Frequently Asked Questions about Cal State Fullerton’s
Secondary Education Graduate Programs (last revised 12.26.07)
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| What kinds of culminating experiences have students completed in the past? |
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| In previous years we have had students complete action research studies, submit articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. write substantial grant proposals, author books, complete curriculum projects, and pursue National Board certification. |
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| What sets Cal State Fullerton’s Secondary Education Graduate Programs apart? |
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All three programs orient students to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The NBPTS certification is recognized as being consistent with contemporary best practice in the profession. The graduate program provides 9 units of support for teachers pursuing National Board certification. Our hybrid model combines the best of online delivery with traditional face-to-face classes. This really helps our students to maintain full-time employment while completing a graduate program. This 20 month program alternates between face-to-face classes and 100% online coursework. |
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| How do I apply to the program? |
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We plan to start two new cohorts in the Fall (one for secondary education/teacher induction candidates, and a second cohort for middle school math candidates).
The deadline for application to the university on the free CSU Mentor site is May 1, 2007. Once you have applied online through CSU Mentor you may then complete your Application to the Master’s in Secondary Education. Once you have completed your CSU Mentor and departmental application, a file will be created for you. You will receive notification once your file is complete. Students will be asked to complete their departmental application materials no later than May 15th. You will need to contact Christine Wyder at 714.278.4028 to set up an interview time.
Admissions decisions will be made in late May/early June, and candidates should receive word regarding their admissions status by mid-summer. |
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| What is a cohort? |
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A “cohort” program means that all students go through the program together, taking the same classes each semester. This means that you start at the beginning of the program and continue with your cohort per the scheduled sequence.
You can't simply start at any point along the course sequence/cycle. If you do stop at some point for any reason and then want to continue your participation in the program, you will need to take the classes only when they are offered again in the cohort cycle. |
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| What technology skills are required? |
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| All students are expected to be knowledgeable in the use of a PC computer prior to being admitted to the program. Mac users need to be able to transition onto the PC platform because on-ground instruction will be done on PC computers. Students should be able to use |
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a personal computer to locate, create, move, copy, delete, name, rename, and save files and folders on hard drives and on secondary storage devices such as floppy disks; |
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Microsoft Word on a PC computer to create, edit, format, store, track changes, retrieve, and print documents, including electronic editing; |
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an electronic mail system to receive, create, edit, print, save, and send email messages with and without attached files; |
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an Internet browser to search and retrieve information from the World Wide Web; and |
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Microsoft Office software, including PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, and FrontPage. |
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| What writing skills are required? |
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| Clear and effective written communication is a necessary skill for learning success in all classes. Students should be able to: |
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write with clarity and precision; |
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use Microsoft Word on a PC computer to create, format, store, track changes, retrieve, print, and electronically edit documents; |
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accept that revision is at the heart of writing well. With this expectation in mind, students may be required to rewrite work that their instructors deem as not being at the graduate level. |
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| Who advises me? |
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| Initial advisement prior to entering the program is provided by the Secondary Education Graduate Program Advisor and by the instructor of EDSC 501: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Secondary Education. To request an appointment or an application, call (714) 278-4028. |
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| Can I transfer into the program with completed course work from another university? |
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| Due to the unique nature of this Hybrid MSE Program, course equivalency with other university’s graduate courses is very difficult. As such, transfer courses are very rarely approved in this program. Please check with the Secondary Education Graduate Program Advisor for more information. |
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| How much does the program cost? |
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Tuition at CSUF is significantly lower compared to other local universities.
You can check the campus web site for the fees for this academic year. |
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| What funding opportunities exist for graduate students in this program? |
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| Various sources of funding are available to graduate students. Please consult the following web sites for additional information: |
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| What kinds of culminating experiences have students completed in the past? |
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In previous years we had students complete action research studies, submit articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals., write substantial grant proposals, author books, complete curriculum projects, and pursue National Board certification.
We are extremely supportive of students who pursue National Board certification as their culminating experiences. Several of our students have pursued this option in the past, and we highly encourage all of our graduate students to consider this professional opportunity. |
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| How can I learn more? |
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To learn more about our programs, view the MSE Overview PowerPoint Presentation. Or, call us (714) 278-4028.
We look forward to receiving your application. |
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