Department of Learning
and Teaching
Master of Education Degree Programs
Masters degree programs in the Department of Learning and Teaching candidate outcomes are designed in congruence with the School of Leadership and Education Sciences’ A.C.E. conceptual framework, in which “A” represents “Academic Excellence, Critical Inquiry, and Reflection,” “C” stands for “Community and Service,” and “E” represents “Ethics, Values, and Diversity.” Advanced programs are offered concurrently with teaching credential programs and include teaching experience. These include Master of Education degrees in Curriculum and Teaching; Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education; and Literacy, Culture, and TESOL.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree and the Master of Education degree in Special Education are initial programs that are open to candidates with and without teaching experience and credentials. The department, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, offers the Master of Arts in Teaching degree that combines academic content area study with advanced coursework in education. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is offered in History/Social Science.
Grades of C- or better are required in master’s degree courses. With approval, candidates may transfer in up to 6 units from other graduate programs and/or institutions. Continuing education units are not accepted for graduate credit.
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M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching is a course of study aimed at improving candidates’ instructional practices. It focuses on the design, delivery, and assessment of programs, units and lessons, and is appropriate for K-12 teachers and educators and trainers in public and private sectors. Courses utilize current research on instructional best practices to frame discussions on teaching and learning. Taking a backward design approach, coursework examining instructional planning emphasizes identification of learning objectives worthy of enduring understanding, the use of essential questions, and the use of assessments designed to evaluate students’ knowledge and misconceptions. The program teaches candidates to systematically examine both their own practices and cutting edge national and international exemplars. Included is critical examination of a variety of different technology applications in educational and training settings. A 9-unit certificate in Character Education is available as an elective option.
Program of Study (33 units) |
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I. Foundations of Education (9 units) |
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| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
EDUC 510 |
Cognition and Learning (3) OR EDUC 513 – Human Development (3) |
| EDUC 511 | Educational Reform (3) |
II. Curriculum and Teaching Specialization (15 units) |
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| Candidates are required to take the following five courses for a total of 15 units. |
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| EDUC 512 | Measurement and Evaluation in Educational Settings (3) |
| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3) |
| EDUC 536 | Curricular Innovations (3) |
| EDUC 538 | Instructional Theories and Practices (3) |
| EDUC 580 | Capstone Seminar |
III. Electives (6 units) |
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| EDUC 514 | Instructional Technology: Design and Evaluation (3) |
| EDUC 515 | Advanced Theories of Language and Literacy (3) |
| EDUC 516 | Innovations in Reading and Writing (3) |
| EDUC 517 | Multiple Literacies (3) |
| EDUC 518 | Teaching Writing Across the Curriculum (3) |
| EDUC 519 | Literature for Children and Adolescents (3) |
| EDUC 550 | Distance Education |
| EDUC 553 | Curriculum and Programs in Character Education (3) |
| EDUC 554 | Character-based Discipline (3) |
| EDUC 556 | Instructional Strategies in Character Education (3) |
| EDUC 595 | Thesis (1-6) |
| Other courses by permission of advisor. | |
Specialization in Montessori Education
In partnership with the Montessori Institute of San Diego, graduate students at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at USD can earn a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Teaching with specialization in Montessori Education. The program is designed for educators interested in becoming Montessori trained and earning an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma, or for those interested in increasing their pedagogical understanding of the principles behind Montessori education. Upon completion, students will earn an AMI diploma certifying them to teach children from birth to six years of age. There are two options for earning the Masters: 1) a two-year, full time graduate student program at the Montessori Internationale San Diego (MISD) campus in La Jolla, CA; and 2) four summer (eight week) sessions at SOLES on the USD campus. The summer study option requires that students observe and practice during the interim years.
