the classroom teacher and administrator as an instructional,
ethical, and curricular leader places high value on individual empowerment, on
multiple ways of knowing, on the construction of meaning and the production
(vs. reproduction) of knowledge.
Objective
The Master of Arts in
Education is designed for classroom teachers, administrators, and other
educators who wish to extend or refine their knowledge and skills beyond the
level attained in their previous studies. For some, master’s level study is a
way to improve their performance in the classroom; others seek preparation for
leadership roles at the school or district level; still others may wish to use
master’s studies as the basis for graduate work at the doctoral level.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in
Education consists of three components: the Core, the Option, and the Project/
Thesis.
The Core
There are four parts to the
core: CLAD competency, technology, schooling in a multicultural society, and
research methods.
CLAD Competency
All options of the Master of
Arts in Education require students to achieve competence in Crosscultural,
Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) as part of the Core. Students who do
not currently possess the CLAD certificate*, or have not completed a CLAD emphasis
program, must take the following sequence of courses to receive such CLAD
certification.
The CLAD Certificate
Units
EDUC 364 3
units
EDML 563 3
units
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 612 3
units
In addition, students must
fulfill the second language requirement with one of the options listed on page 213 of
this catalog.
Technology
Master's candidates must
demonstrate effective use of technology at an advanced level (Level II) as
indicated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Standard 20.5.
Students may take a course or obtain an approved waiver.
Schooling in a Multicultural
Society
In a course on Schooling in a
Multicultural Society, all master's candidates are imbued with the principles
and philosophy of teaching in a pluralistic society, the cornerstone of the
College of Education. Depending on the option, the required course may have a
general education focus (EDUC 602), an administrative focus (EDAD 602), or a
literacy focus (EDUC 627).
Research Methods
In Research Methods in
Education (EDUC 622), students are presented with research methods and
preparation for their own investigative studies. This course is designed to
make master's level students both consumers of research as well as
teacher/administrator researchers.
* CLAD certification
issued under SB1969 or AB395 is not sufficient. Students must pursue a full
CLAD certificate from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Options
The options allow students to
pursue their particular areas of interest according to their individual needs
and goals. Students may choose from the following options:
• Biliteracy, Language and
Culture
• Educational Administration
• Learning and Instruction
• Literacy Education
• Science, Mathematics and
Educational Technology for Diverse Populations • Special Education
In addition to the content
specific to its particular area, each option:
1. contains a component
tailored to that specialty area covering topics of research design and
methodology, measurement, assessment, and program evaluation, as these topics
pertain to that option;
2. addresses aspects of
multiculturalism/ bilingualism; and 3. uses technology relevant to that option.
The Thesis/Project
All students are required to
complete their programs with a culminating experience in their respective
fields. This expectation allows master's candidates to conduct their own
research study and/or engage in a collaborative effort to enhance curricular
and programmatic needs in relevant school settings. Students engage in the
planning, preparation, and completion of the thesis or project under the
direction of a faculty committee made up of the chair and at least one other
faculty member. The program emphasizes collaborative master's projects.
Students will be encouraged to work in small groups or pairs on master's projects
which are applied in nature and, when possible, are fieldbased and may include
experiences working with a particular population of learners. Collaboration
among master's students and school districts is encouraged. Students begin the
formal preparation of this culminating project following successful completion
of an option and advancement to candidacy. Note: students must continually
enroll in EDUC 700 until successful completion of thesis or project.
Admission Requirements
General requirements are
listed below. Different or additional requirements for specific options are
found in the description for that option.
Required:
1. Basic credential.
2. At least one (1) year
full-time teaching experience or currently teaching for all options with the exception
of the Education Administration which requires at least three (3) years
fulltime teaching experience.
3. Application for the Master
of Arts in Education in the College of Education.
4. Interview with appropriate
College of Education Admissions Committee or successful completion of one
course with a recommendation from that course instructor.
