Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for educators who would like a graduate degree in education and are primarily interested in teaching. The program has been designed to cover a core of professional and academic courses and then allow the student to build expertise in a particular area of interest. The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction requires a minimum of 45 units post-baccalaureate coursework and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
The following is general information on this program so prospective students are encouraged to contact Digital Learning for advising on your specific program needs.

Admission Requirements

1. Official evidence of a four year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale.

2. Submit a Graduate programs application to La Sierra University. Request transcripts and recommendations as required on the application form.

3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test score.

4. International Students are expected to meet the English proficiency requirements for admission to the University.

5. Submit a resume that outlines pertinent academic and professional activities along with an essay describing the goals you intend to achieve by completing the program.

Other Requirements

1. A GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program.

2. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination at the end of the Master’s Program

EDCI 504 Philosophical Aspects of Christian Education                         3 units
EDCI 512 Faith & Learning                                                                3 units
EDCI 506 Learning & Assessment                                                      3 units
EDCI 519 Principles & Practices of Discipline                                       3 units
Total                                                                                             12 units

Masters Coursework Physical

EDRS 504 Methods & Materials of Research*                                      3 units
EDAD 524 Educational Organization and Leadership*                           3 units
EDCI 550 Instructional Models & Origins of Learning                            3 units
EDCI 545 Brain Science & Learning                                                   3 units
EDCI 516 Computers in the Classroom                                               3 units
Total                                                                                             15 units

EDCI 514 Curriculum Planning*                                                         3 units
EDPC 540 Principles of Counseling*                                                   3 units
EDCI 552 Analysis of Curricular Activities                                           3 units
EDCI 564 Special Education in the Regular Classroom                         3 units
EDCI 598 Seminar in Current Trends                                                 3 units
Total                                                                                             15 units

Masters Project or Thesis
EDCI 597      Masters Project or Thesis                                             3 units 

Total  M.A. - 45 units 

For further information on online courses contact:

ed_online@lasierra.edu

For further information on oncampus courses contact:

aoliver@lasierra.edu

La Sierra University

La Sierra University is a Seventh-day Adventist coeducational institution of higher learning offering high quality graduate programs for motivated, professional students. Students from more than 75 countries attend the University, which has a total annual enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. Enrollment includes undergraduate, graduate students who have the choice of taking classes on campus or through Distance Learning. Our low student-teacher ration means that graduate students have the opportunity to interact with professors who are specialists in their fields and some of the best Christian thinkers in the nation.
Other positive features of this student-friendly program include an expedited admission process, the option of entering the program during any quarter of the year, the choice of being a full- or part-time student, and an individualized graduate program.

**Note: This guide does not replace the printed information in the current La Sierra University Graduate Bulletin.**

La Sierra University
4500 Riverwalk Parkway
Riverside , CA 92515-8274
                                                 

Course Descriptions

Master Coursework

EDCI 504 Philosophical Aspects of Christian Education (3)

The foundational course which integrates the education of the spirit, the body, and the mind. This course provides a framework for future research and scholarly pursuits. Meets the credentials requirement for the class Principles of Seventh-day Adventist Education, utilizing the structure of philosophy as a way of examining these principles.

EDCI 506 Learning and Assessment (3)

A practical introduction to the principles and techniques of designing evaluation activities and tests for measuring classroom learning and instructional products. Includes criterion-referenced approaches, formative and summative instruments, critical incident observations, and other related measurement concepts.

EDCI 512 Faith and Learning (3)

This course examines cotemporary thinking about spirituality, world views, epistemology, ontology, and axiology as they relate to Christian and public education. The focus is on the development of educators who are critical thinkers that are able to examine, evaluate and synthesize values, spirituality, and education.

EDCI 514 Curriculum Planning (3)

Provides an overview of current and historical philosophical trends; studies issues related to curriculum; examines issues of gender and cultural/ethnic diversity; and reviews the basis for curriculum development in a democratic society.

EDCI 516 Computers in the Curriculum (3)

Designed to develop teacher skills in computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction against a background of the legal, social, and thical issues related to the use of educational technology. Meets computer requirements for the California Statre Clear Teaching Credential and the North American Division educational technology initial and renewal certification requirements.

EDCI 519 Principles and Practices of Discipline (3)

Examines certain basic principles of discipline, reviews a variety of philosophical approaches to discipline, and identifies practical procedures for administrators and teachers by which to attain and maintain acceptable school and classroom management.

EDCI 545 Brain Science and Learning (3)

Designed to aid all educators in understanding what current brain research reveals about the learning process. Examines and compares current educational practice with neuroscience findings. Encourages development of curriculum that incorporates holistic principles for learning and learning theories.

EDCI 550 Instructional Models and Origins of Learning (3)

Investigates major learning theories, the architects of their design, and their application in K-12 education. Students are required to develop their own pedagogical creed.

EDCI 552 Analysis of Curricular Alternatives (3)

Examines trends in and varieties of curricular practices. Focuses on sociological trends influencing curriculum, including: reform, standards, ideologies, and improvement of curricular practices.

EDCI 564 Special Education in the Regular Classroom (3)

A study of the responsibilities of the regular educator and the special educator for teaching students with special needs. Methods of identifying students with disabilities, planning individualized educational-programs, and developing appropriate teaching strategies are explored. Federal and state laws governing the education of students with special needs are included. Twenty hours of observation is required.

EDCI 597 Masters Project (3-6)

As a culminating scholarly experience master’s degree students are required to do a research/writing project. See department chair for details.

EDCI 598 Seminar in Current Trends (3)

The seminar discussions will be based on current thought and writings in curriculum and administrative implementation. Reading will be from the current literature and newsletters from professional organizations. This course is structured to view curricula from both administrative and instructional viewpoints.

EDPC 540 Principles of Counseling (3)

A core course which provides a historical and philosophical perspective of the field of counseling. Legal and ethical issues are integrated with a sensitivity to the challenges of diversity. Resources and professional organizations are reviewed to encourage professional development.

EDRS 504 Methods and Materials of Research (3)

The terminology, methodology, and sequence of scholarly research, including problem formulation, literature review, sample selection, instrument design, statistical analysis, and report writing. Requires the production of a formal research proposal.

EDAD 524 Educational Organization and Leadership (3)

Examines historical and current philosophical trends, legal and ethical issues, sociological forces, issues relating to diverse populations and the educational systems that impact public and non-public school leadership and administration. For persons not specializing in administration, or a beginning course for persons expecting to specialize in administration.

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