FAQs

The program offers two pathways: Pathway 1 is completed in 3 semesters; Pathway 2 is completed in 2 years (4 semesters, may include some summer classes). Six classes in the program are offered in a cohort model in which everyone takes the same classes at the same time. Students on Pathway 2 have an additional 4 classes that are taken beyond the cohort requirements. 

Program applicants choose either Elementary Education, focusing on grades K-6, or Secondary Education, focusing on grades 6-12.  Both are 30-unit MA in Education programs (33 if doing a thesis). The classes for Elementary and Secondary are the same. 

Pathway 1 is a fully online program designed for 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 core classes 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 classes are offered in a combination of online, hybrid and in-person.

Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses 

Typical Pathway 1

• CSULB alumni who reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate credit , or took classes in post-baccalaureate status, from an accredited university
• Non-CSULB alumni who reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate, or took classes in post-baccalaureate status, from an accredited university
• Classes may not have been used toward another degree and must have been completed within 7 years
• Final review and guarantee of what will count toward Pathway 1 is made after students are offered admission

Typical Pathway 2

• Completed requirements for a teaching credential but did not earn post-baccalaureate units from an accredited university. For example, someone who completed a BA+credential program but did not reserve units for post-baccalaureate use or completed requirements through a district
• Private school teacher who does have a teaching credential
• International students who do not have a California teaching credential with post-baccalaureate units from an accredited university
• Classroom support staff who do not have a teaching credential
• Teach for America or other K-12 education professionals
• Those who have post-baccalaureate teaching credential units from an accredited university but completed more than 7 years ago

• No, this program does not lead to earning a teaching credential. If you are interested in earning a teaching credential, please contact the CSULB Teacher Preparation Advising Center (TPAC). CSULB does not offer any programs that combine a teaching credential and master's degree.   
• This program is for practicing teachers or other educational professionals and offers a master’s degree only.
• Students who are pursuing a teaching credential complete that program first, and then apply to the master’s program.    

Visit the GSO Tips & Tutorials for Applying page for an application flow chart, advice on how to be a competitive applicant, and free resources and tips on the statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, and resume.

The GPA requirement is a minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. For more information please see the Eligiblity page.

Two. The program admissions committee has instructed you to input the names and email addresses for only two recommenders. Therefore, please do not input more than two recommenders.  For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission. 

The application deadline is also the deadline for the letters of recommendation. Please note there is a short buffer period in which recommender(s) may submit evaluations after the application deadline. Please make sure your recommender submits the recommendation as close to the deadline as possible for full consideration. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the, please visit the Online Application Submission website.

You must submit one set of official transcripts from the college or university from which you earned your bachelor's degree. Pathway 1 applicants who did not complete coursework at CSULB will also submit official transcripts from the college or university from which you completed your post-baccalaureate teaching credential program. Please visit the Submit Official Transcript website for more information.

Graduate school fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees each academic year. The current fee structure may be found on the Enrollment Services web site. The approximate cost as of Fall 2023 ranges from an estimated cost of $7,965 for students on pathway 1 and $13,632 for pathway 2 for residents in California. There are many options available for financing your graduate education. 

The Curriculum and Instruction program is a fully online program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires that international graduate students applying on an F1 or J1 visa must be enrolled in at least 8 units every semester, but 6 of these units must be in-person or hybrid courses. Since this program is fully online, international graduate students on an F1 or J1 visa are not eligible to apply. Please visit the International Applicants tab for more information.