5. GPA according to the
University admission policy.
6. Two (2) letters of
recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field
of education.
7. Statement of Purpose
describing the candidate’s interest in pursuing the degree.
8. Completion of the
Graduate/ Postbaccalaureate Application to the University.
All materials will be
evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualifications for admission; however, no
one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant.
Other Master of Arts in Education
Requirements
The following information
applies to all master’s students in the College of Education.
Required of all master’s
students: planning, preparation, and completion of a thesis or project under
the direction of a faculty committee. Collaboration among master’s students and
school districts is encouraged. Prerequisite: Successful completion of an option
and advancement to candidacy.
Note: students must
continually enroll in EDUC 700 until successful completion of thesis project.
Up to nine (9) units of
graduate-level course work in education or a related field may be transferred
into the program.
Grading
All coursework will earn a
letter grade. A grade-point average of 3.0 must be maintained and any grade of
less than B- will be subject to review.
Option in Biliteracy, Language
and Culture (30 units)
The Option in Biliteracy,
Language and Culture within the Master of Arts in Education prepares teachers
who already possess the CLAD/BCLAD certification (or the equivalent; e.g., ESL,
ELD, primary language proficiency in another language, BCC, LDS) to take roles
in leadership capacities in K-12 schools including the classroom, professional
development, mentoring, administration, curriculum, and evaluation in terms of
educating students in multilingual/ multicultural contexts. The option
emphasizes the development of multilingual/ multicultural expertise through
examination of the theoretical foundations of such education as a means of
impacting the design and implementation of curriculum, instruction and programs
that effectively meet the needs of students in such contexts. It stresses the
notion of the reflective practitioner working in a collaborative environment to
facilitate successful education for all students.
The option further emphasizes
an integration of theory and practice, incorporating the notion of a
student-centered curriculum for students in such diverse contexts.
Candidates may also qualify
for the BCLAD Specialist Credential. For further information on this credential
program, please see page 212.
Course
Requirements
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 604 3
units
EDUC 616 or 617 or 517 3 units
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 641 3
units
EDUC 643 3
units
EDUC 647 3
units
EDUC 649 3
units
EDUC 696 3
units
EDUC 700 (Thesis/Project) 3 units
Program Total 30 units
Option in Education
Administration (30 units)
Candidates must have three or
more years of professional experience. They must also complete the
prerequisite/corequisite courses mentioned below.
The Option in Education
Administration within the Master of Arts in Education prepares site and
district administrators for positions of leadership in the elementary and
secondary schools of the 21st Century. The option emphasizes the development of
administrative expertise through a sound knowledge base, a student-centered
pedagogy, the appropriate integration of theory and practice, capacity for
research and critical analysis, collaborative practice, evaluation in school
administration and management, and the development of professional and ethical
models of leadership. Candidates also qualify for the Preliminary
Administrative Services Credential. For specific information on the
Administrative Services Credential, please refer to page 214.
Prerequisite
Courses
EDUC 364 3
units
EDUC 500 3
units
EDUC 501 3 units
Course
Requirements
EDAD 602 3
units
EDAD 630 2
units
EDAD 632 3
units
EDAD 634A 2
units
EDAD 634B 1
units
EDAD 636 3
units
EDAD 638 4
units
EDAD 640A 1
units
EDAD 640B 1
units
EDAD 642A 2
units
EDAD 642B 2
units
Total 24
units
Additional Courses required
for the
Master's
Credential Courses 24 (see
above)
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 700 (Thesis Project) 3 units
Program Total 30 units
Option in Learning and Instruction
(30 units)
The Option in Learning and
Instruction in the Master of Arts in Education prepares teachers to become
leaders at the school or district level in the areas of learning, teaching,
curriculum development, and assessment. This option is designed for elementary,
middle school, and high school teachers in any subject area who wish to improve
their performance in the classroom or move upward in their career to assume
leadership roles such as curriculum specialists, demonstration teachers, staff
development specialists, teachers on special assignment, and the like.
