M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum Design

M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum Design

The M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum Design at UCSD offers professional educators in elementary and secondary schools an extensive overview of principles of educational research and curriculum design.

A key feature of this M.A. program is the integration of research and practice. M.A. students can remain full-time K-12 teachers for the duration of the program. They design, implement, and evaluate curricular innovations in their own classrooms. The culmination of the M.A. work is a thesis describing the rationale, development, and effectiveness of these innovations.

The M.A. program is identical to the first year of the Ed.D. in Teaching & Learning Program. Some M.A. students apply to and are accepted to enter the second year of the Ed.D. program, often after several years of additional teaching experience.

What do teachers say about their experience in the M.A. Program?

"There is much to think about, much to learn, and much room for improvement in education. This program is an opportunity to start your quest to help the field of education as more than just a teacher."

"Think of this program as something you do for yourself. This is an opportunity to return to the 'life of the mind.' This year gave me a chance to recharge my intellectual batteries!"

"This program skillfully leads you through a process of discovering your own philosophy about teaching and learning, questioning your assumptions, and engaging with educational research."

"The best learning experience of my life."

Examples of M.A. Research Projects

The topics of the M.A. theses in past years are varied, and have included: multimedia approaches to secondary biology and chemistry instruction; writing revision among emergent writers; building partnerships between families and schools; activities which link home and school experiences in the content areas of reading and writing, mathematics, science, and social studies; improved integration of curriculum and assessment; motivation and art; using technology for mathematics and geography teaching; and embedding ESL in native language instruction.

Since the program's inception in 1988, more than 220 students have earned M.A. degrees in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Research in Curriculum Design. Of these, 53% came from the ranks of elementary teachers, 43% worked as secondary teachers, and the rest taught at the post-secondary level.

The M.A. Course of Study

The M.A. program requirements consist of forty quarter units of coursework, including the master's thesis. Courses are usually offered for 4.0 quarter units of credit, and are typically offered one night per week, from 5:00-7:50 pm. Core coursework comprises twenty-eight units, with the remaining twelve units consisting of elective coursework.

Core M.A. Coursework

  • First Summer (mid June - late August)
    • EDS 229: Introductory course about research on teaching practice.
    • EDS 231 or 232 (offered alternating summers): Each summer includes an intensive course in innovative instructional theory and practices. Specific topic changes each year. Examples include: portfolio and authentic assessment; telecommunications in the classroom; collaborative learning; and research on child development and learning.

  • Fall, Winter, and Spring
    • EDS 230A-B-C: Three-quarter seminar providing an extensive overview of curriculum design principles, and application of educational research to classroom practice
    • EDS 233A: Graduate seminar in which UCSD faculty present their research on educational topics.
    • EDS 290 (spring only): Intensive work with faculty adviser.

  • Second Summer (mid June - late August
    • EDS 231 or 232: (see above.)
    • EDS 295: Completion of M.A. thesis writing.

Note: The course schedule for the MA in Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Development is identical to the course schedule for the first year of the Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning.

Who do I contact for further information?

All interested applicants to the Ed.D. Teaching and Learning Program and the M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum Design are strongly encouraged to attend an informational meeting lasting about one hour. There will be a brief presentation, as well as group and one-on-one advising.

For questions about the admissions process, please contact Jeff James at (858) 822-2350 or jhjames@ucsd.edu. For more information about the MA in Teaching and Learning: Research in Curriculum Design, please contact Dr. Jim Levin at jalevin@ucsd.edu.