UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Program: M.A., Elementary Education

Language and Literacy Option

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Elementary Education degree builds on the competencies developed in the Multiple Subject Credential program and is designed to provide candidates with advanced professional preparation in education for (1) assuming differentiated careers in school districts, professional organizations, and the community; and (2) continuing into a doctoral program.

Language and Literacy Option: This option places emphasis on developing a comprehensive and balanced approach to literacy instruction and assessment. Teaching students to be strategic readers, writers and evaluators of their own literacy progress is emphasized. Through the Literacy Center on campus, CSUN students work in two practical settings to assess and assist children who are experiencing difficulty in developing literacy skills.

Program Requirements

A. Required for Admission to the Master of Arts in Elementary Education

  1. Admission to the University.
  2. Department application.
  3. Preliminary teaching credential.

B. Required for Classified Status

  1. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or
  2. University-approved aptitude test for graduate study (GRE or MAT).

C. Other Special Requirements

  1. No more than 12 units of credit may be applied to an M.A. program until classified status is attained.
  2. Courses more than 7 years old will not be included in the total of 32 units required for the M.A. degree.
  3. A corequisite for the M.A. in Elementary Education degree is a Clear teaching credential.

D. Course Requirements

1. Required Core Courses (15 units)

EED 601 Curriculum, Instruction and the Reflective Teacher (3)
EED 602 Applying Technology to Curricular Goals (3)
EED 610 Research in Elementary Education (3)
EED 626 Literacy Instruction for English Learners K-12 (3)
EED 633 Seminar in Elementary School Language Arts Education (3)

2. Language and Literacy Option Requirements (14 units)

EED 625A/L Literacy Assessment and Teaching Strategies A and Lab (3/1)
EED 625B/L Literacy Assessment and Teaching Strategies B and Lab (3/1)
EED 668 Foundations of Literacy Theory and Practice (3)

Elective (3 units)

Elective course to be selected by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor.

3. Culminating Experience (3 units)

EED 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies and Exam (3) (and successful completion of the comprehensive examination)
or EED 698 Thesis or Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 32

Contact

Department of Elementary Education
Chair: Greg Knotts
Education (ED) 1206
(818) 677-2621

Graduate Coordinator: Alexandria Hollett
(818) 677-7402

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Master of Arts in Elementary Education will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate reflective practice by examining their pedagogical content knowledge, and skills to improve diverse students’ learning needs.
  2. Demonstrate theoretical understanding by reading, synthesizing, and evaluating educational theory and research and applying research findings to their practice in diverse classroom settings.
  3. Demonstrate research skills by designing and conducting research and presenting their findings at a professional level in oral and written forms.
  4. Demonstrate educational awareness by knowing current educational issues and how those impact schools.
  5. Demonstrate leadership by influencing policy and practice in educational communities through advocacy and example.