Coursework is focused on fostering systematic reflection on teaching practice,
membership in the larger learning community, commitment to learning for all
students, broadening knowledge of how to teach, and skillful monitoring and
assessment of student learning. Critical reflection on the professionalization
of teachers and teaching, including examination of the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards and the certification process is embedded in
this option. All courses in the option have a practical as well as a
theoretical emphasis.
Course
Requirements
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 604 3
units
EDUC 612 3
units
EDUC 620 3
units
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 624 3
units
EDUC 626 3
units
EDUC 628 3
units
EDUC 593 or 696 3 units
Total 18
units
EDUC 700 (Thesis/Project) 3 units
Program Total 30 units
Option in Literacy Education (41
units - 33 units without Certificate or Credential)
The Option in Literacy
Education in the Master of Arts in Education is intended for individuals
interested in classroom, school, and district leadership positions in the areas
of reading, writing, and curriculum. It prepares teachers to assist other
teachers and administrators in creating literacy programs that promote not only
the learning of reading and writing, but also the learning of subject matter
across the curriculum. Graduates of this program will be knowledgeable about
current reading and writing theory, literacy research and pedagogy, literacy
development and learning, children's and adolescent literature (taught in
Spanish as well as English), and curriculum development. A graduate of this
area will also have the ability to assist in the development of assessment
instruments and procedures at the school district level. The Literacy Program
offers a Reading Certificate, a Reading/Language Arts Specialist Credential,
and a Master's degree.
Course
Requirements
Courses required for Reading
Certificate* only
EDUC 606 3
units
EDUC 610 3
units
EDUC 613 3
units
EDUC 614A 3
units
EDUC 614B
(supervised field experience)
3 units
EDUC 616 3
units
Total 18
units
Additional Courses required
for
Reading Specialist Credential**
Certificate Courses 18 (see
above)
EDUC 618 3
units
EDUC 625 3
units
EDUC 621 3
units
EDUC 623
(supervised field experience)
5 units
Total 32
units
Additional Courses required
for the
Master's
Certificate Courses 18 (see
above)
Reading Specialist Credential
Courses 14 (see above)
EDUC 619 3
units
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 700 (thesis/project) 3 units
Program Total 41 units
Additional
Requirement
Students must pass the RICA
test before certification.
*Students not wishing
to earn the Reading Certificate do not take EDUC 614B.
**Students not wishing
to earn the Reading Specialist Credential do not take EDUC 623.
Option in Science, Mathematics
and Educational Technology for Diverse Populations (33 units)
The Option in Science,
Mathematics and Educational Technology for Diverse Populations within the
Master of Arts in Education prepares teachers for positions of leadership at
the school or district level in the areas of science, mathematics and
educational technology. This option is designed for teachers who wish to
strengthen their knowledge and performance in K-8 classrooms or to become
educational leaders in science, mathematics and/or educational technology. The
program models effective strategies for engaging diverse populations in these
fields and for increasing their opportunities for success.
Course
Requirements
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 622 3
units
EDST 610 3
units
EDST 620 3
units
EDST 630 3
units
Students will choose one of
the following Specialty Areas and complete 9 units.
Or they will take one course
in each area for an emphasis in Science, Mathematics and Educational
Technology.
SCIENCE EDUCATION
EDST 611 3
units
EDST 612 3
units
EDST 613 3
units
MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
EDST 621 3
units
EDST 622 3
units
EDST 623 3
units
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
EDST 631 3
units
EDST 632 3
units
EDST 633 3
units
Electives 6
units
400 level or graduate courses
in the
College of Education or
College of
Arts and Sciences in the
areas of
science, mathematics and
educational
technology, as approved by
College
of Education program adviser.
