Coursework
Master's Credential Cohort Program: Secondary Education
Department of Learning and Teaching
Program of Study
Overview
The Master’s Credential Cohort Single Subject Program at the University of San Diego (USD) is designed to prepare effective secondary teachers. 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.
The SOLES faculty enrich all programs and course offerings with the values, concepts and themes that we all believe will help students become ethical, civic-minded and committed leaders in their chosen fields.
The Master’s Credential Cohort Program for Secondary Education consists of 45 units taken in a prescribed sequence. Two formats are available: an intensive 1-year format beginning in July, and a 2-year format beginning in the fall semester.
International Experience
At SOLES, all masters and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally.
For many students, this experience will include a one- to two-week, faculty-led course abroad. For students who prefer to stay in southern California, this experience may be fulfilled through research or coursework on international issues. Service trips and site visits across the border in Tijuana are offered regularly.
Learning and Teaching courses with an international component include:
- Educational Leadership for Peace and Sustainability in Costa Rica (Summer 2013)
- Cognition and Learning in Japan (Summer 2013)
- Research Design and Methodology in Japan (Summer 2012)
- Exploring the Underground Railroad (Summer 2012)
One-Year Format Curriculum
Summer I (9 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 581 | Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations of Teaching in a Global Society | 3 |
| EDUC 582 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | Continuing Education UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 558XB | First and Second Language Development for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
Field experience: Practicum at school sites.
Fall (14 units)
Field experience: Part-time student teaching September-January with additional school visits where necessary to complete course assignments. PACT teaching event.
Intersession (3 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDSP 589 | Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education | 3 |
Field experience: Part-time student teaching September-January with additional school visits where necessary to complete course assignments. PACT teaching event.
Spring (12 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 552 | MCC Student Teaching II | 6 |
| EDUC 557 | Action Research I | 3 |
Choose one of the following:
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design & Evaluation | 3 |
| EDUC 578 | Learning and Technology | 3 |
Field experience: Full-time student teaching and action research at school site. Special topics sessions provided for no credit.
Summer II (7 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 558 | Action Research II | 1 |
| EDUC | Elective Course in M.Ed. | 3 |
Two-Year Format Curriculum
Fall I (15 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 581 | Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations of Teaching in a Global Society | 3 |
| EDUC 582 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 532 | Secondary Curriculum and Methods of Teaching in a Global Society | 6 |
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | Continuing Education UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 558XB | First and Second Language Development for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
Field experience: Practicum at school sites.
Spring I (14 units)
Field experience: Part-time student teaching with additional school visits where necessary to complete course assignments. PACT teaching event. Please note that student teaching placements follow the school district calendar and typically extend into June.
Fall II (9 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 552 | MCC Student Teaching II | 6 |
| EDUC 557 | Action Research I | 3 |
Field experience: Full-time student teaching and action research at school site. Special topics sessions provided for no credit.
Spring II (10 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 558 | Action Research II | 1 |
| EDUC | Elective Course in M.Ed. | 3 |
Choose one of the following:
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 535 | Curriculum Design & Evaluation | 3 |
| EDUC 578 | Learning and Technology | 3 |
Choose one of the following:
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 510 | Cognition and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 511 | Education Reform | 3 |
| EDUC 597 | Historical Struggles for Educational Equity | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the program take me?
Students in the 12-month format begin their program in the mid-July and are finished in mid-July of the following year. This intensive program of study includes year-round coursework.
Students in the 2-year format begin their program in late August and are finished in the May of their second year (students starting in Fall 2013 will graduate in May 2015). This program of study does not include coursework in July, most of August, or Intersession.
How much will the program cost me?
Tuition for the Master's Credential Cohort program is discounted by 43% for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. Download information on financing.
What are the pros and cons of each format?
Students who are able to commit to an intensive year of coursework with fewer breaks may be best suited to the 1-year program. These students complete their program of study more quickly and can begin their teaching careers sooner. However, students who have no experience in teaching or working with children, or those with extensive commitments outside of graduate school, may find this format to be too intensive. In addition, this format is not recommended for international students, who are adjusting to a new country and culture and may need time to become acclimated to the U.S. education system.
The 2-year program is best suited for students who can commit to full-time study during Fall and Spring semesters, but need July, most of August and Intersession (January) periods free for work, family commitments, or relaxation! They will complete their program at a slower pace, but may begin teaching or substitute teaching during their final semester of study (Spring II) since their credential requirements will be complete at the end of the Fall II semester and their remaining coursework will be in the late afternoons and evenings.
Can I work while completing the program?
Students are discouraged from working while in the program, and especially during student teaching, because each semester requires a full-time courseload. The exception is during the July, most of August, and Intersession periods for 2-year program students, since those periods do not include any coursework or fieldwork.
Nonetheless, some students in both the 1-year and 2-year formats have been successful in holding part-time employment on-campus or off-campus during Fall and Spring semesters as long as their work hours do not conflict with their class times or fieldwork commitments.
When are classes scheduled?
Each class typically meets once per week at 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. for 2 hours and 50 minutes at a time. Summer and intersession classes are required for students in the 1-year format and hold more frequent class meetings. The program includes two semesters of student teaching, which is completed during the K-12 district school day. Student teaching placements follow the school district calendar and typically extend into June.
How many units are included in the program?
The program includes 42 graduate units and 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
