Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction

(formerly M.A. in Education, General Option)

The M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed for K-12 credentialed educators who wish to broaden their understandings of education as well as deepen their knowledge and skills as teachers. The program provides opportunities for students to develop advanced understandings and capacities related to curriculum development, to interrogate the many ways in which students and their families experience marginalization and exclusion in schools, and to conduct original research to address inequities in school. It is recommended that educators begin this program after clearing their CA credential and/or after gaining at least 2 years of full-time classroom teaching experience.

This program requires a minimum of 30 graduate level units. Twenty-one (21) units must be taken in residence at CSUSM. With careful planning and advisement, those with a credential from CSUSM who attend full-time can complete the program in three semesters.

Elective Coursework (12+ units)

Elective courses are designed to provide students the opportunity to focus their learning on an area of interest related to curriculum and instruction, i.e. literacy, and special education instruction. Up to nine credits earned through CSUSM credential courses may be applied toward these electives within 4-5 years of the completion of the credential. Elective courses are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor and must be completed prior to completing the required core coursework. Units from other relevant graduate study may also be transferred in and count toward the elective units.

Required Core Coursework (18 units)

EDUC 603: Equity & Access Practicum (Fall)

EDUC 604: Knowledge Construction & Accomplished Teaching (Fall)

EDUC 617: Research in Curriculum & Instruction I (Fall)

EDUC 620: Innovative Curriculum & Application (Spring)

EDUC 628: Research in Curriculum & Instruction II (Spring)

EDUC 698: MA Seminar (Spring)

Part-time

Those who wish to attend part-time can complete the program over 4-6 semesters, depending upon the number of completed units transferred/applied toward the elective courses. Students will establish a program of study with their faculty advisor upon admission.

For individuals wishing to complete the program part-time, note that EDUC 603 & EDUC 617 (Fall), as well as EDUC 628 & EDUC 698 (Spring), must be taken together in sequence during a single academic year.

Application materials are available here: https://www.csusm.edu/cehhs/studentservices/admission/howtoapplyma.html.

Questions?

MA in Curriculum & Instruction Co-Coordinators:

Dr. Anne René Elsbree (aelsbree@csusm.edu)

Dr. Joni Kolman (jkolman@csusm.edu)