Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum and Instruction)

Master's Master's DegreeOnline1 – 1.5 years

Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum & Instruction)

Overview

The MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction at Sacramento State empowers educators to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning while building real-world, research-based expertise. The program provides an opportunity for educators to develop and enhance expertise in a particular field of interest related to PreK-elementary, middle school, secondary, and higher education. Each course is designed to produce an ideal blend of theory, research, and practice in diverse educational settings.

The Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) program is designed for busy professionals and is offered 100% online1. Program coursework will explore critical intellectual questions of contemporary education that are not only of interest to our teacher-leaders but also to children and families in their communities. 

Applications are currently closed. Be on the lookout in the future for applications to re-open.

“My professors are accessible and eager to support my work, and I appreciate that every assignment has a purpose.”

– Deepti Reim, student

Benefits

  • 100% online format, with classes designed to fit your busy schedule
  • One-year program with fall, spring and summer semesters
  • Potential to advance your career and transform your practice
  • Gain skills in action research and expand your professional horizon
  • Earn your master’s degree and diploma from Sacramento State

Audience

The C&I program is ideal for current and aspiring educational leaders eager to design innovative curriculum, elevate instructional practices, and drive meaningful change in diverse learning environments.

Admission as a classified graduate student requires:

  • A baccalaureate degree;
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units;
  • Proficiency in written English composition as demonstrated by either passing the Sacramento State Writing Placement for Juniors exam or equivalent, or enrolling in ENGL 109W and passing with a grade of C or better; 
  • Be a practicing teacher (TK-university) at the start of the program and have regular access to a classroom of students in order to engage in research; and 
  • An interview with a program administrator/faculty team may be required.

All students in the program must have access to a classroom setting in order to complete program requirements. If you are not a current teacher, please connect with the program staff prior to applying in order to determine how you may be able to meet this requirement.

Structure

This program is offered in a condensed format of fall, spring, and summer semesters in an online format. The program can be completed in one year if 6 units from BTSA/Induction and/or other approved electives are transferred. 

Each course produces an ideal blend of theory, research, and practical application in your own classroom (or in a pre-approved educational setting), helping you:

  • Conduct action research that informs your practice.
  • Develop skills in curriculum design and instructional strategy.
  • Apply data-informed cycles of continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate in modern, inclusive, and reflective educational settings.

*Please note that it is essential that students in the program have access to a classroom setting during the fall and spring semesters.

While fully online, courses are approximately 25% synchronous (in real time) and 75% asynchronous (on your own schedule within a given time frame).

Fees

The program cost is $565 per unit or $1,695 per course. The total program cost is $13,560 (for 24 units). However, if you don’t have six transferable units from BTSA/Induction and/or other approved electives, you will need to take two additional electives (6 units), which would be an additional $3,390. You can pay for each course as you enroll. 

Application fees include the $70 non-refundable university application fee paid online through CSU Apply and a $50 departmental fee, which is paid upon formal admission to the program. Admitted students will be given instructions on how to pay the $50 departmental fee.