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Master of Arts in Education

School of Education

Overview

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) is a research-oriented graduate degree that prepares you to work in a variety of academic settings. With its emphasis on professional writing, research and theory, this program is ideal for you if you aspire toward educational leadership or further graduate work in a doctoral program. And with eight distinct concentration options, the M.A.Ed. allows you to choose a route that supports your specific educational background and career interests.

Depending on your concentration, the M.A.Ed. can be completed fully online or through a blend of on-campus and online courses.

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Concentrations

  • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Learning formats — This concentration is available fully online.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Curriculum and Instruction concentration is for educators who want an inside look into curriculum development and educational publishing.
    • What will I learn? — You will learn how to design curriculum, develop it in a publishing house, and learn how curriculum and instruction contribute to student learning and engagement across grade levels.
    • What certifications will I receive? — If you successfully complete 12 credits of this concentration, you will be eligible for the institution-sponsored Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction.
  • Early Childhood
    • Learning formats — The Early Childhood concentration is available fully online.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Early Childhood concentration is for educators who wish to impact the development of children from birth to third grade (which includes infants, preschoolers, transitional kindergarten and early elementary) in a childcare and development program.
    • What will I learn? — Because children are just beginning to develop their learning skills, it requires experienced educators who are both nurturing and skilled in early learning pedagogy. You will gain specialized knowledge in early childhood that enhances elementary-level teaching at all levels as it informs your understanding of a child’s developmental, social, academic, cultural and spiritual needs.
    • What certifications will I receive? — After successfully completing this concentration, you will be eligible to apply for various Child Development Permit levels from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. With a Child Development Permit, you will be able to serve in various local infant, toddler, and elementary-age educational settings. Advanced Child Development Permits can be earned by completing additional coursework.
    • Can I fulfill the 24 unit state-approved coursework requirements in early childhood education or childhood development" for TK and TK/kindergarten combination for Multiple Subject credentialed teachers and use it toward my degree? — Yes, we offer 24 credits of early childhood education and child development courses at the graduate level that can be used toward the M.A.Ed.
  • Induction/Clear Credential
    • Learning formats — The Induction/Clear Credential concentration is available fully online and needs to be completed in the state of California. The M.A.Ed. core and capstone courses can be completed online anywhere in the world.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Induction/Clear Credential concentration allows full-time teachers who hold a California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Preliminary Credential to complete the necessary requirements to upgrade their credential to the Clear Credential through biblically integrated curriculum.
    • What certifications will I receive? — Upon completion of this concentration, Biola will recommend you to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for your Clear Credential.

      Dual enrollment option — If you are currently enrolled in your district’s induction program, but also want to earn graduate credit for your work and receive biblical integration with the CSTP, you can simultaneously enroll in Biola's Induction/Clear Credential program. These credits can be applied to 12 credits of their M.A.Ed. concentration. These 12 credits will also only cost one-third of the normal tuition rate.
  • Multiple Subject Credential
    • Learning formats — The Multiple Subject Credential concentration coursework allows students to study in-person, in the evening or in a fully-online environment. The M.A.Ed. core and capstone courses can be completed online anywhere in the world.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Multiple Subject Credential concentration is for aspiring teachers who want to earn a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential as a part of their master’s program.
    • What will I learn? — You will receive the necessary foundation to become a general education teacher who is prepared to teach diverse student populations in elementary schools. You will observe and participate firsthand in the methods used by cooperating teachers during fieldwork placements throughout your credential courses.
    • What certifications will I receive? — Upon completion of this concentration, Biola will formally recommend you for your California Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential, authorizing you to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom. This is the credential normally required for elementary school teachers, but can sometimes be appropriate for middle and high school teachers. Upon completion of the M.A.Ed. concentration, core and capstone courses, you will also qualify for the ACSI Teacher Certification and earn a Master of Arts in Education.
  • Personalized
    • Learning formats — The Personalized concentration may be available fully online, in-person, or a combination of in-person and online courses.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Personalized concentration is a professional degree program for educators seeking programs that will support their diverse interests and career goals.
    • What will I learn? — You can select courses from up to two subject areas, such as early childhood, special education, curriculum development, Christian apologetics or TESOL. Other potential subject areas that are offered from other schools at Biola may be explored with an admissions counselor.
    • What certifications will I receive? — Your certifications will vary, depending on your choice of coursework.
  • Single Subject Credential
    • Learning formats — The Single Subject Credential concentration coursework allows students to study in-person, in the evening or in a fully-online environment. The M.A.Ed. core and capstone courses can be completed online anywhere in the world.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Single Subject Credential concentration is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential as a part of their master’s program.
    • What will I learn? — You will receive the necessary foundation to become a general education teacher who is prepared to teach diverse student populations in specific subject areas, including the following: art, English, mathematics, music, physical education, science, social science and Spanish. You will observe and participate firsthand in the methods used by cooperating teachers during fieldwork placements throughout your credential courses.
    • What certifications will I receive? — Upon completion of this concentration, Biola will formally recommend you for your California Preliminary Single Subject Credential, authorizing you to teach a specific subject. This is the credential normally required for middle school and high school teachers, but can sometimes be appropriate for elementary school teachers. Upon completion of the M.A.Ed. concentration, core and capstone courses, you will also qualify for the ACSI Teacher Certification and earn a Master of Arts in Education.
  • Special Education
    • Learning formats — The Special Education concentration is available fully online.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Special Education concentration is for educators who want to expand their knowledge and training to better serve students with special needs, particularly those with mild to moderate learning, emotional and intellectual disabilities.
    • What will I learn? — You will be equipped to create optimal learning environments for students with diverse learning needs.
    • What certifications will I receive? — If you successfully complete 12 credits of this concentration, you will have an opportunity to earn an institution-sponsored Certificate in Special Education. This certificate allows you to demonstrate to future employers that you have a basic knowledge of K-12 students with mild to moderate learning needs.

