Programs Offered
- M.S. in Counseling with Options in:
- Career Counseling
- College Counseling and Student Services
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- School Counseling
- School Psychology
- M.A. in Education – Educational Psychology Option with concentrations in:
- Development, Learning, and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
Mission
The Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling prepares students for highly effective, ethical, and satisfying careers as professional educators and counselors working with individuals, families, and groups in educational, organizational, and community settings. The aim of our programs is to reflect an ecological and developmental life-span approach to theory, research, and practice centered on the study and application of major concepts and skills from counseling, early childhood education, educational psychology, and psychological foundations of education. Department faculty is committed to continuous evaluation and improvement of our courses and programs.
Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has conferred accreditation upon the following program areas in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling: Career Counseling (M.S.); College Counseling and Student Services (M.S.); Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.); and School Counseling (M.S.) The National Association of School Psychology (NASP) has conferred accreditation upon the School Psychology (M.S.) program. All programs are also accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
State Licensure
Students seeking state licensure as a marriage and family therapist must complete the 60-unit master’s degree in counseling, option in Marriage and Family Therapy, and 3,000 hours of fieldwork and internship prior to applying for the State examination. Students seeking licensure as an educational psychologist must complete requirements for the School Psychology credential, and subsequently meet additional fieldwork requirements. For additional information, contact program advisors. Marriage and Family Therapy: Stanley Charnofsky School Psychology: Shari Tarver-Behring, Doris Jones-Nicol, Wilda Laija-Rodriguez, Alberto Restori.
State Credential
Department programs lead to State credentials in Pupil Personnel Services in two areas: School Counseling or School Psychology. Students seeking one of these credentials through CSUN must complete course work equivalent to the master’s degree in counseling, option in either school counseling or school psychology, respectively, and hold a master’s degree. For additional information, consult this catalog, department website: (www.csun.edu/edpsy), graduate advisor, or program coordinators.
Careers
Graduates completing a master’s degree may qualify for private practice or positions in public schools, social agencies, community colleges and universities, business and industry, career development, marriage and family therapy, and related areas. With the completion of state requirements, students can receive a credential in pupil personnel services in either school counseling or school psychology and/or a license as a marriage and family therapist or an educational psychologist.
Academic Advisement
Information for students interested in department programs is available by accessing the website or by calling or visiting the graduate advisor and/or department office. Students admitted to a master’s degree, certificate, or credential program should contact program coordinators for advisement. In addition, first year practicum instructors serve as advisors for students in all the master’s degree programs in counseling.
Graduate Advisor’s Office: ED 1223
- Graduate Advisor: Todd Wolfe (818) 677-5719
- Graduate Coordinator: Merril Simon
- Program Advisors: Career Counseling: Greg Jackson
- College Counseling and Student Services: Merril Simon, Rie Rogers Mitchell
- Development, Learning, and Instruction: Adele Gottfried, Carolyn Jeffries
- Early Childhood Education: Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, Janet E. Fish
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Stanley Charnofsky, Luis Rubalcava, Michael Laurent, Diane Gehart
- School Counseling: Charles Hanson, Shari Tarver-Behring, Tovah Sands
- School Psychology: Doris Jones-Nicol, Wilda Laija-Rodriguez, Alberto Restori
Student Learning Outcomes of the Graduate Program
To fulfill the department mission, faculty engages in university and professional activities to develop and provide undergraduate and graduate programs for the preparation of professionals. At the conclusion of their program of study, students should be able to:
- Develop and apply expertise in their fields of study.
- Think critically and engage in reflective, ethical, and legal practice throughout their education and professional lives.
- Develop empathic, respectful, and congruent interpersonal skills and abilities to work successfully with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds in educational, community, and mental health settings.
- Communicate effectively using oral, written, listening, and non-verbal attending and observational skills.
- Become information competent scholars and researchers capable of utilizing current technology in work environments while engaging in and disseminating creative, empirical, and applied research studies and program evaluations.
- Collaborate skillfully and respectfully as leaders, consultants, and team members in a variety of settings.
- Develop skills necessary to assess and evaluate individuals and groups, and to utilize current technology in work environments.
- Maintain a multicultural and global perspective, emphasizing social justice, gender and educational equity, access, and support.
- View their roles as preventative, educative, and therapeutic in promoting well-being, healthy relationships, academic success, and career mastery.
