Program Description
The Master's program is comprised of a total of 30-33 units. Two pathways are currently offered to meet individual needs:
- Pathway 1 is a fully online program designed for credentialed 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 the additional 4 classes are offered in a combination of online, hybrid and in-person instruction.
A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission. Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses. Curriculum & Instruction program courses are typically offered weeknights from 5:00-7:45PM, 4:00-6:45PM, or 7:00-9:45PM, subject to change. A limited number of courses for Pathway 2 students is available for optional summer enrollment.
The following are required for admission to the program:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants whose overall GPA is less than 2.85 but meet the University minimum GPA requirement and who present compelling evidence of academic and professional potential either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background, may be considered for admission at the discretion of the program admission committee.
- A valid teaching credential (may be waived by program coordinator).
- International applicants have additional university application requirements including meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Please visit The Center for International Education (CIE) website for more information.
Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions. Elementary Education. Secondary Education
A minimum of 30-33 units of upper division and graduate courses are required. Pathway 2 students must have a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at CSULB.
Degree requirements include the following courses:
Core Courses (15 units):
- EDCI 500 - Studies in Curriculum and Instruction (3 units)
- EDCI 505 - History of Education in the United States (3 units)
- EDCI 533 - Action Research Methods: Teachers as Inquirers (3 units)
- EDCI 530 - Cross-cultural Education: US and Global Perspectives (3 units)
- EDCI 625 - Analysis of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3 units)
Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 (12 units):
Pathway 1 students will use 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework, with advisor approval.
Pathway 2 students will take 12 additional units at CSULB, with advisor approval, such as:
- EDP 400 - Introduction to Educational Research (3 units)
- EDP 405 – Positive Strategies for Classroom Management (3 units)
- EDP 520 - Quantitative Research Methods in Education (3 units)
- EDP 595 - Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 units)
- EDP 596 - Program Evaluation in Education (3 units)
- ETEC 444 - Computer Technology in Education Level (3 units)
- ETEC 510 - Foundations of Educational Technology (3 units)
- ETEC 525 - Social and Cultural Implications of Educational Technology
- Other classes may be approved by advisor
Capstone (3-6 units):
Students select one of the following in consultation with faculty advisor:
Comprehensive Exam: EDCI 695 Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (3 units) and Written Comprehensive Examination
OR
Thesis: EDCI 698 Thesis (6 units, completed over 2 semesters)
*Please note: Pathway 1 is for students who have 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework
Year 1 - Fall
- EDCI 500
- EDCI 505
Year 1 - Spring
- EDCI 530
- EDCI 533
Year 2 - Fall
- EDCI 625
- EDCI 695 and comprehensive exam
Year 1 - Fall
- EDCI 500
- EDCI 505
Year 1 - Spring
- EDCI 530
- EDCI 533
- Pathway 2 Course #1
Year 2 - Fall
- EDCI 625
- EDCI 695 and comprehensive exam, or first semester of EDCI 698 (If Thesis)
Year 2 - Spring
- Pathway 2 Course #2
- Pathway 2 Course #3
- Pathway 2 Course #4 and second semester of EDCI 698 (If Thesis)
Are you seeking a teaching credential? This program is for practicing teachers or other educational professionals and offers a master’s degree only. If you’re interested in obtaining a teaching credential, please visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center. Students who are pursuing a teaching credential complete that program first, and then apply to the master’s program.