Both options share the following features:
• 39 units;
• observation in homes, AMI infant, toddler and primary classroom settings;
• fieldwork in AMI classrooms (those with AMI certified teachers) with children, birth to six years of age, and, at times, their parents;
• renowned Montessori practitioners and academic faculty who live the art and science of Montessori Education as standardized by Association Montessori Internationale;
• diverse student body reflecting an international diversity;
• balanced curriculum provides students a deep understanding of both content and pedagogy;
focus on parent and community education: students learn how to bring Montessori education to parents and their children, schools and early childhood community services;
• capstone research seminar supports students in the design, implementation, analysis and publication of original, classroom –focused, action research;
MISD Montessori and USD education coursework combine to offer candidates the theoretical basis and practical knowledge/field experiences necessary to conduct research, to teach, or to consult in schools and early childhood services; and,
• field experiences and support in the design, implementation, analysis and publication of original research on the effectiveness in Montessori classrooms.
Prerequisite Requirements |
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| • GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework • Personal interview and written essay • Three letters of recommendation (2 academic) • TOEFL (www.ets.org/toefl). Required for prospective students for whom English is a second language |
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II. Examinations |
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| • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) [minimum score of 1000] • Written and Oral Examinations from Association Montessori Internationale |
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Prerequisite for International Students |
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| EDU 558XB | First and Second Language Development and Structure for the Classroom Teacher (Continuing Education) (3) |
Specialization in Montessori Education Requirements |
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| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning (3) |
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
Curriculum and Teaching Specialization |
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| EDTE 500 | Foundations of the Montessori System of Education (3) (Philosophy and Method) |
| EDTE 501 | Child Neuropsychiatry (2) |
| EDTE 502 | Early Childhood Education (2) |
| EDTE 503 | Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene, Obstetrics, and Nutrition (2) |
| EDTE 504 | Creating Healthy, Safe Environments for Infants and Toddlers (2) |
| EDTE 505 | Human Relations and Self Awareness among Young Children (2) |
| EDTE 506 | Field Experience (Observation and Teaching Practice) (2) |
| EDTE 507 | Perceptual-Motor Development (2) |
| EDTE 508 | Teaching Strategies and Social Development (2) (Parent EducatIon and Family Development) |
| EDTE 509 | Creative Activities (Music, Art, Movement, Drama) (2) |
| EDTE 510 | Language Arts/Reading Curriculum and Instruction (3) |
| EDTE 511 | Mathematics and Science Curriculum and Instruction (3) |
| EDSP 595 | Leadership and Management Skills in Early Childhood/Special Education (3) |
Capstone Requirement (3 units) |
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| EDUC 580 | Master’s Capstone Seminar (3) |
Master’s Credential Cohort Program: Combined M.Ed. and Single Subject Credential |
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| The Master’s Credential Cohort Program is designed to prepare effective middle and high school educators. The program emphasizes the connection between theory and practice, weaving together university-based coursework and thoughtfully designed field experiences. Candidates in the program develop the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to flourish in their own classrooms, as well as the critical habits of mind and reflective practice that will allow them to grow as educators throughout their careers. Faculty and students in the program are committed to teaching for social justice and promoting educational excellence and equity in all school settings. At the conclusion of the twelve-month program, successful candidates will have earned a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Teaching and a single subject teaching credential. | |
Program of Study (42 Units) |
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| EDUC 558XB | First and Second Language Development and Structure for the Classroom Teacher (3) |
Required Courses |
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| EDUC 581 | Multicultural Foundations of Education (3) |
| EDUC 582 | Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society (3) |
Fall (13 units) |
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| EDUC 532 | Curriculum and Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools (3) |
| EDUC 534 | Methods of Teaching Reading in Secondary Schools (3) |
| EDUC 584 | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development (3) |
| EDUC 551 | Single Subject Student Teaching (2) |
| EDUC 567 | Single Subject Student Teaching Seminar (2) |
Intersession (3 units) |
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| EDSP 589 | Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education (3) |
Spring (13 units) |
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| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3) |
| EDUC 557 | Action Research for Secondary Teachers I (2) |
| EDUC 552 | Single Subject Student Teaching (6) |
| EDUC 567 | Single Subject Student Teaching Seminar (2) |
Summer II (7 units) |
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| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning (3) |
| EDUC 536 | Curricular Innovations (3) |
| EDUC 558 | Action Research for Secondary Teachers (1) |
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching: Induction Master’s Partnership Program with San Diego Unified School District
The Induction Master’s Partnership program is a unique collaboration between the San Diego Unified School District and the Department of Learning and Teaching. The program offers newly hired teachers working in the district the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching as they work to meet Induction requirements for the Professional Clear credential. Classes are co-constructed and co-taught by university and school district instructors. Special incentives exist for district teachers at low-performing schools for whom tuition costs are greatly discounted through scholarships which support the program. The two-year, cohort-based program is currently open only to teachers in the San Diego Unified School District who are enrolled in the district induction program.
