Program Advisors:

Adele Gottfried email: adele.gottfried at csun.edu 818-677-2032	Carolyn Jeffries email: carolyn.jeffries at csun.edu 818-677-2835

The specific objectives of the M.A.in Education Degree Program with specialization in Educational Psychology/ Development,Learning and Instruction are stated as follows:

1. To prepare students according to current academic demands for entry into doctoral programs in educational psychology and education.
   
   Students who complete an educational psychology degree from CSUN have opportunities to enter doctoral programs in educational psychology and most other fields in education. Advanced study of theory and research on motivation,learning, development,affective processes,individual and group differences,interpersonal relationships, instruction,and evaluation with special emphasis on education and educational processes is most appropriate for entry into doctoral programs in educational psychology and other fields of education.
   
   
2. To offer students preparing for basic teaching credentials and teachers who wish to study and improve their teaching and supervision the opportunity to study extensively and in depth as well as learn how to do research about students,family, teacher,school,community,and teaching-instruction variables.
   
   Students who complete the educational psychology degree from CSUN study and learn how to do research,whether an individual case study for themselves about their own teaching or research concerning the educational processes and outcomes of others. They learn the intricate relationships of effective teaching variables and how these are best applied. They learn about themselves and others in terms of how individuals and groups develop and change and how this specifically relates to concerns about self and others.
   
   

Prerequisites* for the M.A. Program in Development, Learning, and Instruction:

Admission Requirements for All Masters Programs

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:
   1. Acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
   2. Successfully pass the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
   3. 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:
   1. Two letters of recommendation.
   2. An admission interview.
   3. Approval by the Department Student Affairs Committee.


3. 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:

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.

DEVELOPMENT, LEARNING, AND INSTRUCTION (DLI) MASTER'S PROGRAM FAQ

GENERAL DLI PROGRAM INFORMATION

Q:  How is Development, Learning, and Instruction different from the other EPC Programs?

A:  The DLI program is for those who want in-depth study of educational psychology for a variety of reasons. Some students are teachers gaining more ed psych knowledge, some students have plans to apply to a Ph.D. program in educational psychology or a related field; some students are in business settings wishing to gain more expertise in educational psychology, etc. It can be individualized for specific interests. The department hosts information sessions; see the EPC Department website for more information.

Q:  How long does it take to complete the program?

A:  The amount of time that it takes each student depends on how quickly he or she is able to complete the courses and a culminating activity (thesis, project, or comprehensive exam). Most of our students need two years to complete the program, particularly if they are also working. A few students have completed the program in a year, although these are exceptions.

Q:  Can I still work full time and do this program at night?

A:  Yes. Our classes are offered from 4-7 pm and 7-10 pm.

Q:  Could you let me know on average how many people are accepted into this program, and how many apply?

A:  Each year is different. In the past few years, we have had approximately 10-15 applicants; we have accepted almost all but we do have a selective process and we only accept those who are qualified.

Q:  How many years does it take to complete this program?

A:  It depends on how many units you are able to take per semester. Generally, students take about 1.5 to 2 years because they are also working.

Q:  I am currently a therapist/teacher. Would the Educational Psychology coursework be beneficial in this context?

A:  The DLI MA Program is explained in detail on the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling website. That information may help you decide if the program is what you are looking for.

Q:  What is the job market like for students who enter this program? Do students have a hard time finding jobs afterward?

A:  Many students enter this program already employed. Some go on to doctoral programs. Employment has to do with the career goals the individual student has. DLI has a heterogeneous group of students. DLI does not actually place students in jobs. CSUN has a career center that may be of more help in this regard.

Q:  What is the DLI Program track record for students after graduation?

A:  We have had many students who have graduated from the MA DLI Program and gone on to enroll in doctoral programs in such areas as Human Development, Social Foundations, Curriculum and Instruction, special education, and the like. Some schools have been UCSB, Claremont, USC, SUNY-Albany, UCLA, CAL State LA Joint Doctorate. As for whether you could use the MA in DLI degree for teaching at a Community College, you would have to check with each college to determine their criteria. There may be some with MA degrees teaching at community colleges, but we could not guarantee any future employment. Some of our students are also current teachers and are furthering their knowledge in that area; some are entrepreneurs in their own ed psych related businesses, some work in clinics, and some work in other businesses. With doctorates, people may be interested in university teaching, research, working in school districts, and other doctoral level careers. This depends on the individual. Our individualized masters program allows for many options in such areas as human development, program evaluation and measurement, instructional design, teaching, and individualized interests. Some DLI graduates have enrolled in law school.

