Education M.A.: Curriculum and Instruction: Special Education Concentration

Granger Dinwiddie, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Office: DBH 354
Phone: (209) 667-3681 or 3364

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the M.A. program will be placed in one of two classifications:

1. Graduate Standing: Conditionally Classified (Admission to the university is granted, permitting enrollment in classes as specified by M.A. area adviser).  The applicant must:
   
   
   1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
   2. Complete the University admission form online at www.csumentor.edu.  This includes submitting transcripts to the Graduate School, most importantly those documenting the last 60 units of college/university degree coursework.
   3. Submit a valid Preliminary Level I Education Specialist credential to the Advanced Studies in Education office (P348).
      
      Students may complete no more than six units of selected coursework with Conditionally Classified status.
       
2. Graduate Standing: Classified (Admission to the M.A. program is granted).  To move from Conditionally Classifed to Classified standing, the applicant must provide the following to the Advanced Studies in Education department (P348):
   
   
   1. Submit two “Recommendations for an Applicant to the M.A. in Education” forms completed by persons familiar with the applicant’s professional competence and one “Faculty Recommendation Form” completed by an M.A. program professor.
   2. Achieve a total score of at least 100 using the following formula for grade point average (GPA) based on the last 60 units of college/university work and the Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT): GPA x 20 + MAT raw score = total score.  For example, a student with a GPA of 3.0 and a MAT score of 40 would qualify for admission with a total score of 100 (3.0 x 20 + 40 = 100).  As an alternative to the formula requiring MAT scores, GRE scores (taken within the last five years) may be submitted.  Minimum acceptable total score is 1000 on the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections.  GPA is not factored into admission decisions if GRE scores are submitted in lieu of MAT scores.  Note: For testing information and procedures, visit the Testing Office on campus in MSR 180 or call (209) 667-3158.
   3. Demonstrate writing competence by submitting evidence indicating satisfaction of one of three options: 1) a score of at least 41 on the writing section of CBEST, 2) a passing score on the writing skills section of CSET, or 3) a score of 4.0 or better on the writing test of the GRE.

Note: Prior to being admitted to the program, international applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550 and with part scores of at least 54.

Grade Requirements

The minimum academic grade point average for earning the M.A. degree is 3.0.  The minimum acceptable grade for courses included in the M.A. program is a C.

Final Requirements

The M.A. in Education degree requires the successful completion of all coursework, approval of a written project or thesis, and passing of an oral defense.  After all requirements have been met, the student will be awarded the M.A. degree.

Note:  Early registration is strongly recommended.  Limits are placed on class size; consequently, enrollment is not guaranteed.