- Provide service through a wide variety of field-based partnerships informed by theory, research, and practice.
- Act as advocates with initiative, perception, and vision to lead and transform the practices and policies of those who provide services to individuals, families, schools, organizations, community, and policymakers.
- Pursue lifelong professional and personal development through such mediums as continuing education, information, technology, psychological counseling, participation and leadership in professional organizations, and doctoral study.
University Certificate Programs
In addition to M.A. and M.S. degree programs, the department offers five certificate programs:
- Certificate in Career Development or Career Education and Counseling
- Certificate in College Counseling and Student Services
- Infant-Toddler-Family Mental Health Post B.A. Certificate
- Certificate in Instructional Design and Adult Development
- Certificate in Parent-Child Specialization/Consultation. Contact the Program Coordinators for more information.
Admission Requirements for Classified Standing in Department Programs
1. Complete University application and requirements:
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
- Have at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in last 60 semester/ 90 quarter units attempted.
- If cumulative undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three sections of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination, [i.e., verbal, quantitative, or analytical or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). (Except for applicants to the school psychology program, who are all required to take the GRE, applicants to other department programs with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above do not have to take the GRE or MAT).
- Pass Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
2. Complete Department application for admission to graduate programs.
- Submit two recommendations, either as letters or on departmental form.
- Participate in an admission’s interview.
- Be accepted by departmental Student Affairs Committee.
- Complete required prerequisite courses with a grade of “B-” or better.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Counseling
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling offers five options: 1) Career Counseling, 2) College Counseling and Student Services, 3) Marriage and Family Therapy, 4) School Counseling, and 5) School Psychology. Students must take prerequisite courses before formal admittance to a master’s degree program. Only students admitted to a Master of Science degree program may take classes in that program.
1. Career Counseling Option:
This option within the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling offers graduate-level training in career counseling theory; career resources and program development; approaches to developing organizational based career development programs; consulting; individual and group career assessment; ethical and legal issues; and the career development of special populations. These areas have been identified by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) as essential competency areas for individuals to qualify for national certifications as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) [www.ncda.org]. Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) in order to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [www.nbcc.org]. As an alternative, graduates may choose to pursue the certification as a Registered Professional Counselor (RCC) and a Registered Professional Career Counselor (RPCC) through the California Registry for Professional counselors and Paraprofessionals [california-registry.org]. Graduates may also choose to pursue certification as a Master Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as career counselors in the following settings: education (community colleges, colleges, and universities); business, industry, and government; community-based agencies and organizations; career counseling/consulting firms; and private practice as a career counselor. This program meets the accreditation standards of and is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Prerequisites (9 Units)
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3) or EPC 612 Advanced Study in Child/Adolescent Development (3)
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites.)
1. Core Program (21 Units)
- EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment.(3)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 643 Counseling in Cross-Cultural Settings (3)
- EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
- EPC 657A Seminar in Career Counseling Theory (3)
- EPC 659A Counseling Practicum: Communication (3)
- EPC 659B Counseling Practicum: Skills (3)
2. Option (31 Units)
- EPC 609 Human Development: Life Span Perspective (3)
- EPC 607 Motivation in Learning and Development (3)
- EPC 653 Measurement for School and Career Counseling (3)
- EPC 657B Seminar in Career Counseling Resources (3)
- EPC 658 Group Counseling (3)
- EPC 658L Group Counseling Lab. (1)
- EPC 659C/D Fieldwork in Career Counseling (1-6)
- EPC 660 Counseling for Career Adjustment and Change (3)
- EPC 662 Current Issues in Career Education and Counseling (3) or SPED 622 Career Education for Learners with Special Needs (3)
- EPC 671 Law and Ethics (3)
- MGT 620 Behavior in Organizations (3) or SOC 400 Organizational Analysis (3)
3. Electives (0-2 Units) (Electives approved by Program Coordinator)
4. Culminating Experience (3-6 Units)
- EPC 697 Comprehensive Exam (3) or EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project.3-6
Suggested Sequence of Courses By Semester is:
- Semester 1: EPC 601, 655, 657A 659A
- Semester 2: EPC 643, 653, 657B 659B
- Semester 3: EPC 609, 658/658L, 659C, MGT 620 or SOC 400
- Semester 4: EPC 602, 607, 659D, 662 or SPED 622
- Semester 5: EPC 660, 697 or 698C
Total Units Required for the Degree 60
2. College Counseling and Student Services(CCSS)
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling with an option in CCSS is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in higher education with particular emphasis on positions serving university and community college students on urban campuses. Special attention is given to working with diverse student populations, including returning, historically underrepresented, and disabled students. This program is designed for two types of students: (1) for those individuals who desire training for entry level positions in student affairs, and (2) for those who are already experienced professionals in student affairs and wish to increase their theoretical background and range of experience. This program meets the accreditation standards of and is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) in order to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [www.nbcc.org].
