Home / UCSC General Catalog / Archive of General Catalogs / UCSC 2014-15 General Catalog / Programs and Courses / Program Statements / Education

Education

2014-15 General Catalog

McHenry Library
Advising: (831) 459-3249
education@lists.ucsc.edu
http://education.ucsc.edu

Faculty | Course Descriptions

Program Description

The purpose of the Education Department’s instructional programs is to prepare all students, undergraduates and graduates, to engage in the analysis and integration of educational theory, research, and practice for an increasingly diverse society. The department’s primary intellectual and practical focus is on fostering equitable and effective schooling for all students. In working toward this goal, the department seeks to understand the profound issues involved in transforming public education so that it better meets the needs of students from diverse language, ethnic, racial, and class backgrounds. We are a small department with the large agenda of developing educational leaders and pursuing educational research that will affect the future of teaching and learning both inside and outside of schools. Our commitment lies in three essential and interrelated domains: 1) school, families, and communities; 2) teacher education and development; and 3) mathematics and science education. Undergirding them all is a focus on the socio-cultural context in which learning and teaching takes place and an understanding of the power of language and literacy in both formal and informal educational settings.

The Education Department has an active doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program and doctor of education (Ed.D.) programs (currently not accepting new students) that attract students who have exemplary preparation as well as experience working in educational settings; a model teacher-education program; and two vibrant minor tracks that serve more than 300 undergraduates each year.

Minors in Education

The UCSC undergraduate courses in education engage students in the study of the history of educational thought and philosophy, the politics and economics of education, learning theory and pedagogy, and issues of cultural and linguistic diversity in education.

Because an academic major in education is not permitted in the state of California, UCSC offers two minors in education for those students who are considering a career in teaching and also for those who hold a general interest in educational studies. Please note that the minors in education do not provide a California Teaching Credential. Additionally, the UCSC teaching credential program is a graduate program and coursework taken in the minor cannot be substituted for credential requirements.

General Minor in Education

The general minor in education consists of six courses totaling 30 credits:

Education 60, Introduction to Education
Education 180, Introduction to Teaching
Four upper-division education courses (courses number EDUC 102-189) (Please refer to the Education Department's web site for a list of approved upper-division courses being offered during the current academic year.

To be eligible to declare the general minor in education, students must have:

Completed or be enrolled in EDUC 60, Introduction to Education
Successfully declared a major.

To officially declare a general minor in education, students must bring from their major department a completed Petition for Major/Minor Declaration and UCSC Academic Planning Forms to the Education Department’s Undergraduate Adviser. Students pursuing a minor in education should meet with the Education Department’s Undergraduate Adviser as early as possible. The adviser will assist students in completing the Petition for a Major/Minor Declaration and the UCSC Academic Planning Forms.

For Further Information

For specific instructions about how to declare a minor in education and for the current Drop-in Advising Schedule, please refer to the Education Department’s web site http://education.ucsc.edu. For other inquiries, please contact the Undergraduate Adviser by sending an e-mail to education@ucsc.edu.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Minor

The STEM minor specifically serves students in STEM majors who are considering careers in secondary mathematics or science teaching. The STEM minor in education consists of eight courses, totaling 32 credits and including 80-90 hours of classroom field placements:

EDUC 50, Introduction to Teaching, CalTeach 1

EDUC 60, Introduction to Education

EDUC 100, Science and Mathematics, Cal Teach 2

EDUC 185B, Introduction to Mathematics Education, or 185C, Introduction to Teaching Science

EDUC 185L, Introduction to Teaching: Cal Teach 3

One upper-division education course addressing cultural and linguistic diversity (e.g., EDUC 128, 135, 141, 164, 170, 177, or 181),

Two upper-division education courses (courses number EDUC 102-189). Please refer to the Education Department’s web site for a list of approved upper-division courses being offered during the current academic year, http://education.ucsc.edu).

Students pursuing the STEM education minor should meet with the Cal Teach staff as early as possible. Entry into EDUC 50 is by interview only, and interested students must submit an application to the Cal Teach program (see http://calteach.ucsc.edu or e-mail calteach@ucsc.edu).

