Graduate Programs

Admissions Information

Multilingual and Multicultural Education

The Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Education centers on a critical examination of issues of educational equity, diversity and social justice with a focus on students and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is a 30-unit program that consists of three components: Core Coursework, Elective Coursework, and the Culminating Experience. Students can complete a project or thesis as the Culminating Experience.

Curriculum & Instruction 

The M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed for K-12 credentialed educators who wish to broaden their understandings of education as well as deepen their knowledge and skills as teachers. The program provides opportunities for students to develop advanced understandings and capacities related to curriculum development, to interrogate the many ways in which students and their families experience marginalization and exclusion in schools, and to conduct original research to address inequities in schooling. It is recommended that educators begin this program after clearing their CA credential and/or after gaining at least 2 years of full-time classroom teaching experience.

Special Education

The Master of Arts in Special Education and Credential Option is specifically designed for teachers who hold a valid basic teaching credential who are seeking both a master’s degree and a career path in special education by adding on the Mild to Moderate Support Needs and the Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Education Specialist Credential(s).

Reading, Language and Literacy

Our fully online Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy program provides advanced preparation in reading and language arts assessment and instruction. The coursework is immediately applicable and prepares you to work within a variety of settings to maximize learning for diverse student populations.

Educational Administration

Our fully online Master of Arts in Educational Administration program is designed to connect theory and practice to train and prepare K-12 school administrators. Lead an institution with strong values, improve curriculum and instruction, effectively manage budgets and personnel, prepare for the CAL Administrator Performance Assessment and much more.

Educational Leadership

Offered jointly between CSUSM and UCSD the doctoral program in Educational Leadership is designed to connect designed for preK-16 school leaders and those who work in non-profit organizations who will develop advanced leadership and research skills related to the advancement of the education ecosystem. The program is designed for the working professional educator who will attend classes on weeknights and weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply to the School of Ed without applying to the university?
  Applicants to the Masters program will only submit the Cal State Apply application. This will include both the general university graduate application information as well as require you to upload the requisite School of Education materials that will determine your eligibility for the program.
• Do I need to take the GRE?
  Our MA program does not require you to take the GRE.  
• Can I have my credential courses count towards my MA?

  If a candidate completed the SB2042 Credential at CSUSM in the last 5 years, he/she can request to have up to 9 units of coursework approved for transfer. At this time the School of Education does not accept other credential program courses towards our MA in Education. 

  Exceptions are the MA in Special Education, MA in Reading, Language and Literacy and MA in Education Administration.

• How do I submit the California State University San Marcos Graduate Application?
  You will be required to submit the CSUSM Graduate Application through Cal State Apply.
• What is the application receipt process?

  After you’ve successfully submitted the Cal State Apply application, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Within 2-3 business days, you will then receive an automated email from CSUSM Office of Admissions and Student Outreach titled "Thank you for applying to CSUSM!" with next step instructions.

• Cal State Apply isn't working. What should I do?
  Please contact CEHHS Student Services for assistance at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu
• Do I need a K-12 credential to be considered for the MA Program?
  Currently the School of Education MA Program requires a K-12 credential because the focus of our program is on K-12 education. To request special consideration candidates must explain in the Statement of Purpose how our K-12 MA Program will help the candidate meet his/her education and professional goals.
• If I graduated from CSUSM, do I still need to resubmit official transcripts?
  Yes; prior transcripts from institutions - other than CSUSM are not kept on file for an indefinite amount of time. You will NOT need to submit transcripts from CSUSM.
• Can I transfer in graduate courses from another program?
  Yes, you can have previous Master of Arts graduate level coursework (600 level courses at CSU) reviewed for transfer consideration. To have your coursework considered submit the Course Transfer/Waiver Form, a course description, syllabus and an official transcript. 
• Can a Professional Development Course I took through EL be considered for the MA Program?
  No, professional development courses offered through Extended Learning (those numbered 1000 or above) do not meet the graduate level requirement. 
• How do I request Financial Aid?
  Financial Aid Office
  Cougar Central, Administrative Building, Room 3900
  Monday – Thursday 8 am to 5pm and Friday 8 am to noon
  (760) 750-4850 or finaid@csusm.edu