Prerequisites (9 Units)
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3) or EPC 612 Advanced Study in Child and Adolescent Development. (3)
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites.)
1. Core Program (21 Units)
- EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment (3)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 643 Counseling in Cross-Culture Settings (3)
- EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
- EPC 657A Seminar in Career Counseling Theory (3)
- EPC 659A Counseling Practicum: Communication (3)
- EPC 659B Counseling Practicum: Skills (3)
2. Option (28 Units)
- EPC 542 Meeting the Needs of Students (1)
- EPC 543 The Reflective Practitioner (1)
- ELPS 601 American Higher Education (3)
- ELPS 605 Administration of Programs in Student Services and College Counseling (3)
- EPC 606 Seminar in Adult Development (3) or EPC 609 Human Development: A Life-Span Perspective (3)
- Approved Course in the Department of Management.
- EPC 620 College Counseling and Student Services Profession (3)
- EPC 622 American College Student and Campus Environment (3)
- EPC 658 Seminar in Group Counseling (3)
- EPC 658L Group Counseling Lab. (1)
- EPC 659J/K Fieldwork in CCSS (6)
3. Electives (1-4 Units) (Electives approved by Program Coordinator)
4. Culminating Experience (3-6 Units)
- EPC 697 Comprehensive Exam (3) or EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project.3-6
Suggested Sequence of Courses by Semester:
- Summer 1: EPC 657A, 542, 543, 699A
- Semester 1: 622, 655, 659A, 659JB
- Semester 2: EPC 602, 620, 643, 659B
- Summer 2: EPC 609, EPC 695S
- Semester 3: EPC 601, 658/L, 659JC, ELPS 601, 698C
- Semester 4: EPC 659KC, 695S, MGT course or approved alternative, Elective, 697 or 698C
- Semester 5: Elective, EPC 699C or 698C (if needed to complete thesis/project or comps)
Total Units Required for Degree: 60
3. Marriage And Family Therapy Option
This option within the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling is an approved program and provides students with competency in the content areas required by the State Board of Behavioral Science. Upon completion of coursework and being awarded the degree, students are eligible to apply to the State Board for internship registration when endorsed by an officer of the University. Following completion of 3,000 hours of supervised field experience and successful passage of examinations administered by the State Board, candidates are awarded a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist by the State. Additionally, the CSUN program meets the accreditation standards of and is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) in order to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [www.nbcc.org].
Prerequisites (9 Units)
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3) or EPC 612 Advanced Study in Child and Adolescent Development (3)
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
- Psy 310 Behavior Disorders (3)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites.)