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Education and California Teacher Credential Program

Please note that students are not admitted into the program for a stand-alone master of arts (M.A.) in education or a stand-alone credential.

Because program requirements are authorized by statutes and regulated by a state entity, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, program requirements must be responsive to new legislation and regulatory policies. Admission requirements and programs of study referred to are subject to change to comply with regulatory mandates.

The master of arts in education and California teacher credential program prepare prospective teachers to work with California’s culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Students in this program earn a master’s degree and are eligible to apply for a Preliminary California Credential upon completing a five-quarter program comprised of two summers and one academic year. Graduates of the program are prepared to teach English language learners enrolled in K–12 public schools. The program also offers the Bilingual Authorization (in Spanish) for primary language instruction or dual language immersion instruction in a K–12 setting.

Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for a California Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential or a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential. The Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a K–12, self-contained public school classroom, where all subjects are taught by the same teacher. The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in his/her credential subject area in a K-12 departmentalized classroom setting within a public school system.

The UCSC, single-subject, teacher-credential program offers the following subject areas: mathematics, English, social science, and science. Programs of study are subject to change.

Master of Arts in Education and Preliminary Credential in Secondary Science in Silicon Valley

The Silicon Valley masters of arts in education and preliminary secondary science credential has the same degree requirements as the campus-based program. The program’s course work is offered at UCSC and UCSC Extension in Santa Clara with student teaching placements in middle and high schools in the greater San Jose area. Program details are available at web site http://education.ucsc.edu/macsv/.

Prerequisite Admission Requirements

All candidates must have preparation in the following areas:

A course, or equivalent experience, that addresses cultural and linguistic diversity. The following UCSC undergraduate education courses are examples of courses that meet this requirement: 128, Immigrants and Education; 141, Bilingualism and Schooling; 164, Urban Education; 181, Race, Class, and Culture in Education; and 92C Introduction to Issues in Diversity and Education. Other courses offered outside the Education Department may be acceptable. However, outside coursework cannot be preapproved by the department.

A documented field experience with children or youth in an educational setting. Experiences such as directed observation, substitute teaching, school tutoring, work in after-school programs, camp counseling, instructional aide, or the equivalent are acceptable experiences. When applying to the program, please describe your field experience in the designated area of the application titled, PERSONAL STATEMENT.

Application Selection Criteria

Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates for admission are selected, in part, on the following criteria:

Academic Record

College coursework is evaluated with attention to content and grades or narrative evaluations. The appropriateness of courses taken for the credential sought is also taken into consideration. For the multiple subjects credential, students should have an extensive breadth of courses in the core subject areas taught in elementary school—math, science, social science, and English. For the single subject credential, students should have an extensive body of coursework in the content area.

Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, and Résumé

Information provided in these documents is used in the selection of candidates. All documents must be submitted by the application deadline.

The statement of purpose should discuss the following:

an explanation of why you want to become a teacher;
how your experience has contributed to your motivation and potential to be an educational leader;
a description of your experiences related to youth, cultural and linguistic diversity, and community involvement.
Writing sample: a sample of your writing (no more than 10 pages). A research-based paper is preferred, for example, a paper written on an educational topic or a paper written in your content area. Alternatively, applicants may choose to write a brief piece specifically for this application.
Letters of recommendation: three letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter should be written by university faculty who can address the applicant’s academic merit, and at least one letter written from someone in the field who has observed the applicant’s work with children or youth. It is recommended that these letters address your qualifications in the following areas:
a) academic performance

b) field work with youth

c) experience in culturally and linguistically diverse settings and with student populations who have traditionally been underserved in schools and classrooms.
Personal history: write a statement (approximately two to five pages) explaining how your personal history has influenced your decision to apply to this graduate program.
Résumé: a résumé that includes an employment history; any relevant volunteer or community work, especially in schools and/or with children; and experiences in multicultural and multilingual settings. Include information on languages (other than English) in which you have competence.
Bilingual Authorization Essay (Bilingual Authorization applicants only): candidates must submit an essay in Spanish as described in the online application.

