Education, M.A.

Program of Study

Philosophy

The Master’s Program at California State University 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 on 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: Core Coursework, the Option, and the Culminating Experience.

Admission Requirements

General requirements are listed below. Any additional requirements for specific options are found in the description for that option.

Required:

1. Basic credential.
2. Application for the Master of Arts in Education in the School of Education and $25 fee.
3. Interview with appropriate School of Education Admissions Committee.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field of education.
5. Statement of Purpose describing the candidate’s interest in pursuing the degree.
6. GPA according to the university admission policy.
7. Completion of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate Application to the University.
8. Official transcripts.

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 School of Education:

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of an option and advancement to candidacy.
• Planning, preparation, and completion of a culminating experience under the direction of a faculty committee.
• Collaboration among master’s students and school districts is encouraged.
• Note: candidates must continually enroll in EDUC 698  until successful completion of the culminating experience.
• Upon faculty approval, up to nine (9) units of graduate-level coursework 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 a B- will be subject to review.

Master’s Student Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Students need to fulfill the Master’s Student Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement before advancing to candidacy. Please refer to Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement  for more information regarding this requirement.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Master of Arts in Education will:

• Meet California Commission on Teacher Credentialing English Learner competencies, if not already met through a basic credential program.
• Create a Social Justice Action Plan (EDUC 602 ).
• Be effective consumers of educational research ( EDUC 622 - Research Methods in Education ).
• Develop and apply research skills to address practice within the candidate’s teaching setting.
• Meet additional individually designed program outcomes that address their professional goals.

TPE Assessment

Beginning January 1, 2011, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must demonstrate satisfactory performance through coursework and verified clinical practice on the full range of Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Performance Expectations and develop a written Individualized Transition Development Plan for use in the candidate’s Clear Credential Program.

Clear Credential Requirements

All teachers holding a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must clear the credential within five years of credential issuance by obtaining a Clear Education Specialist Instruction Credential. An essential clearing requirement is the development of a written Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) of supported induction and job-related advanced professional preparation approved and signed by the clear credential candidate, an employer designee, and a CCTC-approved clear credential program sponsor (e.g., district BTSA program, University, County Office of Education). See the CCTC web site for currently approved clear credential sponsors. The IIP must be written to clear all general and special education preliminary credentials held, may include up to 12 semester units of university coursework, and must be developed within 60 days of employment. Preliminary Education Specialist credential holders not employed in a school setting may complete the clear credential requirements if the parties signing the IIP agree to a setting and professional development activities that allow demonstration of effective teaching to clear all preliminary credentials held.

Areas of Study:

General Option (30 Units)

Candidates must complete the core coursework (6 units), the culminating experience (3 units), and 21 units of 600-level elective courses selected to best suit their interests and goals. Upon faculty approval, up to nine (9) units of 500-level credential coursework taken at CSUSM as a post-baccalaureate student may be applied toward the 21 units of electives; each such applied unit reduces the number of units that may be transferred into the program. The elective courses may be chosen from the following described areas. Optional certificates are also available to those completing certain collections of courses within specified areas.

Advanced Credential Certification Option

Advanced Credential Certification Option in addition to the General M.A. admission requirements, candidates must also have the following to enter the program:

Three or more years of teaching or professional service experience; and, completion of the CBEST or an equivalent basic skills examination.