The field of education can be rewarding, as it involves helping your local community, particularly families and their children. Teaching is an important career to prepare the next generation, and by earning your Masters of Education degree as well as a teaching credential, you can ensure that you are prepared with the best skills and knowledge for your career. However, a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) isn’t just for those who want to become teachers. It’s also a good way to become qualified to manage educational institutions or specialize in various subjects.
There are two types of graduate-level degrees in education: The Master of Education (MEd) and the Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) in Education. The difference between these degrees primarily depends on your goals. The MS or MA is for teachers who want to continue their training to become leaders in the education program or prepare to enter a PhD program and conduct research. MEd programs are also for those who want to become professionals or leaders in education, such as special education specialists or teachers in K-12 schools with a higher level of skills.
This article lists the many schools that offer a Masters of Education program in California, as well as the various specialties that are available that may play a part in the career one has in their future.
1. UC Berkeley
The Master’s in Education program at UC Berkeley is intended for individuals who are committed to improving the learning of their future students as well as the schools themselves. Enrollees will graduate into roles that involve working for civic organizations or educational institutions. The program is a 24-unit program that takes place over one year. 25-30 students are admitted per year as a cohort. The classes are usually taken in the summer.
The concentrations offered through the program include:
- Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender
- Cultural Studies of Sport Education
- Early Education Leadership
- Learning and Data Science
- Evaluation and Measurement
2. University of California, Riverside
The MEd program at UCR provides the opportunity for students to earn a Master of Education along with a credential to teach grades K-12 in California.There is also a Bilingual Authorization and Ethnic Studies Pathway that can be earned at the same time. There are two programs available at UC Riverside: the MEd in General Education with Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credential, and the MEd in Special Education with Education Specialist Credential. The program can be completed in 1-2 years, and there is no GRE required. Within the MEd program, there are three specializations:
- Applied Behavioral Ananlysis
- Diversity and Equity
- Education Policy Analysis and Leadership Higher Education Administration & Policy
3. UC San Diego
UC San Diego offers a master’s degree in education as well as several credentials to earn with the degree, including a multiple or single subject teaching credential. Additionally, the school offers a concentration in mathematics as well as an education master of arts degree in English Bilingual Education. The single subject master’s degree and credential program has a 22-month and a 13-month program where students will complete educational and foundational coursework. The multiple subject degree and credential program has 13-month and 10-month degree program options. Students will complete 24 units of coursework and 100 hours of field practice. The MA in English Bilingual Education degree and credential program is for those who want to meet the needs of children who are hard of hearing or deaf. The credential is valid for five years.
4. Claremont Graduate University
Clarement Graduate University offers a Master of Arts in Education degree program that prepares students to enter roles in administration and educational research to solve problems in schools, organizations, public policy agencies, colleges, and more. The curriculum is offered in a flexible way, with most classes meeting in the evening or weekends. The program can be completed in as little as 9-12 months if students take multiple classes at a time, or students have the option to take them one at a time. The standard timeline for program completion is 2-2.5 years. Within that time, students will complete 32 units.
5. University of San Francisco
USF offers a Master of Arts in International and Multicultural Education. The curriculum discusses various inequities that are based on things like race, gender and class. By becoming familiar with such inequities, students will learn to address them in their future careers. The program’s class schedule accommodates working professionals as it takes place on alternating Friday evenings and Saturdays nine times a semester. The program requires that students complete 30 units worth of courses, which includes theory and research work as well as general courses to provide a foundation in the concepts of the degree.
6. University of La Verne
University of La Verne offers a Master of Education with a special emphasis program. This program allows students to create their own curriculum to explore their interests. The end of the program involves a paper or project to present what has been discovered when the student was taking the courses in the curriculum and conducting research. The program requires students to complete 33 semester hours, with the area of concentration taking up 21 semester hours. In order to enroll in the program, students must fulfill the admission requirements, which include a GPA of at least 2.75 in undergraduate work and a 3.0 minimum in any graduate work.
7. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University has ten Masters of Education programs. Each of these programs prepares students to work in K-12 schools, including special education or counseling in schools. Additionally, students will earn the relevant credential in their MEd program that will allow them to meet the California teaching requirements. The programs offered at APU include:
- Educational Counseling amd embedded School Counseling Credential (50 units)
- Educational and Clinical Counseling and embedded School Counseling Credential (62
units) - Learning and Technology and Textensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential
(46-49 units) - Learning and Technology and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist
(46-49 units) - Learning and Technology and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (44-47 units)
- Learning and Technology and Single Subject Teaching Credential (44-47 units)
- Teaching and Single Subject Teaching Credential (44-47 units)
- Teaching and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (44-47 units)
- Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Credential
(46-49 units) - Special Education and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential (46-49
units)
8. Biola University
The Master of Arts in education at Biola University emphasizes research and professional writing to prepare students to become leaders in the field of education or continue their education in a PhD program. There are eight concentrations in the program. Some of the concentrations are offered on-campus, while others are offered online. The concentrations include:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Online and hybrid formats
- 37 credits
- Two years
- Early Childhood
- Online and hybrid formats
- 37 credits
- 2 years
- Induction/Clear Credential
- Online and hybrid formats
- 37 credits
- 2-3 years
- Multiple Subject Credential
- Online or in-person formats
- 59 credits
- 2.5 years
- Personalized
- Single Subject Credential
- Online or in-person formats
- 53 credits
- 2.5 years
- Special Education
- Online and hybrid formats
- 37 credits
- 2 years
- Special Education (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Credential
- Online or hybrid formats 61 credits
- 2.5 years
9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
CSU Pomona offers a Master of Arts in Education degree. Students must complete 30 semester units to qualify for graduation. There are three emphases that students can choose from, including:
- Educational Leadership. This emphasis is 30 units and gives students the knowledge and skills needed to enter education administration programs.
- Curriculum and Instruction. This emphasis is 31 total units and prepares students for many personal careers, such as teaching, staff and program development, and more.
- Special Education. This emphasis is 30 units, and the program is offered in an online or hybrid format. Students will learn how to become professionals who can provide for students with learning and other disabilities.
There is also the opportunity for students to earn a teaching credential alongside the Master’s of Education program.
10. CSU East Bay
CSU East Bay offers a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education. This prepares individuals to be able to teach and work with children who are infants to eight years old. Students in this program will learn how to develop age-appropriate curriculum for children while acknowledging and helping them develop cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. In order to be admitted into the program, a 3.0 GPA minimum is required in all past post-bachelor coursework. Students will complete 26-27 units in this concentration.
11. CSU Fresno
The Master of Arts in Education is offered by the Kremen School of Educationa and Human Development at CSU Fresno. There are three specialization options. Each is about 30-33 units depending on what end project a student chooses: an exam, thesis, or project. The program must be completed within five years, although it generally only takes two years to complete.
The specializations include:
- Reading/Language Arts. This specialization is offered either in-person or online. The
online program option involves one class every eight weeks, with two classes per
semester. - Curriculum and Instruction. This specialization allows students to earn a certificate in
Educational Technology or Advanced Study in Research Methods. - Multilingual Multicultural Education.
12. CSU Long Beach
The Master of Arts in Education at CSU Long Beach is intended for individuals who are already teachers with a bachelor’s degree and want to develop their careers through professional education and training. There are multiple options Master’s Program enrollees can choose from, and are offered online or in hybrid models. The programs offered include:
- Curriculum and Instruction (30-33 units).
- There are two pathways offered in this program. The first is for those who are already teachers. The second is for teachers who are non-credentialed.
- Dual Language Development (30 units)
- Early Childhood Education (30-36 units)
- Mathamatics Education (30-36 units)
13. CSU Los Angeles
The Master of Arts in Education at CSU Los Angeles offers four degree options that benefit teachers who want to expand their professional skills. These include:
- Bilingual/Multicultural Education. This program is for individuals who want to work with
children who are English language learners. Students are required to complete 36 units
in total. - Curriculum and Instruction. This program is for those who want to become involved in
the administrative aspects of educational institutions. Students are required to complete
a minimum of 30 units. - Early Childhood/Primary Education. This program is for individuals who want to work
with children who are infants through eight years old. Students are required to complete
a minimum of 30 units. - Integrated STEM Teaching. This program is for those who want to become teachers of
STEM subjects. Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 units.
14. CSU Northridge
There are three education master’s degrees offered at CSU Northridge. These include:
- Elementary Education. This program is for credentialed teachers who want to expand their skills in various areas. There are three options within this program: Curriculum &Instruction, Language & Literacy, and Multicultural/Multilingual. Each program is 30-32 units.
- Secondary Education. There are multiple options within this program that all prepare professionals in education to advance in their careers.
- Special Education. This master’s degree program requires the completion of at least 30 units. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to be able to complete the final part of the program: a thesis or comprehensive exam.
15. CSU Sacramento
The Master of Arts in Education program at CSU Sacramento is offered 100% online to accommodate working professionals. There is also a face-toface traditional model for those who have that preference. The progam offers a Curriculum and Instruction specialization. Students must complete 30 units to advance to graduation. To enroll in the program, students should have earned at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units they were enrolled in. At the end of the program, students will complete a culminating experience project.
