Master's Degrees and Credential Programs

Master’s Degrees

The master’s programs in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) prepare qualified professional personnel in education and related areas through a sequence of graduate work that includes field and laboratory experiences as well as coursework. The School of Leadership and Education Sciences grants three master’s degrees: the Master of Arts (M.A.), the Master of Education (M.Ed.), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). Each program requires a specified minimum number of graduate credits, and most require the successful completion of a comprehensive examination, a culminating curriculum project, thesis, or a portfolio. There is no foreign language requirement.

Credential Programs

USD’s credential programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students should see their advisers for specific requirements regarding each credential. It is possible to combine credential programs with a degree program. See program directors for information. All PK-12 education programs in SOLES are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Transfer of Credit

Students may transfer 6 appropriate master’s-level units taken at an accredited and approved institution within the past five years into a 30 - 44 unit program, and 9 units into a program requiring 45 or more units, with the approval of the adviser and program director and clearance by the Graduate Records Office.

Reservation of the Right to Modify

Every effort has been made to provide current and accurate information in the description of master’s degree and credential programs. However, we reserve the right to change program requirements. Students should confer with their advisers and the credential analyst to ensure progress toward their degrees and/or credentials.