Degrees for Education

Master of Education Degree in Montessori Education

This degree is built upon a Montessori Certificate completed at Saint Mary’s College, Kalmanovitz School of Education.

Certificate Courses
AMS Montessori ECE Certificate (29 units) or AMS Montessori Elementary Education Certificate (32 units) required.

Core Courses from the Montessori program
Specialization Courses for Students with Certificates in Montessori Early Childhood Education (11 units)
MONT 263 – Elementary Mathematics I, 3 units
MONT 264 – Language, Reading and Writing, 3 units
MONT 265 – Elementary Foundations, 2 units
MONT 266 – Study of the Sciences, 3 units
Specialization Courses for Students with Certificates in Montessori Elementary Education (13 units)
ECE 259 – Practical Life Curriculum. 2 units
ECE 260 – Conceptual Curriculum, 2 units
ECE 263 – Mathematics: Conceptual Learning, 3 units
ECE 264 – Language and Reading Development, 3 units
ECE 266 – Study of the Sciences, 3 units
Research Courses (7 units)
EDUC 572 – Research Seminar I, 3 units
EDUC 582 – Research Seminar II, 3 units
MONT 599 Montessori Seminar, 1 unit

passing the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is required for unconditional acceptance to this graduate degree program and is a prerequisites to EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I). Therefore, all master’s degree students are advised to pass the WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.

The Master of Arts in Montessori Elementary Education with a specialization in Elementary Education (for teaching children ages 6–12) requires completion of the American Montessori Society Elementary Education Certificate and research component.

Certificate Courses (32 units)

Research Courses (9 units)
EDUC 572 – Research Seminar I, 3 units
EDUC 582 – Research Seminar II, 3 units
EDUC 592 – Thesis, 3 units or EDUC 597 – Synthesis Project, 3 units

Note: Passing the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is required for unconditional acceptance to this graduate degree program and is a prerequisite to EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I). Therefore, all master’s degree students are advised to pass the WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.

Master of arts in montessori early childhood education

The Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with a specialization in Montessori Early Childhood Education is built upon and includes the completion of the American Montessori Society (AMS) ECE Certificate Training Program. This is a Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) approved program that prepares students to teach in Montessori programs serving children ages 2.5–6 years. Upon completion of the M.A. in ECE with a specialization in Montessori Education and the AMS ECE Certificate, students may be qualified to apply for the California Child Development Permit through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A minimum of 30 graduate units are required.

Certificate Courses (29 units)

Research Courses (9 units)
EDUC 572 – Research Seminar I, 3 units
EDUC 582 – Research Seminar II, 3 units
EDUC 592 – Thesis, 3 units or EDUC 597 – Synthesis Project, 3 units

Note: Passing the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) is required for unconditional acceptance to this graduate degree program and is a prerequisite to EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I). Therefore, all master’s degree students are advised to pass the WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.

American Montessori Society Elementary education certificate (32 UNITS)

The Montessori Elementary Education Certificate course of study is designed to prepare candidates to teach children from ages 6 to 12 years using Montessori’s elementary methods and curriculum. Candidates who have not received Montessori Early Childhood Training must complete the prerequisite MONT 287, Montessori Overview. The elementary program includes the option to complete a Master of Arts degree, or a Master of Education degree. An American Montessori Society Elementary Education Certificate is granted on successful completion of the program.

Prerequisite (2 units)
Montessori Early Childhood Course of Study or MONT 287 – Montessori Overview, 2 units (or equivalent experience)

Specialization Courses (26 units)
MONT 210 – Learning and Development, 3 units
MONT 223 – Technology in the Classroom, 1 unit
MONT 261 – Montessori Philosophy in a Cultural Context, 3 units
MONT 263 – Elementary Mathematics I, 3 units
MONT 264 – Language, Reading, and Writing, 3 units
MONT 265 – Elementary Foundations, 2 units
MONT 266 – Study of the Sciences, 3 units
MONT 267 – Creative Arts I, 1 unit
MONT 268 – Creative Arts II, 1 unit
MONT 269 Elementary Mathematics II, 2 units
MONT 270 – Integration and Personal Assessment, 2 units
ECE 231 – Positive Discipline & Classroom Management, 2 units

Field Experiences (6 units)
MONT 411 – Field Observations and Seminars I, 1 unit
MONT 412 – Field Observations and Seminars II, 1 unit
MONT 420 – Practicum I, 2 units
MONT 430 – Practicum II, 2 units

The Montessori Early Childhood Certificate Program prepares the student to teach young children in a Montessori classroom. The program is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). AMS grants their Montessori Early Childhood Certificate (2.5 through 6 years) to the graduates of this certificate program. The certificate program may be completed in a 2-year program, with options to complete an M.A. in Early Childhood Education or an M.Ed. in Montessori Education.