Admission Requirements

Testing

All required examinations must be met by the stated deadlines.

All admitted applicants must verify completion of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) requirement and submit a passing-status verification by June 1 in order to enroll in the program.

Additional information can be found at the CSET Registration web site, http://www.cset.nesinc.com/ (state requirement and subject to change). It is recommended that passing verification be submitted with the application.

Subject-Matter Competence

California state law mandates that all teachers provide evidence of their subject-matter knowledge (state requirement and subject to change).

Admitted Multiple Subject applicants must submit verification of having passed the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Subtests by June 1 prior to enrollment in the program. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of passing CSET scores be submitted with the application. Multiple Subject applicants must pass each section of the CSET; no coursework or "waiver" program can substitute for passing CSET scores.

Deadline to complete this requirement: June 1 of each year prior to enrollment into the program. However, applicants are encouraged to complete this requirement prior to applying to the program.

Additional information can be found at the CSET Registration web site, http://www.cset.nesinc.com/.

Single Subject

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), or verification of an approved subject matter program from the applicant's undergraduate institution is required. Admitted applicants must submit verification of having passed the CSET examination for their subject (e.g., mathematics), or confirmation of 100 percent completion of an approved subject matter program.

Deadline to complete this requirement: June 1 of each year prior to enrollment into the program. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of subject matter competence be submitted with the application. Additional information can be found at the CSET Registration web site, http://www.cset.nesinc.com/.

Certificate of Clearance

In accordance with Education Code Section 44320(b), each credential candidate for an initial credential, prior to admission to any credential program, must obtain a Certificate of Clearance.

A Certificate of Clearance is a document that indicates that the individual has completed the fingerprint and character and identification process and has been cleared by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to begin student teaching.

To comply with this regulation the UCSC Education Department must have on file a copy of the Certificate of Clearance before allowing a person to begin public school fieldwork or student teaching.

If you hold or have applied for a credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (such as an emergency substitute teaching permit) you are not required to apply for another Certificate of Clearance. Please submit a photo copy of your prior credential for your application to the program by mail to: Education Dept., UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95064.

Applicants who do not hold a valid California credential or have not previously applied for a Certificate of Clearance through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing must apply for the Certificate of Clearance.

Further information regarding this requirement, including Live Scan form LS-41, is available within the UCSC Graduate School Online Application October 1 of each year at http://graddiv.ucsc.edu/prospective/, or you may send an e-mail to the Education Department, edma@ucsc.edu, for further instructions regarding your Certificate of Clearance Application.

Deadline for completing this requirement: January 15 of each year.

Program and State of California Requirements (Not Required for Initial Admission in the Program)

These requirements may be met prior to or while enrolled in the program, but they must be met to be eligible for a California teaching credential.

U.S. Constitution Requirement

A course on the U.S. Constitution (or completion of an examination offered by the Education Department to enrolled students) is required. UCSC-approved courses that meet this requirement are Politics 20, American Politics; Politics 111, Constitutional Law; Politics 120A, Congress, President, and the Court in American Politics; and History 25A, United States History to 1877.

Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

Multiple Subjects candidates are required—prior to completion of the program and in order to be recommended for a preliminary credential—to pass the RICA examination. The RICA measures the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to offer effective reading instruction to K–12 students. Candidates should not take this examination prior to completing course 220.

CPR

A certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course (infant, child, and adult) must be completed and valid upon application for the credential

Bilingual Authorization Candidates

1. CSET - Spanish Language and Culture of Emphasis Requirements

The CSET LOTE (Spanish) Subtest III (CSET test code 147) and CSET LOTE (Spanish) Subtest V (CSET test code 258) (Culture of Emphasis) are required. Admitted applicants must submit verification of having passed the exam prior to completing the final quarter of the MA/Credential program.

Additional testing information can be found at the CSET Registration web site at http://www.cset.nesinc.com.

2. Three-page essay in Spanish

Bilingual Program applicants will be required to submit a three-page essay in Spanish with their application to the MA/Credential Program. The essay should address topical questions listed on the Education M.A. Supplemental Application contained within the online UCSC Graduate School Application.