      If you complete your concentration fieldwork in California, you can also apply your concentration towards earning a California Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Credential with additional coursework and requirements.
  • Special Education (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Credential
    • Learning formats — The Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Credential concentration is available fully online and needs to be completed in the state of California. The M.A.Ed. core and capstone courses can be completed online anywhere in the world.
    • Who is this concentration best for? — The Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Credential concentration is for aspiring teachers who want to earn the Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) Instruction Credential as a part of their master’s program.
    • What certifications will I receive? — Upon completion of this concentration, Biola will formally recommend you for your Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Credential. Upon completion of the concentration, core and capstone courses, you will earn your Master of Arts in Education.

Why Pursue a Master of Arts in Education?

  • Become a witness for Christ. As a Christian, you know that teaching is more than a career; it’s a calling. Biola’s academically rich, biblically integrated curriculum prepares you both to teach with excellence and model the love of Christ to your students and colleagues. Our faculty — who have served as teachers, principals, authors and curriculum developers — are professing Christians who care for your professional and spiritual growth, and share your passion about making an impact for Christ.
  • Advance in your educational career. The M.A.Ed. develops your professional writing, expands your understanding of educational theory and provides research opportunities — all of which prepare you for career advancement or pursuance of doctoral programs. The M.A.Ed. also explores literature for the justification of curricular development or a published research thesis.
  • Work around your busy schedule. The M.A.Ed. is designed with busy educators in mind. Online and evening courses make the program especially convenient for working teachers, professionals and students. Concentrations requiring fieldwork must be completed during school hours.
  • Specialize in your area of academic interest. As educators, the M.A.Ed. provides opportunities to conduct research and expand your knowledge in your chosen concentration.

Explore different ways you can expand your education by viewing our Learning Opportunities page.


What Will I Study?

The program has three distinct elements: core coursework, concentration-specific coursework and a capstone experience. As part of the core, you’ll have the opportunity to take such courses as the following:

  • Philosophy and Values in Schools and Society
  • Advanced Educational Psychology
  • Educational Research and Statistics
  • Advanced Curriculum and Instruction
  • Research in Culture and Intercultural Instruction
  • Professional Writing
  • Professional Development

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Pyeongeun Kim

SOE prepared me with knowledge and positive attitude toward my work. I have been able to apply my knowledge to my work and to work with my coworkers and family daycare providers in positive manners. Also, I have been able to better understand and embrace difference cultures since I took classes focusing on dealing with families from different backgrounds.

Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Coach
M.A. in Education (Early Childhood) '17
2–3 years
Standard Duration
This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.
37–65
Total Program Credits
Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.
WSCUC / ACSI / CTC
Accreditation
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.