The Master of Arts in Education, designed for educational professionals and leaders, provides advanced preparation in the study of research issues confronting educators and schooling systems. There are two emphases– Curriculum and Instruction and Disability Studies– created for specific populations of professionals seeking to apply their graduate learning towards their career goals.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Education

1. Application– Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education, Graduate Program.

2. One Set of Official Transcripts– One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CI Admissions office. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Education. Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may qualify by taking the GRE and achieving minimum threshold scores.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation– Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional work.

4. Interview - Interview with the School of Education Admissions Committee.

5. Writing Sample– A written statement of purpose (500-600 word essay) describing why the candidate desires to obtain a Master’s in Education in the chosen emphasis. This essay will include reflection on personal and professional goals, and the ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Program Maintenance Requirements

Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better with no course grades lower than a C+. The progress of students in meeting this requirement and in progressing toward completion in a timely manner will be monitored at the conclusion of each term.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency for the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society and EDUC 615 - Principles of Educational Research with grades of B or higher.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to Candidacy represents the formulation of an official program of study for a master’s degree in the School of Education. It establishes your catalog rights and forms the basis of your degree audit when you are ready to graduate. At least one semester prior to graduation, you must advance to candidacy, which is when you receive approval of your program of study from your Graduate Advisor. You must be enrolled when you advance to candidacy. Advancement to Candidacy is a prerequisite for enrolling in the culminating experience (thesis or comprehensive examination). Students are eligible to advance to candidacy and must meet the following requirements before submitting the Advancement to Candidacy Worksheet:

1. Successful completion of the courses identified to fulfill the campus Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement.

2. Resolve incomplete grades, if applicable.

3. Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative and program grade point average.

4. Complete six units of program requirements, program prerequisites (if applicable), and any other program requirements for advancement to candidacy.