Frequently Asked Questions about the MS in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education
What sets Cal State Fullerton’s Secondary Education Graduate Program apart?
Good question! The Master of Science in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education (MSTT) graduate program is designed for equity-oriented educators who want to explore new ideas in secondary teaching, become more effective teachers of culturally and linguistically diverse students, and advance their careers as teachers or curriculum leaders.
Our 21-month, fully online graduate program in secondary education has been recognized by US News and World Report as among the very best online graduate degrees in the country. We offer a range of exit options that help students meet their professional goals – students can present at professional conferences, write an article for publication, or apply for National Board Certification.
California teachers may also be eligible to build bilingual authorization into their MSTT program of study; please click here for additional information about this program pathway.
How much does the MS in Transformative Teaching cost?
The MS in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education is one of the most affordable graduate options around, with a total cost of just $14,000 for students entering in Fall 2023. Many MSTT students qualify for grants and scholarships, such as the federal TEACH grant, which pays $4,000 per year to teachers seeking graduate degrees in education. Grants like this one mean that many students pay just $6,000 for their degree.
You can learn more about current tuition and fees at this link (note that our program is considered “part time” as students take 6 units per semester).
How will earning a Master’s degree impact my salary?
Many districts pay teachers with graduate degrees $5K-$10K more per year. Students who choose National Board Certification as their exit option are eligible for additional state incentives: California, for example, provides a $25,000 bonus to teachers who earn National Board Certification. Click here to learn about incentives available to teachers from other states.
What is it like to be a student in the MSTT program?
The MSTT is a fully online, highly interactive program that was designed for full time teachers. Students take 2 courses per semester for 21 months (including an 8-week summer term), and class assignments directly relate to teachers’ daily work in the classroom. Most MSTT classes are asynchronous to give students the flexibility to complete assignments at times that work for them; students also attend an evening Zoom class about once a month, where they build relationships with their faculty and peers, delve into key concepts, and present and receive feedback about their work.
In the MSTT, teachers work collaboratively to explore educational equity and justice, evaluate and design culturally and linguistically sustaining curriculum, experiment with innovative uses of educational technology, and conduct research in their own classrooms. Some MSTT students apply to the program with colleagues from their own school sites, while others attend alone and take advantage of the opportunity to build virtual relationships with teachers from other parts of the state or country.
And click here to watch a 5 minute video featuring students and faculty in the MSTT program.
How can I learn more or apply?
We start cohorts every fall, and admit qualified students on a rolling basis, so applying early increases your chances of being accepted. Please check the program web site and university catalog for admissions deadlines, and click here for a complete description of the application process.
You can also contact Dr. Alison Dover, Secondary Education Graduate Program Advisor, at adover@fullerton.edu with any additional questions about the MSTT program or application process.
View this slide deck to learn more:
