The Master’s Program at Cal State San Marcos 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
EDML 5503
EDML
5633
EDUC
6023
EDUC 6123
In addition, students must fulfill the second language requirement with one of the options listed on page 209 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.
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:
- 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;
- addresses aspects of
multiculturalism/bilingualism; and
- 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 field-based 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:
- Basic credential.
- 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 full-time teaching experience.
- Application for the
Master of Arts in Education in the College of Education.
- Interview with
appropriate College of Education Admissions Committee or successful completion
of one course with a recommendation from that course instructor.
- GPA according to the
University admission policy.
- Two (2) letters of
recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field
of education.
- Statement of Purpose
describing the candidate’s interest in pursuing the degree.
- 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
Units
EDUC
6023
EDUC
6043
EDUC 616 or 617 or
5173
EDUC
6223
EDUC
6413
EDUC
6433
EDUC
6473
EDUC
6493
EDUC
6963
EDUC 698
(Thesis/Project)3
Program
Total30
Option in Education
Administration
(30
units)
Candidates must have three or more years of professional experience. They must also complete the prerequisite/co-requisite 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 210.
Prerequisite Courses
Units
EDUC
3643
EDUC
5003
EDUC 5013
Course Requirements
Units
EDAD
6023
EDAD
6302
EDAD
6323
EDAD
634A2
EDAD
634B1
EDAD
6363
EDAD
6384
EDAD
640A1
EDAD
640B1
EDAD
642A2
EDAD
642B2
Total24
Additional Courses required for the Master's
Credential Courses 24 (see above)
Units
EDUC
6223
EDUC 698 (Thesis
Project)3
Program
Total30
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
Units
EDUC 6023
EDUC
6043
EDUC
6123
EDUC
6203
EDUC
6223
EDUC
6243
EDUC
6263
EDUC
6283
EDUC 593 or 6963
Total18
EDUC 698
(Thesis/Project)3
Program
Total30
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
Units
EDUC
6063
EDUC
6103
EDUC 6133
EDUC
614A3
EDUC
6163
Total18
Additional Courses required for Reading Specialist Credential**
Certificate Courses 18 (see above)
EDUC
6183
EDUC
6213
EDUC
6273
Total32
Additional Courses required for the Master's Certificate Courses 18 (see above) Reading Specialist Credential Courses 14 (see above)
EDUC
6193
EDUC
6223
EDUC 698
(thesis/project)3
Program Total41
Additional Requirement
Students must pass the RICA test before certification.
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
Units
EDUC
6023
EDUC 6223
EDST
6103
EDST
6203
EDST
6303
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
Units
EDST
6113
EDST
6123
EDST
6133
Mathematics Education
Units
EDST
6213
EDST
6223
EDST
6233
Educational Technology
Units
EDST
6313
EDST
6323
EDST
6333
Electives6
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 698 (Thesis)3
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.
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):
Units
EDUC
5003
EDUC
5013
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
5633
EDUC
3643
EDUC
6023
EDUC
6123
Second Language
Requirement
Required Courses for
Level I:
EDMX
6273
EDMX
6313
EDMX
6413
EDMX
6647
EDMX
6323
EDMX
6333
Option for Moderate/Severe Certification
Units
EDMX
6344
(after completion of
Level I coursework)
EDUC
6223
EDUC
7003
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
6383
EDEX
6393
EDEX
6512
EDEX
6522
EDEX
6602
EDEX
6612
Portfolio Review & Site Visitation
Total14
Masters Courses (after
completion of Level II Coursework)
EDUC
6023
EDUC
6223
EDUC
7003
Total23
Units of Electives (To
total a minimum of 30 units)
EDEX
6361 - 2
(may be repeated up to
8 units)
Option for Moderate/Severe Certification:
EDMX
6344
CLAD competency coursework if not holding a CLAD Certificate