Program Description

The Master's program is comprised of a total of 30-33 units. Two pathways are currently offered to meet individual needs:

  • Pathway 1 is a fully online program designed for credentialed classroom teachers who completed an accredited post-baccalaureate credential program. These students complete 6 core classes and would potentially use 12 post-baccalaureate semester units to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three semesters.  
  • Pathway 2 is designed for non-credentialed teachers who work in a private school or internationally and do not have a teaching credential. These students also complete 6 fully online core classes (18 units) as well as an additional 4 classes (12 units) that support their educational interests to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three or four semesters and the additional 4 classes are offered in a combination of online, hybrid and in-person instruction.

Students will complete a program planner with the Master’s degree program coordinator at a required orientation meeting. This program planner will ensure students take courses in the scheduled sequence, allowing for timely degree completion for this structured program that offers each class once per academic year. Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses. Curriculum & Instruction program courses are typically offered weeknights from 5:00-7:45PM, 4:00-6:45PM, or 7:00-9:45PM, subject to change. A limited number of courses for Pathway 2 students is available for optional summer enrollment. 

 

Please review the Eligibility Requirements website for GPA and admission eligibility requirements. 

A minimum of 30-33 units of upper division and graduate courses are required. Pathway 2 students must have a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at ºÚÁÏÍø.

Degree requirements include the following courses:

Core Courses (15 units):

  • EDCI 500 - Studies in Curriculum and Instruction (3 units)
  • EDCI 505 - History of Education in the United States (3 units)
  • EDCI 615 - Contemporary Issues in Elementary and Secondary Education (3 Units)
  • EDCI 530 - Cross-cultural Education: US and Global Perspectives (3 units)
  • EDCI 625 - Analysis of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3 units)

Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 (12 units):

Pathway 1 students will use 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework, with advisor approval.

Pathway 2 students will take 12 additional units at ºÚÁÏÍø, with advisor approval, such as:

  • EDP 400 - Introduction to Educational Research (3 units)
  • EDP 405 – Positive Strategies for Classroom Management (3 units)
  • EDP 520 - Quantitative Research Methods in Education (3 units)
  • EDP 595 - Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 units)
  • EDP 596 - Program Evaluation in Education (3 units)
  • ETEC 444 -  Computer Technology in Education Level (3 units)
  • ETEC 510 -  Foundations of Educational Technology (3 units)
  • ETEC 525 - Social and Cultural Implications of Educational Technology
  • Other classes may be approved by advisor

Capstone (3-6 units):

Students select one of the following in consultation with faculty advisor:

Comprehensive Exam: EDCI 695 Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (3 units) and Written Comprehensive Examination

OR

Thesis: EDCI 698 Thesis (6 units, completed over 2 semesters)

Course Descriptions

Please see the  and/or for course descriptions.

Please note: Pathway 1 is for students who have 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDCI 500
  • EDCI 505

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDCI 530
  • EDCI 615

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDCI 625
  • EDCI 695 and comprehensive exam

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDCI 500
  • EDCI 505

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDCI 530
  • EDCI 615
  • Pathway 2 Course #1 **

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDCI 625
  • EDCI 695 and comprehensive exam, or first semester of EDCI 698 (If Thesis)

Year 2 - Spring

  • Pathway 2 Course #2
  • Pathway 2 Course #3
  • Pathway 2 Course #4, or second semester of EDCI 698 (If Thesis) **

** students may complete Pathway 2 coursework in summer, depending on availability, to lighten the course loads in fall and spring semesters

Are you seeking a teaching credential? This program is for practicing teachers or other educational professionals and offers a master’s degree only. If you’re interested in obtaining a teaching credential, please visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center. Students who are pursuing a teaching credential complete that program first, and then apply to the master’s program.