BCLAD Candidates

The CSET Languages Other Than English (LOTE) (Spanish) Subtest III (CSET test code 147). It is recommended that passing test scores be submitted with the application. Individuals may still apply to the program without having passed the CSET LOTE. However, all admitted BCLAD applicants must submit passing verification for the examination prior to being issued a credential. (CSET Registration: http://www.cset.nesinc.com).

Student Teaching

The successful development of teaching skills in the classrooms is the culmination of a teacher education program. Therefore, candidates must demonstrate, by the end of their program, teaching competence in the classroom. Credentialed public school teachers are responsible for the nurturing of children and youth. Therefore, teaching credential candidates must consistently display conduct befitting the profession. To this end, the candidate must be able to cope with the demands and responsibilities of teaching as outlined below:

Meet university and program requirements and deadlines (including school expectations during field experiences).
Plan ahead to anticipate needs and potential student teaching problems.
Be able to adapt to institutional and/or professional expectations and policies.
Relate appropriately to children, parents, and school staff.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the social, cultural, economic context of the school environment.
Adhere to school expectations for dress, appearance, and personal hygiene.

Candidates whose professional behavior does not meet these minimal standards may be recommended for dismissal from the program.

Beginning student teaching, which begins during the Summer Bridge between the university summer and fall quarters, constitutes the first classroom observation experience for students in the program. Student teachers are in their classroom placements from 10–14 hours a week depending on the school site schedule. To enroll in this course, students must have a Certificate of Clearance issued and on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Intermediate and advanced student teaching is a two-quarter experience (winter/spring) in which student teachers are placed with cooperating teachers in local schools. Students are in the classroom placements 14 or more hours a week in winter quarter leading toward full time in the classroom by spring quarter. They gradually assume responsibility for preparation, instruction, and evaluation of the class during this two-quarter period. Supervisors of teacher education give ongoing and frequent support to students in their classroom placements and in seminars at UCSC. Multiple Subjects candidates obtain classroom experience in both primary and intermediate grades. Single Subjects candidates obtain classroom experience in middle school/junior high and high school.

Admission to course 201 and 201A, Intermediate Student Teaching, and courses 202A-B-C, Advanced Student Teaching, is based on an assessment of academic performance, experience, leadership, and initiative shown in public school placements and required courses taken earlier in the program.

Capstone Requirements

Students will complete a capstone portfolio, which includes a teaching performance assessment and reflective papers. Prompts for these assignments may vary from year to year as they reflect the most current California state credentialing requirements.

Multiple Subject Course Requirements

200 Applied Classroom Analysis and Methods: Beginning Student Teaching

201 Intermediate Student Teaching

202ABC Advanced Student Teaching

203 Methods of English Language Development

205 Teaching, Learning, and Schooling

207 Social Foundations of Education

208 Portfolio Development

210 Creating Supportive, Healthy Environments for Student Learning

211 Teaching Special Populations

212ABC (Bilingual Authorization students only) Bilingualism and Biliteracy

217 Topics in Elementary Education: Physical Education

218 Topics in Elementary Education: Visual Arts

219 Topics in Elementary Education: Performing Arts

220 Reading and Language Arts for Elementary Classrooms

221 Science Learning and Teaching in Elementary Classrooms

222 Mathematics Learning and Teaching in Elementary Classrooms

MA/C students must fulfill the requirements for Level 1 technology skills. Students meet this requirement in one of two ways: (a) passing the CSET examination, or (b) passing an approved course offered via UCSC Extension.