1. Core Program (21 Units)
- EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment (3)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 643 Counseling in Cross-Cultural Settings (3)
- EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
- EPC 657A Seminar in Career Counseling Theory (3)
- EPC 659A Counseling Practicum: Communication (3)
- EPC 659B Counseling Practicum: Skills (3)
2. Option (36 Units)
- FCS 441 Human Sexuality (3) or SOC 456 Proseminar on Sexual Dysfunction (3)
- EPC 609 Human Development- Life Span Perspective (3)
- EPC 656 Seminar in Child and Adolescent Counseling (3)
- EPC 658 Group Counseling (3)
- EPC 658L Group Counseling Lab. (1)
- EPC 659C/D Fieldwork in Counseling Services. (1-6)
- EPC 670 Family Counseling (3)
- EPC 671 Law and Ethics (3)
- EPC 675 Counseling and Chemical Dependency (3)
- EPC 677 Counseling Couples in Relationships (3)
- EPC 678 Psychopharmacology. (2)
- EPC 695B* Advanced Behavior Disorders for Counselors (3) or PSY 610* Advanced Behavior Disorders (3)
- (*EPC 695B and PSY 610 require the prerequisite PSY 310 or equivalent 3 units)
3. Culminating experience (3-6 Units)
- EPC 697 Comprehensive Exam (3) or EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project (3-6)
Suggested Course Sequence by Semester- CSUN
- Semester 1: EPC 601, 609 655, 659A
- Semester 2: EPC 643, 659B, 670, 671
- Semester 3: EPC 602, 658/658L, 659C, 695B or PSY 610
- Semester 4: EPC 656, 657/A, 659D, 670, FCS 441 or SOC 456
- Semester 5: EPC 675, 677, 678, 697 or 698C
- Semester 6: EPC 698C, if needed to complete thesis/project
Suggested Course Sequence for Part-time Students
- Semester 1: EPC 655, 659A
- Semester 2: EPC 643, 659B
- Summer: EPC 609, 671
- Semester 3: EPC 658, 658L, 659C
- Semester 4: EPC 656, 659D
- Summer: EPC 601, 670
- Semester 5: EPC 602, 695B
- Semester 6: SOC 456 or FES 441, EPC 678, 697 or 698
- Summer: EPC 657A, 675
- Semester 7: EPC 677, 697 or 698
Course Sequence by Semester– Camarillo
- Spring 2008: EPC 601, 609 655, 659A
- Summer 2008: EPC 643, 659B
- Fall 2008: EPC 602, 659C, 670, 671
- Spring 2009: EPC 656, 657A, 659D, 695B
- Summer 2009: EPC 658/658L, 677
- Fall 2009: EPC 675, 678, 697 or 698C, SOC 456
Total Units Required for the Degree: 63-66
4. School Counseling
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counseling with an option in School Counseling is designed to prepare school counselors for work in K-12 public schools. The program is driven by a vision for counselors who can develop comprehensive, reality-based school counseling programs that promote educational equity and high academic achievement for all students. Program courses are integrated with school-based experiences and activities that prepare counselors to address the personal, social, career, and academic development of K-12 students. The program meets the accreditation standards of and is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates receive the Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling and are eligible to take the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) in order to qualify for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) [www.nbcc.org].
Prerequisites (9 Units)
- EPC 314 Psychological Foundations of Education (3) or EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3)
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites)
1. Core Program (18 Units)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 605 Advanced Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
- EPC 643 Counseling in Cross-Cultural Settings (3)
- EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
- EPC 659A Counseling Practicum: Communication (3)
- EPC 659B Counseling Practicum: Skills (3)
2. Option (34 Units)
- SPED 400 Introduction to Special Education (3)
- EPC 648 Consultation with Parents, Teachers and Other Human Service Professionals (3)
- EPC 658 Group Counseling (3)
- EPC 658L Group Counseling Lab (1)
- EPC 659C/D Fieldwork in School Counseling (1-6)
- EPC 682 Foundations of School Counseling (3)
- EPC 683 Collaborations with Families in Educational Settings (3)
- EPC 684 Educational Program Evaluation and Assessment (3)
- EPC 687 Career Guidance, College Selection and Technology in School Settings (3)
- EPC 688 Measurement and Assessment in School Settings (3)
- EPC 689 Leadership in School Counseling (3)
3. Culminating experience (3 Units)
- EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project (3)
- (EPC 698C may be taken an additional semester)
Suggested Course Sequence By Semester:
- Summer: EPC 682
- Semester 1: EPC 605, 643, 655, 659A
- Semester 2: EPC 602 658/658L, 659B, 683
- Summer: SPED 400
- Semester 3: EPC 648, 659C, 684, 687
- Semester 4: EPC 659D, 688, 689 698C
- Semester 5: If needed for conclusion of Culminating Experience
Total Units Required for the Degree: 55
5. School Psychology
This option within the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling prepares school psychologists for careers within school-based teams to help all children, including those of linguistically and cultural diverse backgrounds, attain academic and social success. Students attain skills in consultation, assessment, and intervention, including counseling. Working at both the individual and systems level of service delivery, students develop the skills to facilitate collaboration among families, schools, and communities. They creatively use evaluation methods and culturally compatible solutions to dissolve barriers that impede the learning process. Through personal and educational development in the program, graduates become competent professionals, lifelong learners, innovators, and leaders in the field. On completion of the program, the student applies for the Advanced Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Psychology Credential.
