Degrees for Education

The Department of Teacher Education provides a variety of credential programs that include Multiple Subjects and Single Subjects credentials. The Department also provides various pathways to the credential tracks as well as other public service professionals. In addition, there are graduate programs such as the Reading/Literacy Program as well as the Early Childhood Education Programs.

The primary mission of the Department is to prepare highly qualified teachers and professionals to teach in the K-12 public schools and/or work with children and families in various early education settings. This includes developing the necessary knowledge and skill base and inculcating the professional values in terms of performance outcomes dictated by state, regional and national accreditation standards.

The Master of Science degree in Counseling is a 72-quarter unit degree designed to provide graduate preparation for counselors in the areas of School Counseling and Student Affairs in Higher Education. The major goal of the Program is to prepare professional counselors who have the knowledge and skills to practice in a wide variety of counseling settings.

All MS in Counseling students take 48 units of core courses in Counseling, 8 units of specialty courses, 15 credits of supervised field experience or internship, and a final culminating activity (thesis or comprehensive exam). Most students complete the program in two years, attending full-time, or 3 years, attending part-time. Students may extend their program for up to 7 years according to university regulations.

The specialization in educational administration is available for post-baccalaureate students who have an interest in administering programs in elementary or secondary public schools. Work toward the MA may be closely coordinated with requirements for the Preliminary Credential. The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is the first of two credentials that must be obtained to be permanently credentialed to be an educational administrator in California’s elementary or secondary public schools. Individuals who have the Preliminary Credential may hold any administrative job in California for which they are otherwise qualified. The Preliminary Credential is in effect for five years from the date of issuance which corresponds with the date of employment in an administrative position requiring the credential. The Professional Administrative Services Credential Program authorizes service as a superintendent, associate superintendent, deputy superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor consultant, coordinator, or in any equivalent or intermediate level administrative position.

The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in bilingual/multicultural education is designed to meet the needs of classroom teachers and students who seek to improve their skills in order to attain a higher level of professionalism in bilingual/multicultural education. The advanced degree is articulated with other programs available in the School of Education. A basic teaching credential is highly recommended for awarding of the degree. Work toward the MA in Bilingual/multicultural Education may be closely articulated with the CLAD Certificate as designed by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Educational Technology is an advisement option within Curriculum and Instruction for teachers and others interested in the application of technology to curriculum. The program begins with a strong background in curriculum and instructional models, both in traditional and technology supported modes. Students take the C & I core courses, many of which are online or face-to-face, and an online core of three courses dealing with standards, assessment, and legal aspects of school-based technology. They then have options depending on their specific professional interests. The program is designed for technology proficient professionals who wish to develop themselves further and move into curriculum and technology leadership roles.

The Curriculum and Instruction Program is intended for educators and those interested in education who are seeking to enhance their skills and understandings of curriculum development, implementation, and assessment. While most candidates for the Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction are K-12 teachers, there are professional development specialists, community college instructors, coaches, and others who find the programs useful in their careers also. Degree candidates work with an advisor to develop programs that will help them meet their professional goals.