Education, MA

The Master of Arts in Education is an individually designed program with particular concentrations of study in the following areas:

Student Affairs and Educational Justice
Educational Evaluation & Data Analysis
K12 Education & Equity

Students may also design a more-generalized program of study that crosses concentrations and education subject areas.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. The master’s degree requires 32 semester units of coursework.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. The Education program permits a maximum of 6 semester units of transfer credit and stipulates that prior graduate coursework must have been taken within the last five years.

Degree Completion Option. With advisor approval, students select writing either a thesis or a critique.

Thesis. Two faculty readers and formal submission to the Registrar’s Office is required. See thecurrent Policies and General Information Bulletin and the Registrar’s website for additional information about thesis formatting and submission. Master’s Degree thesis regulations available in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.
Critique. Only one faculty reader is required. A final version of the critique must be submitted to the program office.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

Master’s Degree Along the Way to the PhD

CGU offers students the option of earning a Master’s degree along the way to the doctoral degree. Education students qualify by meeting all of the following criteria.

Must be enrolled in the doctoral program with the intention of completing 72 units of coursework at CGU
Completion of 32 units of study
Passing one approved qualifying exam in lieu of the thesis or critique
Degree completion requirements outlined in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin for the Master’s degree must be followed.

Student Affairs and Educational Justice

The MA in Education with a concentration in Student Affairs and Educational Justice (SAEJ) prepares emerging and current student affairs practitioners to successfully lead and transform institutions of higher education to promote teaching and student development both in and outside of the classroom.

Study is based on a multidisciplinary view of theory and research and a commitment to developing educational environments that are just, relevant, and rigorous. Through policy, practice, and research, graduates of this program work to foster environments that are inclusive, respect diversity, and promote student learning and success.

Educational Evaluation and Data Analysis

The MA in Education with a concentration in Educational Evaluation and Data Analysis (EEDA) prepares students to approach questions about program evaluation, academic achievement, and institutional effectiveness by designing data analyses that meet applied research needs in K-20 educational settings. Upon program completion, graduates will understand theory and methods, as well as possess practical experience and ethical awareness to meet the demands and challenges of serving in roles such as K-12 assessment professionals, institutional researchers, data analysts, data managers, and education evaluators.

K12 Education and Equity

There is an urgent need for highly educated professionals to understand research and best practices in order to assist schools and practicing educators in increasing overall achievement in the U.S. and closing the persistent achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic and ethnic groups. To that end, the concentration in K12 Education and Equity will center around classes and research experiences aimed at merging accountability in education with a focus on justice.