Master of Arts in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction

New Cohort will Begin Fall 2026; Applications due July 1, 2026

Overview

The Master of Arts in Secondary Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) program is designed to broaden your pedagogy in secondary (middle and high school) classrooms, examine current national and discipline-based educational issues, evaluate and apply theory and best practices in secondary classrooms, and provide opportunities to form professional ties with other secondary educators and faculty.

Program features:

  • Convenient hybrid schedule for working educators, with classes after 4:15 pm, alternating on campus and online
  • Flexible pacing – Take as little as three or as many as 15 units a semester, depending on course availability
  • Convenient class schedules for working educators with two time offerings: 4:20 – 6:45pm or 7:00 – 9:45pm
  • Average time to completion: 2-4 semesters
  • Priority enrollment in program classes
  • Credential courses taken at CSUN may be applied towards C&I program (rules apply; contact the Graduate Coordinator).

Course of Study

The program comprises 10 courses (30 units): 8 Required Program courses and 2 Electives. Some students may be able to substitute certain courses taken prior to this program (e.g., in a recent CSUN teaching-credential program).

Sample Two-Year Program

Fall of First Year

  • SED 600 Research in Secondary Education
  • SED 610CI Educational Issues and Implications for Public Schools

Spring of First Year

  • SED 651 Assessment in Theory and Practice
  • SED 657 Career and College Readiness in Secondary Education

Fall of Second Year

  • SED 641 Curriculum in Theory and Practice
  • SED 647 Project-Based Learning in Secondary Schools

Spring of Second Year

  • SED 690CI The Multiple Roles of Secondary Educators
  • SED 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies: Comprehensive Exam

Two Required Elective Courses (6 units)

For program completion, six (6) units of graduate Elective coursework are needed. The Electives will be determined in consultation with the Program Advisor. Note: Graduate courses or post-baccalaureate credential courses from other institutions may be eligible substitutions for these Electives; please check with the Graduate Coordinator.