Single Subject Course Requirements

200 Applied Classroom Analysis and Methods: Beginning Student Teaching

201 Intermediate Student Teaching

201A Intermediate Student Teaching: Single Subject

202ABC Advanced Student Teaching

204 Methods of English Language Development

206 Teaching, Learning, and Schooling

207 Social Foundations of Education

208 Portfolio Development

210 Creating Supportive, Healthy Environments for Student Learning

211 Teaching Special Populations

212ABC (Bilingual Authorization students only) Bilingualism and Biliteracy

225 Reading Across the Curriculum in Middle School and Secondary

Single Subject Credential students enroll in the two methods courses related to their subject area:

226 English Teaching: Theory and Curriculum

227 English Teaching for Secondary Classrooms

228 Math Education: Research and Practice

229 Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary Classroom

230 Science Education: Research and Practice

231 Teaching Science in the Secondary Classroom

232 Social Science: Theory and Curriculum

233 Social Science Teaching for Secondary Classrooms

For Further Information

Please contact the credential analyst by sending an e-mail to edma@lists.ucsc.edu, or view the department’s home page on the web at http://education.ucsc.edu where potential applicants can obtain full details about the programs.

Ed.D in Collaborative Leadership

(Currently not admitting new students)

Overview

The goal of the Ed.D. program is to prepare educational professionals to enact research-based leadership in the transformation of schools and other educational institutions serving racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities in California’s Central Coast and Bay Area region. Ed.D. students’ dissertations apply cutting-edge theory and research in action-research reform efforts. Research projects will often be situated within the student’s professional work site. Graduates of the Ed.D. program will be qualified for leadership positions in schools and school districts, as well as for the instruction of professional courses in universities and colleges. Graduates may also choose to work for independent or governmental policy centers.

Admission Requirements

M.A. or equivalent with a background in research methodology
3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores http://www.gre.org/~ taken within the last five years
Documentation of second language and/or multicultural focus
Statement of purpose
Personal history
A research project proposal
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work
Application essay, which includes:

Three current recommendation letters specifying potential for collaborative leadership and scholarly productivity.
Application fee

Prior to completing your application, we highly recommend a personal interview with at least one of our faculty members. Please contact an Education Department faculty member whose research interest is similar to your own (please visit the Education Department web site at http://education.ucsc.edu/)

Course Requirements and Sequencing

Courses required in year one:

EDUC 235, Introduction to Educational Inquiry
EDUC 236, Quantitative Methods in Educational Research
EDUC 237, Qualitative Research Methods
EDUC 262, Social and Cultural Context of Education Core Seminar
EDUC 263, Foundations of Educational Reform
EDUC 268, Schools, Communities, and Families
EDUC 269ABC, First-Year Doctoral Pro-seminar
Summer research and coursework optional, though encouraged

Courses required in year two

EDUC 266, Program Evaluation and Action Research in Educational Reform
EDUC 271, Theoretical Perspectives on Learning and Using Literacy, or EDUC 273, Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, and Education
EDUC 277ABC, Second/Third-Year Professional Development Seminar Families
Summer research and coursework optional, though encouraged

Courses required in year three

EDUC 277ABC, Second/Third-Year Professional Development Seminar
EDUC 279ABC, Dissertation Supervision
EDUC 299, Directed Research (each quarter)
Qualifying examination (conclusion of spring quarter)

Courses required in year four

Graduation

For Further Information

Contact the doctoral adviser, by sending an e-mail to edphd@lists.ucsc.edu or view the department’s home page on the web at http://education.ucsc.edu where potential applicants can obtain full details about the program.

Ph.D. in Education

Overview

The goal of the Ph.D. in education is to support graduate students in becoming creative scholars who engage in research focused on the educational needs of students from linguistic and cultural groups that have historically not fared well in our nation’s public schools. To achieve this goal, this program provides students with grounding in the varieties of interdisciplinary theorizing, research methods, and applications needed to advance the study of learning and teaching for diverse student populations. The courses and research experiences are closely related to practice in K-12 classrooms. Students in this interdisciplinary program apply tools and perspectives from education, anthropology, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, cognitive science, and cultural historical activity theory. The program integrates theory and practice to examine learning and teaching within the multiple contexts of classroom, school, family, and community. Graduates of this program will be qualified to teach and to conduct the kinds of educational research demanded by tenure-track positions in research and regional universities. Graduates may also work in non-university based institutions that focus on teacher professional development, curriculum development, and related areas of educational research and development.

Together with his or her faculty academic adviser, each student develops an integrated program of study that includes advanced coursework, seminars, and electives. Students learn through an apprenticeship model in which they develop expertise through active participation in research. Courses may be taken in other departments, when appropriate.

