MA in Occupational Studies

The Master of Arts Degree in Occupational Studies is available to qualified students preparing for professional careers in the fields of career, professional, and vocational education. A major thrust is the development of qualified leadership personnel to serve professional education programs in public and private education as well as related human resource development programs in California and the nation. The graduate program in occupational studies consists of three parts:

The first part is a 15 units set of required or core coursework in the following areas: History and Foundations of Occupational Education (PROF-501), Leadership Development (PROF-502), Program Management (PROF-503), Research and Evaluation (PROF-505 and PROF-696).
The second part is an area of specialization which is selected by the student in consultation with an advisor.
The third part is either (1) a major research study (thesis option) or (2) a comprehensive examination (non-thesis option) near the end of the Master's program.
Each applicant must submit a copy of transcripts for all college work to the program office, in addition to the official copies required by the University's Office of Admissions and Records.

Part 1

The first part of this program is a 15 units set of required or core coursework in the following areas: History and Foundations of Professional Education (PROF-501), Leadership Development (PROF-502), Program Management (PROF-503), Research and Evaluation (PROF-505 and PROF-696).

Part 2

The second component is an area of specialization, which is selected from the following options, by the student in consultation with an advisor.

Administrative Studies

This specialization is for individuals interested in the administration of occupational education in the public or private sectors.

Special Populations

This specialization is for individuals planning to work with learners who are culturally different, handicapped, and/or limited English language learners in occupational education settings.

Corporate Training and Development

This specialization is for individuals interested in the development, implementation, and evaluation of training programs in a variety of business or industrial settings.

Career Guidance

This specialization is for individuals interested in counseling and guidance services in education and employment settings.

Research and Evaluation

This specialization is for individuals planning to work in research and evaluation areas in public or private agencies, or to pursue advanced graduate studies.

Curriculum and Instruction

This specialization is for individuals interested in developing occupational education courses for programs in public and proprietary institutions.

Click here to see goals specific to the MA degree.

Part 3

The third part is either a major research study (the thesis option) or a comprehensive examination near the end of the Master's program.

Prerequisites

Applicants for the Master of Arts Degree in Occupational Studies must meet the following admission requirements:

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in occupational studies with a minimum of 24 upper division units in vocational education comparable to courses offered at this University or a bachelor's degree in another discipline with a minimum of 24 upper division units comparable to courses offered at this University in the discipline in which the degree was awarded.
Applicants must successfully complete the Departmental Writing Examination.

Advancement to Candidacy

Graduate students may advance to candidacy upon completion of the following requirements:

Satisfaction of the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy;
Completion of all core courses;
Maintenance of a B average (3.0 GPA) in all work completed in the program; and
Approval of Professional Studies Graduate faculty and Director of Graduate Studies, College of Health and Human Services.

Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements:

Satisfactory completion of PROF-501, PROF-502, PROF-503, PROF-505, PROF-696 (15 core units) and
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

18 additional elective units of approved graduate-level courses and 3 units of PROF-697 (Comprehensive Exam) for a total of 36 units in the program, or
12 additional elective units of approved graduate-level courses and 4 units of PROF-698 (Thesis) for a total of 31 units in the program.

Application Procedure

Apply now for the Master of Arts Degree in Occupational Studies.

If you have specific questions about the MA degree, please contact the graduate advisor directly.