DLI PROGRAM PREREQUISITE COURSES

Q:  Could you identify which pre-requisites are needed for the DLI MA program?

A:  EPC 314 and EPC 600 or their approved equivalents.

Q:  I was admitted for fall as a graduate student in the DLI program and would like to know "is EPC 600 a mandatory prerequisite for complete acceptance into the program?"

A:  EPC 600 is a required prerequisite for the DLI Master's Program. If you haven't already completed it (or an acceptable equivalent course) with a grade of "B" or better, you should take it this summer either at CSUN or at a local college (see http://www.csun.edu/edpsy/prereqs.html ). Please contact the EPC Dept Office to see whether or not an equivalent course was accepted and if EPC 600 is going to be offered during summer session at CSUN.

Q:  If I have not completed the prerequisites for the program, could I enroll for the summer, instead of the spring? If so, would that hurt my chances of getting into the program?

A:  It is better to complete them by Spring Semester. No one may start the program unless the prerequisites have been completed.

Q:  Can I substitute Psych 320 for EPC 600?

A:  PSY 320 is on our acceptable course substitution list (available on our dep't website) as a prerequisite. Only level 400 and above classes may be substituted/ used for graduate programs. It is not petition able.

DLI APPLICATION, ADMISSION, AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Q:  Where can I get application procedure information for the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling?

A:  For general information about application procedures, please visit our website at http://www.csun.edu/edpsy/applicants.html and http://www.csun.edu/edpsy/faqs.pdf or contact our graduate advisor, Mr. Todd Wolfe at todd.wolfe@csun.edu.

Q:  Should I submit an application and then search for an adviser, or should I find an adviser first?

A:  You are assigned an advisor only if you are accepted into the program.

Q:  Is the posted date the current DLI application deadline?

A:  Yes, the deadline date is the same for DLI as for the entire department.

Q:  Where can I get information on DLI Program application requirements and procedures? What are the GPAs, tests and scores required for admission to the DLI Program?

A:  For information on application requirements and procedures, see the EPC Department website or contact the EPC Graduate Adviser, Mr. Todd Wolfe, at todd.wolfe@csun.edu

Q:  I have a 3.07 undergrad GPA. What do I do regarding the GRE?

A:  A 3.07 undergraduate GPA waives the GRE.

Q:  What is the interview like? How can I prepare for it?

A:  It is a group interview. We have never given instructions for preparation to applicants.

Q:  Must I take the GRE for admission?

A:  All DLI students must take the GRE if their GPA is below 3.00. The GRE must be taken before an admission decision is given. If it is not taken by the time letters of acceptance are mailed, the individual will not be admitted and will be advised to reapply for the following year with all requirements completed. The DLI program follows university standards regarding GRE qualification.

Q:  How do I register for classes?

A:  CSUN has an online and phone registration system. Please contact the graduate advisor, Todd Wolfe, at todd.wolfe@csun.edu or check the CSUN website for information about registration. ( http://www.csun.edu/anr/soc/registration.html and http://www.csun.edu/eop/arceop/arc_eop/registration.htm#q1 )

DLI PROGRAM COURSES AND GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Q:  Which courses do I take during the first semester of program?

A:  In regard to your core courses, EPC 607, 605, and 602 are generally offered and suggested. If you already have an idea for your final project, you may want to take EPC 615 in Spring (607 is usually offered as a Fall course and 615 is usually offered as a Spring course). If not, take it later on in your program. As far as electives, think about what you would like to do after you earn your Master's degree. What are your career goals and interests? Next, look through the graduate courses in related colleges and departments and identify those that would help you achieve your goals. Once you have identified an appropriate course, contact a DLI Advisor. We will then determine whether it fulfills the requirements and start preparing your MA program paperwork.