Program of Study (30 units) |
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| EDUC 520 | Teacher Induction I (3) |
| EDUC 524 | Advanced Literacy Instruction for Elementary Teachers (3) OR EDUC 525 – Advanced Literacy Instruction for Secondary Teachers (3) |
Summer I (3 units) |
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| EDUC 501 | Family, School and Community Partnerships (3) |
Fall I (9 units) |
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| EDUC 521 | Teacher Induction II (3) |
| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3) |
| EDUC 528 | Advanced Seminar in Teaching Mathematics to Elementary Students (3) OR EDUC 539 – Advanced Seminar in Teaching Content Area Subjects to Secondary Students (3) |
Spring II (7 units) |
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| EDUC 522 | Teacher Induction III (3) |
| EDUC 512 | Measurement and Evaluation in Educational Settings (3) |
| EDUC 507 | Action Research I (1) |
Summer II (1 unit) |
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| EDUC 508 | Action Research II (1) |
Fall II (4 units) |
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| EDUC 509 | Action Research III (1) |
| EDUC 579 | Teacher Leaders in Urban Schools (3) |
Action Research Project |
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| In EDUC 509 – Action Research III students will present an original action research project as a capstone exit requirement. | |
M.Ed. in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education
This program is designed to increase proficiency in mathematics, science and technology content and skills in elementary and secondary pedagogical processes. Providing candidates with opportunities to mature as “teacher-scholars” and to develop insights regarding effective teaching practices, the program will incorporate problem-based learning, inquiry, simulations, modeling and action research. Through reflection on their experiences in mathematics, science and technology education, candidates construct a critical understanding of their practice. Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles in the field of mathematics, science and technology education.
Program of Study (30 units) |
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| Candidates are required to take one course from each of the three foundational areas for a total of 9 units: | |
Cognition and Development |
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| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning (3) OR EDUC 513 – Human Development (3) Research |
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
Social Foundations |
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| EDUC 511 | Educational Reform (3) OR EDUC 564 Cross-Cultural Communication (3) |
II. Mathematics, Science and Technology (9 units) |
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| Candidates are required to take each of the following courses for a total of 9 units: | |
| EDUC 570 | Contemporary Issues, Trends and Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (3) |
| EDUC 571 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation in Math, Science and Technology (3) |
| EDUC 580 | Capstone Seminar (3) |
III. Specialty Courses in Discipline (6 units) |
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| Candidates will take two advanced, discipline-based content courses for a total of 6 units: | |
Mathematics |
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| EDUC 572 | The Psychology of Mathematical Thinking (3) |
| EDUC 573 | Advanced Seminar in Mathematical Content (3) |
| Science | |
| EDUC 574 | Pedagogical Processes for Science Educators (3) |
| EDUC 576 | Advanced Seminar in Science Content (3) |
Technology |
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| EDUC 550 | Distance Education (3) |
| EDUC 577 | Mastering New Technologies (3) |
IV. Electives (6 units) |
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| Candidates may meet this requirement by taking 500-level or graduate courses in Learning and Teaching with the consent of their advisor. | |
M.Ed. in Literacy, Culture and TESOL
The Department of Learning and Teaching offers a Literacy, Culture, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program to assist professionals in the field of education to develop a scholarly and practical approach to literacy and second language instruction. We strive to prepare reflective practitioners who can successfully engage and ensure the academic success of students from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Literacy, Culture, and TESOL Program has two specialization options; Literacy and TESOL, which share three common goals: 1. critical understanding of theory and practice, 2. development and implementation of research-based and culturally responsive teaching practices, including closing the achievement gap and systems that perpetuate educational inequity, and 3. opportunities for development as change agents and teacher-scholars at local, national and/or international levels.