Ph.D. Admissions Guidelines

The minimum grade-point average (GPA) established by the University of California for admission to graduate school is 3.0. In general, the Ph.D. in education program looks for potential excellence in graduate students, whether this manifests itself in a high grade-point average, strong letters of recommendation, or a high Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, or a strong statement of purpose. Applicants will be evaluated on their individual merits and also with regard to how well their proposed doctoral research can be supported by the existing resources of the program.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accepted university prior to the quarter for which admission is sought
3.0 GPA or above
Official GRE scores http://www.gre.org/~ taken within the last five years
Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Statement of purpose
Personal history
A writing sample, preferably in education or a related field. The sample can be a term paper, a field report, a research proposal, or an essay written especially for the application
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended after high school
Three current recommendation letters specifying potential for scholarly productivity
Current resume
Application fee
International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL (paper) or 220 on the TOEFL (computer) is required for admission. The TOEFL examination may be waived for international students who have taken and successfully passed a freshman composition course at an accredited university in the United States.

Prior to completing your application, we highly recommend a personal interview with at least one of our faculty members. Please contact an education faculty member whose research interest is similar to your own (please visit the Education Department web site at http://education.ucsc.edu/)

Program Requirements

During the first two years of study, all students are expected to enroll in a set of required courses, including foundational courses, methodology courses, and elective courses. The student and his/her adviser will determine the overall individualized program of study, depending on the student’s preparation, interests, and plans, which are determined in consultation with relevant faculty and the department chair. The program encourages interdisciplinary study.

To achieve Ph.D. candidacy, students are expected to pass an annual review of their written work, maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete all required courses, attend department colloquia, complete a second-year research project, complete a TAship or teaching internship, pass a qualifying examination (QE), and meet the specific requirements of the Division of Graduate Studies.

The QE is intended to assess a student’s depth and breadth of knowledge in his or her areas of concentrations and his/her competence to do extended dissertation-level research and analysis. Normally taken near the end of the third year of enrollment, the QE consists of both written and oral components. For the written portion, the student prepares three papers, two of which advance a position based on a review of related research, theoretical framework, or research design/methods; the third is a dissertation prospectus. The student presents and defends his/her work to at the oral examination.

A dissertation based on original research is required. After the dissertation has been completed and submitted, students must defend the dissertation in an oral examination.

Course Requirements and Sequencing

The following courses constitute the minimum requirments: four foundational courses, four research methods courses, and four elective courses. Incoming students should consult with their faculty advisors and the current course offerings to determine the order in which they will complete required courses. Students are encouraged to take courses beyond the minimum required; in consultation with their advisors, students will determine the full set of research methods and elective courses they will complete based on their intellectual interests and professional goals. All required courses must be completed prior to advancement to candidacy.

Foundational Courses (20 credits)

Course Number and Title	Type	When Taken
EDUC 261, Thinking and Learning	Foundational	Before Advancement
EDUC 262, Social Foundations of Education	Foundational	Before Advancement
EDUC 272, Language in Education and Society	Foundational	Before Advancement
EDUC 2XX, Teaching and Teachers	Foundational	Before Advancement

Research Methods (20 credits)

Course Number and Title	Type	When Taken
EDUC 235, Introduction to Educational Inquiry and Research Study Design	Research Methods	Before Advancement
EDUC 236, Quantitative Research 1	Research Methods	Before Advancement
EDUC 235, Qualitative Research	Research Methods	Before Advancement
EDUC 255, Quantitative Research 2 or EDUC 256, Qualitative Research 2	Research Methods	Before Advancement

Elective Courses (20 credits)

Students in consultation with their advisors will pursue appropriate depth and breadth of study according to each student’s intellectual interests and professional goals. Students must complete 4 elective courses (20 credits). Electives can include the following:

Department elective courses (at least two of the four required elective courses must be from this category):
1. Educational Reform (EDUC 263)
2. Research on Teacher Development and Teacher Education (EDUC 264)
3. Communities, Families, and Education (EDUC 268)
4. Language and Literacy Across Disciplines (EDUC 280)
5. Research in STEM Education (EDUC 286)
6. Critical Perspectives on Education (EDUC 295)
MA Course in Education with additional readings and assignments (pne maximum)

