Multilingual and Multicultural 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 Multilingual and Multicultural Education program is designed for educators who hold a valid California teaching credential and are seeking both an M.A. degree and advanced professional development certificates for their career pathways in dual language and/or advanced studies in multicultural education. The program centers on a critical examination of issues pertaining to educational equity, diversity and social justice, with a focus on students and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Education is a 30-unit program that consists of three components: Core Coursework, Elective Coursework, and the Culminating Experience.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Education will master the following program student learning outcomes:

​1. Critical Examination of Equity

Critically examine issues of educational equity, diversity and social justice in the fields of multicultural and multilingual education. 

(Mastered in EDUC 643 :  Critical Ethnography of Education)

2. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

Design culturally responsive pedagogy that addresses the needs of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

(Mastered in EDUC 647 :  Multicultural Curriculum and Application)

3. Community Engagement

Design socially just and equitable educational action plans that improve engagement for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and /or their communities.

(Mastered in EDUC 644 :  Multicultural Students and Families in Public Schools)

4. Analyze Research 

Analyze and synthesize research and evidence-based practices in the field of multicultural and multilingual education.

(Mastered in EDUC 622 :  Research Methods in Education)

Required Core Coursework (18 Units)

• EDUC 602 - Schooling in a Multicultural Society Units: 3
• EDUC 622 - Research Methods in Education Units: 3
• EDUC 643 - Critical Ethnography of Education Units: 3
• EDUC 644 - Multicultural Students and Families in Public Schools Units: 3
• EDUC 647 - Multicultural Curriculum and Application Units: 3
• EDUC 698 - Master’s Culminating Experience Seminar Units: 3

Elective Coursework (12 Units)

Choose from the following courses for a total of twelve (12) units:

• EDUC 641 - Sociocultural Contexts of Language and Learning Units: 3
• EDUC 646 - Second Language Acquisition: Research and Practice Units: 3
• EDUC 649 - Practicum in Social Action Units: 3
• EDUC 650 - Proposal Development Units: 3
• EDUC 653 - Biliteracy Education I: Contexts for Learning Units: 3
• EDUC 654 - Biliteracy Education II: Methodology and Cultural Contexts Units: 3
• EDUC 655 - Application of Bilingual and Second Language Acquisition Theories and Principles: Practicum of Instruction in Bilingual Settings Units: 2
• EDUC 656 - Principles of Dual Language and Multicultural Education: Theory, Research, and Practice Units: 3
• EDUC 657 - Cross-Cultural Competency for Educational Leadership in Diverse Societies Units: 3
• EDUC 658 - Practices and Strategies for Bilingualism/Multilingualism and Biliteracy/Multiliteracy Development Units: 3
• EDUC 659 - Curriculum Development, Program Assessment, and Inclusion for Dual Language and Multilingual Education Units: 3

The Culminating Experience

Students in the M.A. in Multilingual and Multicultural Education program must complete EDUC 698  - Master’s Culminating Experience Seminar (3 units) as part of the culminating experience for Master’s study. The culminating experience may be a thesis, a project, or a comprehensive examination. Master’s candidates must demonstrate they can analyze and synthesize research and evidence-based practices in the field of multicultural and multilingual education. Master’s candidates are encouraged to work collaboratively and may choose from a variety of forms to present their work.

Satisfactory completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination, defined as follows:

1.  A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required. 
2. A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required. 
3. A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student’s ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination evidences independent thinking, appropriate organization, critical analysis and accuracy of documentation. A record of the examination questions and responses shall be maintained in accordance with the records retention policy of The California State University. 

Multicultural Education Certificate

Students who choose to take the following courses will earn a Multicultural Education Certificate:  

• EDUC 641 - Sociocultural Contexts of Language and Learning Units: 3
• EDUC 643 - Critical Ethnography of Education Units: 3
• EDUC 644 - Multicultural Students and Families in Public Schools Units: 3
• EDUC 647 - Multicultural Curriculum and Application Units: 3

Dual Language Certificate

Students who choose to take the following elective courses will earn a Dual Language Certificate:  

• EDUC 656 - Principles of Dual Language and Multicultural Education: Theory, Research, and Practice Units: 3
• EDUC 657 - Cross-Cultural Competency for Educational Leadership in Diverse Societies Units: 3
• EDUC 658 - Practices and Strategies for Bilingualism/Multilingualism and Biliteracy/Multiliteracy Development Units: 3
• EDUC 659 - Curriculum Development, Program Assessment, and Inclusion for Dual Language and Multilingual Education Units: 3

Admission Requirements

1. Initial teaching credential.
2. Completion of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate University Application including School of Education supplemental materials.
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. Official transcripts.
8. All materials will be evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualifications for admission; however, no one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant.
9. Students who wish to transfer in courses from other institutions may do so if the program faculty assesses that the course content is aligned with  the program student learning outcomes. Program faculty will consider up to nine (9) units of graduate-level coursework that a student has successfully completed at another institution.

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.