Program of Study (30 units) |
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| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
| EDUC 540* | Introduction to Language and Linguistic Analysis (3) |
| EDUC 529* | Literacy, Language and Culture (3) |
| EDUC 543* | Methods for Teaching Literacy in ESL (3) |
| EDUC 517** | Multiple Literacies (3) |
II. Specialization Courses (9 units) |
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Literacy** |
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| EDUC 515** | Advanced Theories of Language and Literacy (3) |
| EDUC 518** | Writing Across the Curriculum (3) |
| EDUC 519** | Literature for Children and Adolescents (3) OR |
TESOL/CTEL* |
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| EDUC 541* | Second Language Acquisition & Development (3) |
| EDUC 564 | Cross Cultural Communication (3) |
| EDUC 547 | Development and Evaluation of TESOL Programs (3) OR |
| EDUC 548 | Special Topics (3) |
III. Elective Courses (Choose one of the following courses) |
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| EDUC 546 | Teaching English as a Foreign Language (3) |
| EDUC 501 | Family, School and Community Partnerships (3) |
| EDUC 505 | Discourse, Schooling and Learning Communities (3) |
| EDUC 516 | Innovations in Reading and Writing (3) |
| EDUC 530 | Critical Literacy, Popular Culture and Media Studies (3) |
| EDUC 537 | Adoloescent and Children’s Literature and GLBTG Communities (3) |
| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning (3) |
| EDUC 511 | Educational Reform (3) |
| EDUC 545 | Language, Politics and Education (3) |
IV. Summative Assessment (3 units) |
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| EDUC 580 | Master’s Capstone Seminar (3) |
| Prerequisite Course for Admission to the TESOL Certificate Program | |
| EDU 558XB | First and Second Language Development and Structure for the Classroom Teacher (3) |
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T)
The Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree is a graduate program with a specialization in History/Social Sciences designed for educators interested in increasing both their pedagogical understanding and their content knowledge in history and the social sciences. It is appropriate for middle and high school teachers, teacher leaders, curriculum specialists, and content administrators as well as those interested in focusing on history education at the elementary level, within the community college, or at museums and cultural institutions. A balanced program of advanced courses is provided in the College of Arts and Sciences and in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). Students who are currently pursuing their teaching credential at SOLES can apply six units of credential coursework credit toward the M.A.T. degree.
Program of Study (30 units) |
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I. Foundations of Education (9) |
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| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning (3) OR |
| EDUC 513 | Human Development (3) |
| EDUC 580 | Capstone Seminar |
II. Education Electives (6) |
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| EDUC 511 | Educational Reform (3) |
| EDUC 512 | Measurement and Evaluation in Educational Settings (3) |
| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3) |
| EDUC 536 | Curricular Innovations (3) |
| EDUC 538 | Instructional Theories and Practices (3) |
III. Required Courses in History (6) |
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| HIST 500 | Core Seminar (3) |
| HIST 501 | Teaching Seminar (3) OR |
| HIST 502 | Public History Seminar (3) |
| IV. Electives in History/Social Science (9) | |
| 9 units of graduate history or social sciences courses approved by advisor from the College of Arts and Sciences. Candidates take 9 units chosen from the following departments: History, Political Science and International Relations, Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology. Courses from other social science departments may be taken with permission. | |
| Notes: 1. MAT students may not take HIST 563 – Thesis Writing 2. Not more than 6 units of upper-division undergraduate courses may be used in this program. Courses for this program may not duplicate coursework taken previously in undergraduate programs. |
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