Specialization Courses (23 units)
MONT 210 – Learning and Development, 3 units
MONT 261 – Montessori Philosophy in a Cultural Context, 3 units
ECE 231 – Positive Discipline and Classroom Management, 2 units
ECE 259 – Practical Life Curriculum, 2 units
ECE 260 – Conceptual Curriculum (Sensorial), 2 units
ECE 263 – Mathematics: Conceptual Learning, 3 units
ECE 264 – Language and Reading Development, 3 units
ECE 266 – Study of the Sciences, 3 units
ECE 267 – Creative Arts I, 1 unit
ECE 268 – Creative Arts II, 1 unit

Field Experience (6 units)
MONT 311 – Field Observations and Seminars I, 1 unit
MONT 312 – Field Observations and Seminars II, 1 unit
MONT 320 – Internship I, 2 units
MONT 330 – Internship II, 2 units

The mission of the Early Childhood Education Program is to prepare caring and competent teachers and administrators to work with a diverse population of children and their families in a variety of early childhood settings serving children from ages 2 through 8 years old. The program also prepares students for leadership roles in Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher training and parent education programs, leaders who affirm and promote the essential goodness, dignity and freedom of all people. Acceptance into any SOE graduate degree program requires a separate application and acceptance process from the credential and certification programs. The following programs are offered:

Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Curriculum and Instruction
Supervision and Leadership
Montessori Early Childhood Education

LEAP (Liberal Education for Arts Professionals) is an internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts degree program specifically designed for current and former professional dancers. Today, with classes offered in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, LEAP serves more than 200 current and former professional dancers from leading ballet, modern, and ethnic dance companies as well as musical theater, TV, and film.

Traditionally, a dancer’s rigorous training and the professional demands of a full-time dance career didn’t allow for an academic education beyond secondary school. It was very difficult to prepare for the career transition that every dancer must face.

Founded in 1999, LEAP makes it possible for these working adults to receive a comprehensive liberal arts education and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s College in 3 to 4 years of part-time study. Courses are offered at convenient times and locations and the program’s flexibility encourages dancers to pursue individual interests and explore different disciplines. Our alumni have continued on to graduate studies and successful new careers in a variety of fields.

Saint Mary’s College undergraduate students may elect to take courses offered by the Montessori Education Program to complete a Liberal Studies Minor in Montessori Thought. Graduates of Saint Mary’s undergraduate program may continue their Montessori education, including participation in a paid internship and completion of curriculum requirements, to earn the American Montessori Society Early Childhood or Elementary Certificate and a Master’s degree in Montessori Education.

Students must meet with their advisor and with the Montessori Education program coordinator as early in their academic career as possible. Undergraduate students who think they might be interested in teaching as a career may take courses in the Kalmanovitz School of Education with the permission of their advisor and the course instructor.

Required Course Early Childhood Education Focus

In addition to the general liberal studies requirements, including EDUC 119 and EDUC 144 (Cognitive Development), the Minor requires 3 courses and .5 credit (undergraduate courses are measured in credits; graduate courses are measured in units) course from the list of electives.

Required Credits (3)
MONT 161 – Montessori Philosophy in a Cultural Context, 1 credit
ECE 163 – Mathematics: Conceptual Learning, 1 credit
ECE 164 – Language and Reading Development, 1 credit

Electives (one .5 credit required for Minor)
ECE 131 – Positive Discipline and Classroom Management, .5 credits
ECE 159 – Practical Life Curriculum, .5 credits
ECE 160 – Conceptual Curriculum, .5 credits
ECE 166 – Study of the Sciences, 1 credit
ECE 167 – Creative Arts I, .25 credits
ECE 168 – Creative Arts II, .25 credits
MONT 111 – Field Observation and Seminars I, .25 credits
MONT 112 – Field Observation and Seminars II, .25 credits

At the Saint Mary’s College Special Education Program we offer a personalized, professional course of study in teaching individuals with exceptional needs. Our curriculum is steeped in current research and integrates theory with experiential learning and field-based activities. If you’re new to the field we’ll prepare you for a career teaching children with disabilities, and if you’re already working in special education settings we’ll strengthen the skills you already possess. Either way we’ll give you the tools necessary to address the needs of today’s diverse student population..

The Program offers 1 specialization in Mild/Moderate Disabilities. Most courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. Coursework may be reduced for individuals who hold a current California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential. Please meet with the program director or advisor for an appropriate plan of study.