Graduate 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 (MA), the Master of Education (MEd), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). 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 advisors 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).
Certificate Programs
Two certificate programs are available through the Department of Learning & Teaching: 1) Specialist in Character Development Certificate and 2) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languates (TESOL) Certificate.
MASTER’S & DOCTORAL INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
Beginning in Fall 2008, all students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree within SOLES will be required to participate in an international experience as a part of their graduate study. A description of the requirement for students in the Department of Learning and Teaching is available at the link below.
All graduate degree candidates within the Department of Learning and Teaching are required to participate in an international experience prior to graduation.
