Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Graduate Education

College of Education
Division of Graduate Education

Program Description

Graduate Education Programs are designed to provide knowledge and understanding of the basic foundations and theories of education, as well as advanced training in specific fields. The curriculum blends theory and practice to prepare students for advancement within their chosen field in education, public service or private industry.

The comprehensive program at CSU Dominguez Hills includes a Master of Arts degree, a Master of Science degree, Credential Programs and a Certificate program. In two instances, master's programs and credential programs may be combined.

Features

The Graduate Education curriculum is designed to meet the needs of full-time working professionals by offering a full program of courses in the late afternoon and evening. Courses are offered so that degree requirements may be completed over a period of one to four years, depending on the program. All students receive advising to plan their programs that meet individual student needs. The urban location of the University provides a unique opportunity for working with a diverse cultural and ethnic population in classes and in field experiences.

Academic Advisement

Students work with advisors when they are admitted to the Division of Graduate Education for a specific program (master's degree, credential, or certificate). Students who are uncertain about which program best meets their professional goals may meet with the department chairperson to discuss the range of options available

Students must confer with their advisors each semester prior to registration to ensure that they are taking the appropriate course work in the proper sequence.

Requirements for Admission to the Graduate Programs in Education

Admission as a classified graduate student in education requires:

  • Admission to the University.

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

  • School Leadership Program (SLP): A minimum of a 3.0-grade point average for the last 60 units of upper-division course work attempted, or a Miller's Analogies Test (MAT) score of 400 or above in lieu of the 3.0 GPA.

  • Counseling and the Graduate Certificate Program in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL): A cumulative GPA of 3.0.

  • Counseling, HEAL and SLP: A separate program application for the desired Graduate Education program. Must include a copy of all transcripts to the College of Education Student Services Center. Students can find the applications at: https://www.csudh.edu/coe/forms/.

  • Counseling, HEAL and SLP: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate study. Exception: School Leadership Program Option requires two letters of recommendation, one from the applicant's site supervisor, or principal, or designee.

  • The Counseling, School Leadership Program and Higher Education Administration and Leadership Graduate Certificate Programs require a typed Statement of Purpose as part of the application.

Admission Procedures

The application deadline for the School Leadership Program is June 1st. Dates are subject to change. 

All prospective graduate students, including CSU Dominguez Hills graduates, must do the following:

  1. Apply for graduate admission to the university through Cal State Apply.

  2. Submit two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended other than CSU Dominguez Hills to the CSU Dominguez Hills Admissions Office.

  3. Must complete a separate program application for the desired Graduate Education program. Must include a copy of all transcripts to the College of Education Student Services Center. Students can find the applications at: https://www.csudh.edu/coe/forms/. Upon completion of university and program admission requirements, a decision regarding admission will be made.

Classified Standing

Students who satisfy all the requirements of program admission will be admitted with Classified Standing. Students accepted with Conditional Standing will have a semester to meet the conditions for Classified Standing. Upon completion of specified conditions, students must request that a Postbaccalaureate/Graduate Change of Objective form be filed by their advisor on their behalf.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts Degree in Education requires completion of 30 units or more of course work with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. A minimum of 21 semester units must be completed in residence. Courses taken previously may be used to meet the course content requirements of a graduate program if they have been completed within the seven years immediately preceding the completion of the requirements for the degree or credential. However, no courses may apply toward the required number of units of approved graduate work that have been used to meet the requirements of another degree.

Students may take up to seven years to complete the course work, including exams. Course work that does not meet the seven-year deadline will have to be repeated and/or replaced by other courses with the approval of the program advisor.

A Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement must be met by all students prior to classified standing. This requirement can be met on the CSU Dominguez Hills campus by obtaining one of the following:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States.

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited non-US institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

  • Graduate students who earned a 4 or above on the analytical writing component of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

  • Students from a baccalaureate program offered in non-English speaking university settings can qualify to enter a graduate program by meeting one of the following options: take the Test of English

  • Has a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieves a score of: 550 (paper-based); 80 (internet-based); 213 (computer-based); or achieves an International English Language Testing System (IETLS) score of 6.5.

In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master's degree. Students should consult the section of the catalog entitled "Requirements for the Master's Degree (https://catalog.csudh.edu/general-information/graduate-degree- postbaccalaureate-studies/)."

Completion of Degree

  1. Complete an approved program of 30 units or more of course work and meet specific GPA requirements.

  2. Pass a comprehensive written examination. After completion of all course work or during the last semester of course work, the M.A. degree candidate may apply to take the comprehensive examination. There is only one retake opportunity.