EDUC 700 (Thesis) 3 units
Option in Special Education
The Option in Special
Education in the Master of Arts in Education prepares teachers in advanced
leadership skills for the delivery of special education services. Candidates
may earn Level I and/or Level II Education Specialist credentials in the areas
of Mild/Moderate Disability and/or Moderate/Severe Disability. The Special
Education Option is designed to provide an advanced career path in special
education to two different categories of teachers. One Master's path is for
teachers who already hold the Level I Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disability
Education Specialist Credential(s) and who need to complete the Professional
Level II coursework in order to retain their Education Specialist credential.
This path also is appropriate for special educators who hold a Learning
Handicapped or equivalent credential and who wish to obtain a Master's in
Special Education. The second Master's path is for teachers who hold a
CTC-approved valid basic teaching credential (or equivalent) and who are
seeking both a Master's and the Level I Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe
Disability Education Specialist Credential(s).
For this Master's degree
option, evidence of CLAD certification or emphasis is required before an
Education Specialist credential or Master's degree is awarded. Applicants who
are CLAD certified must submit a copy of the CLAD certification with their
college application. Applicants who do not possess CLAD certification prior to
acceptance into the Master's program will be expected to earn it prior to
program completion. In certain cases, some CLAD courses may be used as electives
within the program of study.
Professional Level II Mild/ Moderate
and Moderate/ Severe Disabilities Education Specialist
Educators who have earned a Preliminary
Level I Education Specialist Credential must enroll in a Professional Level II
Program within 120 days following employment as a special educator. The purpose
of the CSUSM Professional Level II Mild/ Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Education Specialist Credential Program is to move newly credentialed
Preliminary Level I special educators beyond the functional aspects of teaching
through more advanced coursework and reflective thinking about their roles in
providing effective instruction and consultation. To enroll in the program, a
candidate must be employed as a special educator and hold an appropriate
Preliminary Level I Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Education Specialist
Credential.
Special Education Advanced Credential
and Master’s Options
Designed for teachers who
have completed a basic credential program and have satisfied California subject
matter competency (An emergency or substitute permit is not a basic
credential.)
OPTION #1 - Preliminary Level I
Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe and/or Master of Arts
Prerequisite
courses to be completed prior to program (not part of the sequence):
EDUC 500 3
units
EDUC 501 3
units
CLAD Competency: All students
entering the Master of Arts in Education without CLAD certification are required
to complete coursework listed below for the CLAD Certificate:
EDML 563 3
units
EDUC 364 3
units
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 612 3
units
Second Language
Requirement
Required Courses for Level I:
EDMX 627 3
units
EDMX 631 3
units
EDMX 641 3
units
EDMX 664 7
units
EDMX 632 3
units
EDMX 633 3
units
Option for
Moderate/Severe
Certification
EDMX 634 4
units
(after completion of Level I
coursework)
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 700 3
units
Master's
Thesis/Project
Level II preparation is
required of all
initial (Level I) credential
holders. This Professional Level II preparation is intended to be a support
mechanism for the successful induction of newly credentialed special educators
into the professional level. All candidates completing Preliminary Level I
preparation must begin a Level II program within 120 calendar days after
employment as a specialist and complete a Professional Clear Level II Education
Specialist credential program within 5 years of the date of issuance of the
Preliminary Level I Credential.
OPTION #2 - Level II only or Level
II and Master of Arts
Required Courses
for Level II:
EDEX 638 3
units
EDEX 639 3
units
EDEX 651 2
units
EDEX 652 2
units
EDEX 660 2
units
EDEX 661 2
units
Portfolio Review & Site
Visitation
Total 14
units
Masters Courses
(after completion
of Level II Coursework)
EDUC 602 3
units
EDUC 622 3
units
EDUC 700 3
units
Total 23
units
Units of Electives
(To total a minimum of 30 units)
EDEX 636 1-2
units
(may be repeated up to 8
units)
Option for
Moderate/Severe Certification:
EDMX 634 4
units
CLAD competency coursework if
not holding a CLAD Certificate