Graduate courses in other departments

Independent Study, Reading Group, Research Apprenticeship (EDUC 293), or undergraduate course with additional readings and assignments taken as IS (one maximum UG course to count toward the four electives)

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

Although applications for a master’s degree independent of the Ph.D. program are not accepted, students in the Ph.D. program may obtain a M.A. degree after successfully completing a minimum of six quarters residency, 60 course credits including 4 foundational courses, 4 research methods courses, 4 elective courses, and a second-year research project. Students seeking an M.A. degree must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Graduate Division.

Other Requirements

Students are required to attend the Education Department’s colloquium series during their first and second years in the program.

The education Ph.D. program emphasizes teaching experience, and all students are required to complete one TAship or teaching internship in education prior to advancement to candidacy.

Students are required to complete a second-year project paper by the first day of fall quarter in year three.

Financial Support

It is each student’s responsibility to secure funding for graduate studies. Over the course of students’ enrollment in the graduate program, students typically fund their education with some combination of the following: TAships, GSRships, UCSC graduate fellowships, scholarships or fellowships from outside sources, loans, personal savings, family income, and support from other individuals (e.g., extended family members). When possible first-year students are supported with UCSC graduate fellowships, which typically cover part of a student’s expenses for the first year only. Beginning in the student’s first year, he or she is strongly encouraged to apply for TAships in college core courses and in other departments on campus. Students are also encouraged to seek and apply for outside funding from government agencies, private foundations, and industry, and to plan alternative financing should none of these opportunities become available.

Financial support for students includes a variety of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships in the Education Department. Students may participate in research projects under the auspices of several interdisciplinary research centers, including the Chicano/Latino Research Center (CLRC), the Vocabulary Innovations in Education (VINE) project, The Teachers With Computers: Ward Annotations for Vocabulary Education (tecWAVE) project, Effective Science Teaching for English Language Learners (ESTELL) project, The Center for Collaborative Research for an Equitable California (CREC), and the Center for Educational Research in the Interest of Underserved Students (ERIUS).

Designated Emphasis in Education

The Designated Emphasis in Education enables doctoral students in other departments to pursue interests in education and obtain formal certification of a “minor” level of competence in the field of education. The requirements for obtaining a Designated Emphasis in Education are the following:

Obtain a designated graduate adviser from the faculty in education. This adviser will be in addition to the graduate adviser from the student’s home department. The education adviser must serve on the student’s qualifying examination committee and, as appropriate, may also serve on the student’s dissertation committee.
Complete at least two of the following three core courses in education:
- EDUC 261, Thinking and Learning
- EDUC 262, Social Foundations of Education
- EDUC 263, Foundations of Educational Reform

Complete additional courses as needed to total five graduate courses in education, no more than one of which may be a directed readings course (Independent Studies). Courses must be approved by the student’s graduate adviser in education. Courses in other departments focused on education may be approved by petition to the Education Department’s Doctoral Programs Committee.
Prepare a significant piece of writing in some area of education. This writing may take the form of a substantial position paper (seminar paper, QE paper, dissertation chapter, master’s thesis) grounded in the literature of educational research, as determined by the graduate adviser in education.

Education is an institutional field in which scholars from a wide variety of disciplines—including sociology, psychology, politics, economics, mathematics and science—have scholarly interests. A Designated Emphasis in Education enables graduate students from other departments to ground their work in theory and research on important issues in education.

The Education Department’s foundational courses, EDUC 261 and 262, are offered every other year; and EDUC 263, an elective course, is offered every other year. The department typically offers five doctoral courses during each year. The Education Department annually admits 7-10 Ph.D. students, leaving adequate room for doctoral students from other departments to take courses in education.

For Further Information

Contact the doctoral adviser, by sending an e-mail to edphd@ucsc.edu or view the department’s home page on the web at http://education.ucsc.edu where potential applicants can obtain full details about the programs.

Revised: 09/01/14

[return to top]