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This 30-unit program is a unique, summer-only (2 summers) Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Language Arts for teachers in grades K-12 with a focus on current knowledge in Reading and Language Arts.
Program Highlights
Complete in 2 Summers
Designed for schedules of traditional and year-round teachers
Completely Online
Mostly asynchronous with synchronous class meetings in the evenings
Focused Coursework
3 courses in literacy theory, research and practice each summer
Annual Conference
Attend virtual conference of international literacy experts each summer
Decades of Experience
We have 40 years of experience
Affordable Tuition
At $4,658 per summer, the tuition for California residents is much lower than the pricetag for private universities.
45thSDSU Reading and Language Arts Virtual Conference
MAT students may choose to attend a week-long virtual conference each summer to earn 3 units. For more than 40 years, this conference has drawn national speakers to discuss current issues in children's and adolescent literacy and state-of-the-art instructional strategies. The conference is a course and other courses do not meet during this week.
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Upcoming Info Session
January 17, 2024, 5-6 p.m.
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Course Sequence
To receive the Master of Arts in Education degree, students must complete 30 units in 2 summers. Receive up to 6 units of credit for credential course work completed in the past 4 years.
Summer 2024 Course Dates: May 20–July 5 (most summers classes run from last week of May, when SDSU starts summer session, for 6 weeks)
Summer 1
TE 638, Reading Conference, 3 units (recommended elective)
This recommended elective focuses on a variety of instructional sequences (mini-courses), each focusing on a single topic or competency dealing with reading instruction. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master’s degree
TE 600, Curriculum Development in Education, 3 units
Advanced study of the research in curriculum development, construction and evaluation
TE 677, Research Based Pedagogy for Diverse Learners, 3 units
Research-based pedagogy for diverse learners. Instructionalstrategies applicable across disciplines.
Development of assessments and tests common in instructional and research contexts. Uses and interpretation of assessment data in given differential social/political contexts. Implications for research and instruction.
Summer 2
TE 638, Reading Conference, 3 units (recommended elective)
This recommended elective focuses on a variety of instructional sequences (mini-courses), each focusing on a single topic or competency dealing with reading instruction. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units applicable to a master’s degree.
TE 530, Children’s Literature, 3 units
Survey of children’s/adolescents’ literature and its incorporationinto the classroom curriculum.
Trends in reading instruction to include developmental sequences in reading skills and abilities, reading in the content fields, individual differences and interests.
TE 779, Action Research in K-12 Learning Environments, 3 units
Capstone course for Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Actionresearch conducted in students’ own teaching environments.
Important Dates
Cal State Apply Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Summer 2024 Course Dates: May 20-July 5, 2024
Summer 2024 Conference Dates: June 10-14, 2024
Contact Us
For more information contact:
Eric Ginsberg, [emailprotected]
Dr. Marva Cappello,[emailprotected]
Dr. Diane Lapp,[emailprotected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Apply for the Summer MAT in Language Arts?
If you are interested in completing a Master’s degree but can’t imagine how you can do this while teaching full time, this is the program for you. The Masters of Arts in Teaching K- 12 Language Arts Concentration which can be completed fully online in two summers is designed to accommodate busy elementary, middle, and secondary teachers wanting to spend a few weeks each summer learning new ideas to take back to the classroom.
What Makes This Program Different From Others?
In addition to a summer-only schedule, which is friendly for busy teachers, the weeklong Reading and Language Arts conference is unique! For more than 40 years, this conference has drawn national speakers to discuss current issues in children's and adolescent literacy. The conference is a course and runs from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for one week in late June. Other courses do not meet during this week.
What Are the Specifics I Should Know?
This two summer, 30 unit degree program includes attending the weeklong SDSU Reading and Language Arts each summer. The speakers at the conference are international experts in literacy who discuss state of the art instructional strategies in literacy. Each summer you will take 3 additional courses in literacy theory, research and practice that result in effective instruction. This summer program is designed to meet the schedules of traditional and year round teachers because the courses meet in the afternoon from late May to early July.
Is this a MAT program for K-12 teachers?
Yes, the courses in this program address instructional issues that occur in grades K-12.
What is the focus of this MAT program?
This MAT program focuses on instructional issues in all of the curriculum areas. A special emphasis relates to literacy issues in each of the disciplines.
I am a secondary teacher. Is this program also for me?
Yes! While many participants are elementary school teachers, the degree is for either elementary or secondary curriculum and instruction. Each year, your instructors make sure that your needs as an adolescent educator are addressed.
Can I transfer in units from my credential program or another university?
If you have completed a post-baccalaureate credential program within the past 4 years (at the time you plan to start the Summer-only MAT) then we may be able to use up to 6 units of your credential work towards your Master’s. If you completed your credential program at an undergraduate level or more than 4 years ago then you will have to take 6 additional graduate level units to complete the MAT. These courses are not scheduled into the two summers.
How many weeks do I have to attend summer school?
Students in the Summer MAT attend classes for a 6-week period, usually from the end of May to early July each summer. Courses are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays with an occasional Tuesday night class (for Reading Conference meetings). All courses are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
What are the class times?
Courses are fully online with 4-5 asynchronous meetings scheduled from 4-6:30 p.m. and from 7-9:30 p.m. Your professors coordinate these meetings for a smooth delivery.
The optional Reading Conference meets for one week (M-F) from 9-4, and an additional Tuesday from 4-6 p.m.
Can I be a student in this program if I’m a year-round teacher?
Yes, because the only course that meets during the school day is the Literacy Conference. Year-round teachers are welcome! We record all the sessions for you, and you simply watch them at home or on your computer. It's the next best thing to being there.
Do I have to take a comprehensive exam?
Yes, there is a comprehensive exam taken at the completion of the 2nd year. The questions are based totally on the instruction you receive during the three-year program. The pass rate is 99% on the first try.
Do I need teaching experience before applying?
No, you only need a teaching credential. Students who have successfully completed their credential program are welcome.
Is a California teaching credential required?
No! Every year we have students from many states who spend part of each summer in San Diego.
Are courses offered online?
Starting summer 2021 all course are online and include both synchronous and asynchronous virtual meetings.
Must I attend for two consecutive summers?
While it is recommended that you complete the program in 2 summers, it is not mandatory.
Do I have to write a thesis?
No thesis is required for this program.
Is financial aid available?
Please contact the office of the SDSU Office of Financial Aid or 619-594-5253.
Who should I contact for more information?
Stephanie Kearney ([emailprotected])
Dr Marva Cappello ([emailprotected])
Dr. Diane Lapp ([emailprotected])
How do I apply?
Everything you need to know can be found at our How to Apply page. 1.Submit the Cal State Apply application 2. Request official transcripts from your Bachelor's degree and all credential coursework.
-personal statement
-letter of recommendation