Prerequisites (9 Units)
- EPC 314 or 314BL Psychological Foundations (3)
- (Waived for applicants who have a teaching credential)
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3) or EPC 612 Advanced Study in Child and Adolescent Development (3)
- PSY 313/L Developmental Psychology and Lab (3/1)
- EPC 451 Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)
- PSY 460 Counseling and Interviewing (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3) or PSY 320/L Statistical Methods in Psychological Research and Lab (3/1) or PSY 420/L Advanced Statistical Methods and Lab (3/1)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites)
1.Core Program (18 Units)
- EPC 601 Individual and Group Assessment (3)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 643 Counseling in Cross-Cultural Settings (3)
- EPC 655 Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
- EPC 659A Counseling Practicum: Communication (3)
- EPC 659B Counseling Practicum: Skills (3)
2.Option (49 Units)
- EPC 611 Seminar in Educational Psychology (3)
- EPC 647 Assessment and Intervention with Child and Family (3)
- EPC 659E/F Fieldwork in School Psychology (1-6)
- EPC 659G/H Internship in School Psychology (1-6)
- EPC 661 Multi-Systemic Behavioral Intervention (3)
- EPC 663A/L Clinical and Psychometrics Assessment Techniques (3/2)
- EPC 663B/L Clinical and Psychometrics Assessment Techniques (3/2)
- EPC 664 Neurodevelopmental, Emotional and Behavior Disorders (3)
- EPC 665 School-Based Counseling of Children and Teens (3)
- EPC 667 Introduction to School Psychology (3)
- EPC 680 Seminar in School Psychology (3)
- EPC 684 Educational Program Evaluation and Assessment (3)
- SPED 610 Program Planning for Exceptional Children and Youth (3)
Total Units Required for the Credential: 67
Curriculum for the Master of Arts in Education with an Option in Educational Psychology:
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education with an option in Educational Psychology offers two emphases: 1) Early Childhood Education, and 2) Development, Learning and Instruction. Students must take prerequisite courses before formal admittance to a master’s program.
1. Educational Psychology: Early Childhood Education Option:
The specific objectives of the Master of Arts in Education with an option in Educational Psychology and a concentration in Early Childhood Education (ECE) are:
- To prepare students to assume leadership positions in early childhood care and education in a variety of educational, health and mental health settings institutions concerned with children from the prenatal stage through age eight. Academic career choices of students selecting this option typically include:
- instructor of child development courses in community colleges;
- parent educator in public adult education or in a variety of private settings;
- specialist working with hospitalized children and in programs serving families with high risk infants and young children;
- coordinator of community program services for young children and their families;
- lead teacher, supervisor, or director of programs; and
- child advocate working in various social policy agencies.
- To prepare students to enter doctoral programs in early childhood education with a view to teaching on a university level, conducting research in child development, planning, and administering programs, or developing public policy.
- To provide students with knowledge of child development, adult-child interaction, cultural and language diversity, biological and environmental factors influencing families and their young children, and community staff-family collaborations.
This program is aligned with the Professional Standards for Advanced Students (master’s level) as specified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in concert with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Students must complete these courses with the grade of B or better in order to make satisfactory progress in the program. Students earning less than a grade of B, will be required to meet with their faculty advisor to determine if they may continue in the program.
Prerequisites (6 Units)
Admission to the University and to the Program.
- EPC 430 Development and Learning in Early Childhood Education (3)
- EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurement (3)
- (Equivalent courses may be substituted for prerequisites.)
1. Core Program (21 units)
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3)
- EPC 609 Human Development, A Lifespan Perspective (3)
- EPC 632 Issues, Theories and Current Practices in Early Childhood Education (3)
- EPC 635 Foundations of Developmental Curriculum for Early Childhood (3)
- EPC 639C Fieldwork in Early Childhood (3)
- EPC 683 Collaboration with Families in Educational Settings (3)
- EPC 668 Partnerships for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (3) or EPC 642 Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Education (3)
2. Electives (6 units)
Electives must be approved by an Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator
3. Culminating Experience (3-6 units)
- EPC 697 Comprehensive Exam.3-6 or EPC 698 Thesis/Graduate Project .3-6
Suggested Course Sequence by Semester:
- Semester 1: EPC 639C, EPC 632
- Semester 2: EPC 635, elective, EPC 609
- Semester 3: EPC 683, EPC 602, elective
- Semester 4: EPC 688 or EPC 642, and either 697 or 698
- Semester 5: EPC 697 or 698 if needed
Electives – Concentrations of Study (optional)
Students are not required to have a sub-specialization in their choice of electives, but areas of sub-specialties have been identified as one way to fulfill electives, depending upon a student’s area of interest.