16. CSU San Bernardino
The Master of Arts in Education at CSU San Bernardino provides students with the skills needed to develop school curricula and teach and assess future classes. The curriculum of the program is taught through the lens of social justice so that students will graduate
with the ability to serve diverse populations. The program is 30 units total and involves a writing requirement in order to graduate. The concentration options in the program, which take up 12 out of the 30 units, include an Elementary Concentration and Secondary Concentration.
17. CSU Stanislaus
The Masters of Arts in Education at CSU Stanislaus gives professionals in education the chance to became more involved in the field and the processes of educational institutions by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as leaders, administrators, and teachers. In order to enroll in the program, applicants must already be a teacher with a valid single or multiple subject credential. The program can be completed in three years. Towards the end of the program, students will complete their culminating scholarly activity. There are four options: a thesis, a project, and comprehensive exam, or the California Administrator Performance Assessment.
18. San Francisco State University
SFSU offers a Master of Arts in Special Education that teaches students how to become leaders who conduct effective research within the field of special education. Graduates from this program work in organizations such as schools and public and private agencies that serve people with disabilities. The program offers the following interest areas:
- Early Childhood Special Education.
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs
- Extensive Support Needs
- Orientation and Mobility
- Visual Impairments
Students can choose to enroll in just the master’s program, or they can enroll in the dual degree and credentialing program. Several of the above programs offer funding opportunities to assist students with paying for their education.
19. Trident University International
Trident University offers their Master of Arts in Education 100% online. The program requires the completion of 30 semester credits, which includes core courses and a number of electives that depend on the concentration chosen. The concentrations offered at Trident University include:
- Adult Education and Training
- Athletics Administration
- Aviation Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary/Secondary Education Leadership and Administration
- K-12 Online Teaching and Learning
There are also 11 certificates that can be earned that allow a graduate student to learn more about and increase their skills in a specific topic.
20. University of Massachusetts Global
UMASS Global’s Master of Arts in Education provides students with the knowledge needed to enter a career as an educational leader or master teacher who can mentor other professionals in the education field. The master’s program is offered 100% online so that teachers can continue their jobs during the day while expanding their skills and education. A total of 30 credits are required for graduation. The concentrations offered in the program include:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Instructional Technology
- Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Teaching and Learning
- Educational Administration
- Educational Leadership
- Autism
21. University of Redlands
University of Redlands offers a Master of Arts in Education, Learning, & Teaching, where students can earn their teaching credential to teach K-12th grades after graduation. The priority of the program is to teach students how to address modern complexities within the field. The program requires enrollees to complete 36-39 units that can be completed in 18-24 months. Students have the opportunity to apply for a teacher residency where they can earn up to $34,000 and gain practice experience by immersing themselves in a “Resident Mentor’s Classroom”. There are three tracks available:
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
- Education Specialist
22. University of San Diego
The Master of Education program at USD is offered online and can be completed in as little as 20 months. It requires the completion of 30 units for graduation. There are five specializations in the program, including:
- STEAM
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Inclusive Learning
- Leadership
- Technology and Innovation
The program is designed for teachers who are currently working in K-12 classrooms and have at least two years of experience in a variety of different settings. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
23. San Diego State University
SDSU offers several various education master’s degrees. These include:
- Master of Arts in Reading & Literacy Education
- There are several options for this program that range from 13-15 months and 13-31 units. The longest version of the program (31 units, 15 months) is intended for those who don’t already have a master’s degree and/or those who want to join a doctoral program later.
- Master of Arts in Special Education (Autism, Early Childhood, Extensive Support Needs, Mild/Moderate)
- Each of these program options are a little different, but each speciality is for those who want to support students with disabilities. Within the programs, students become fully credentialed and learn how to apply their research to real-life practice. Depending on the year, the program of choice may have a grant to help qualifying students pay for their education.
- PreK-12 Educational Leadership/Preliminary Administrative Services combination credential program
- There are two versions of the program offered: one that is solely a degree in PreK-12 Educational Leadership, and another that is a combination degree/credential program. The combination program is offered online, and the solo degree program is offered on-campus or other educational facilities, with classes taking place once per week.
- Teacher Leadership
- This MA in Education program is offered online. It takes 12-14 months to complete. The goal of the program is to strengthen communities of education across the state. The program can be completed within 12-14 months.
- Master of Arts in Education – Reading
- This program at SDSU allows students to earn a Pre K-12 Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLCC) by itself or another with their Master’s in Education.