Q:  What can I take pre-classification for course credit?

A:  Up to 12 units may be taken pre-classification. If they occur pre-admission, our university does not differentiate -- as long as they are taken within 7 years of graduation. Those classes are included on the program of studies.

Q:  What are the total number of units I can take prior to classification?

A:  You cannot have more than 12 units completed prior to classification.

Q:  What electives should I take?

A:  Your 12 units of electives can be taken from any CSUN department. Please remember that overall you must take a minimum of 21 units at the 500-600 level. Most people choose electives that will help them with their career-life goals or interests. Many students take courses in DLI, elementary education, counseling, psychology, health, business, and literature; however, you are free to choose other areas as well. To start the process, identify your interests and goals and then go through the CSUN catalog marking all courses that will help you advance in those areas. Make a list of those courses and then go through the list and identify whether or not a number of courses require a similar prerequisite that you may want to take, the courses tend to be at the 500-600 level, and the courses seem to be offered on a timely basis. You may want to sign up for a number of courses and go to the first meetings to see if they address your needs. Before you have completed 12 units of your program, you should fill out a green program form and make an appointment to meet with a DLI Advisor for review and approval.

Q:  Can I use EPC 420 as an elective?

A:  It is too close to EPC 314 which is an alternative for a prerequisite.

Q:  Does independent study count as an elective in the DLI program?

A:  Yes

Q:  What grades do I need to have to stay in the DLI Program?

A:  Students pursuing a Graduate Degree must maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) average in the formal program and the cumulative grade point average once admitted to the program. No grade below a "C" can be counted in the formal program. Any grade of "C-" or below in the formal program must be repeated after an approved course repeat form has been filed. If the student does not receive a "C" or better on the second attempt, the student will be disqualified from the program. A maximum of 6 units in the formal program may be repeated at the graduate level. The repeat grade will appear on the transcript. Note: Departments may have higher standards that take precedent over the university policy.

Q:  Can I register for a fieldwork class?

A:  DLI is not a clinical program. Only students in counseling classes may register for those fieldwork classes. Some students want practical experience in the field. For this, they may have a service learning experience, which is supervised, and register for independent study.

Q:  What is the suggested course sequence by semester?

A:  The following outlines possible one- and two-year course sequences:

One Year Sequence
Semester 1: EPC 605, 607, 615, 695D, Electives
Semester 2: EPC 602, 609, 697/698C, Electives

Two Year Sequence
Semester 1: EPC 605, 607, 695D
Semester 2: EPC 602, 609, 615
Semester 3: Electives
Semester 4: Electives; EPC 697/698C

DLI POST-BACCALAUREATE UNCLASSIFIED (PBU) ISSUES

Q:  Can I take courses that count towards the DLI Program before I am admitted to it?

A:  It is our departmental policy that no courses are taken by students pre- matriculating into our programs. Please see the Student Handbook http:// www.csun.edu/edpsy/handbook/index.html#PostBS "Post-baccalaureate Unclassified (PBU) If you are admitted as a post-baccalaureate unclassified (PBU) student, you have been admitted without a degree or credential objective and may enroll in prerequisite courses or courses for personal or professional enrichment."

Q:  If I am PBU what courses can I take?

A:  Only prerequisites may be taken prior to admission to any of our department programs, including DLI. Other courses will not be applied to the program. This is department policy and applies to all programs. The only program-related courses you can take prior to entering the DLI Program are the prerequisites EPC 314 and EPC 600.

Q:  I'd like to apply for the DLI Master's Program, I've already been accepted into CSUN (PBU), would I just have to submit a Change of Objective form? Or do I have to get a copy of my university application? How would I do that since it was done through the Internet?

A:  Regarding PBU status, you must file a separate departmental application specifically to apply to the DLI Program.

Q:  May I take EPC 600 even though I'm not in the DLI Program? I wanted to get a head start on my Master's. I already took EPC 314 so I don't have a pre-requisite to take.

A:  You may enroll in EPC 600 prior to being accepted into the program as it is a prerequisite for admission. It is our departmental policy that no courses are taken by students pre-matriculating into our programs so you cannot get a "head start" by taking program courses prior to admission to the program.