Cognition and Language
Electives selected from: EPC 605, 607, 634 This sub-specialty is ideal form masters students who may be teaching at the elementary school level or for those with a special interest in learning, motivation or language
Infant-Toddler-FamilyMental Health
– Electives selected from:EPC 630, 631, 633, 636, 644 The Infant-Toddler-Family Mental Health Certificate provides recognition for a specialized course of study to enhance knowledge of the most recent research and practice related to working with very young children and their families in a variety of educational and health-related settings. The full certificate requires 5 courses, of which two courses can be completed as electives in the Masters in Early Childhood Education. Three additional courses are also required to earn the Certificate. This is not a license, credential, or other government-recognized certificate.
2. Educational Psychology: Development, Learning And Instruction Concentration
The Development, Learning and Instruction (DLI) Program offers graduate study of theory, research, and applications in human life-span development, motivation, learning, instruction, development, teaching processes, affective processes, individual and group differences, assessment, evaluation, and instructional design. The specific objectives of the M.A.in Education Degree Program with specialization in Educational Psychology/ Development,Learning and Instruction are stated as follows:
- To prepare students according to current academic demands for entry into doctoral programs in educational psychology and education.
- To offer preservice and inservice teachers the opportunity to improve their teaching through in depth study of the psychology of learning as well as by learning how to do research about students,family, teacher, school, community, and teaching-instruction variables.
The degree prepares candidates for the following career goals:
- establish a foundation for doctoral study in a variety of fields
- become a more effective classroom teacher or mentor
- design instructional materials
- conduct educational research and program assessment
- open a private, educationally-related business
- become an educational consultant
- work in businesses with an educational or training dimension
- evaluate educational programs in various settings such as business, education, or government
Prerequisites for the M.A. Program in Development, Learning, and Instruction:
A course in Psychological Foundations, which may be any of the following (3 units):
- EPC 314 Psychological Foundations (3)
- EPC 315 Psychological Foundations of Learning and Teaching (3)
- EPC 420 Educational Psychology of Adolescence (3)
- EPC 500 Fundamentals for Beginning Teachers (3)
- and EPC 600 Educational Statistics for Research and Measurements (3)
- and Admission to the University and Admission to the Program (3 units):
The Admission Requirements for Classified Standing in all Degrees are:
1. Completion of application and meeting admissions requirements of the University. (Application available at the Admissions Office.) Requirements include:
- Acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
- Successfully pass the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
- A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Completion of application for admission to the Department graduate programs. See program advisors for specific details. This includes:
- Two letters of recommendation
- An admission interview
- Approval by the Department Student Affairs Committee
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses pertinent to the specialization selected,with a grade of B-or better
Basic Program for the M.A. in Education with a specialization in Development, Learning, and Instruction:
1. Required Courses (18 units):
- EPC 602 Research Principles (3 units)
- EPC 605 Advanced Psychological Foundations of Education (3 units)
- EPC 607 Motivation in Learning and Development: Theories and Applications in Educational Psychology (3 units)
- EPC 609 Human Development: Life-Span Perspective (3 units)
- EPC 615 Introduction to Instructional Design (3 units)
- EPC 695D Seminar in Selected Studies: Development, Learning, and Instruction (3 units)
2. ElectiveCourses (9 units):
Electives must be chosen in consultation with and must be approved by the Program Coordinator. Students may choose courses covering the following: Human Development Statistics, Measurement, Evaluation Cognition, Instructional Design, Teaching (Electives are developed in concert with your advisor and are Individualized for each student).
3. Culminating Experience (3 units):
- EPC 697 Comprehensive Exam (3 units) or EP 698C Thesis/Graduate Project (3 units); may be taken for an additional 3 units if the culminating activity requires an additional term to complete.
Note: A total of 30 units are required for the M.A. degree.
All programs must be approved by the program coordinator. This listing is provided for information purposes only, is subject to change without notice, and is not guaranteed to be correct. The student should consult the university catalog and the program coordinator for further details and course descriptions.