Master of Education Specializations & Curriculum

Specializations & Curriculum

Master of Education

The online Master of Education program is designed for experienced educators who seek to become designers of learning and enhance their skills. The program is designed for practicing K-12 teachers with a minimum of two years of teaching experience from a wide variety of classroom settings, including public district, charter, independent or non-traditional schools. This diversity of backgrounds allows students to leverage knowledge, experience and real-world applications from their peers to enrich learning throughout the program.

The specializations offered through USD’s Master of Education degree program provide a strong researched-based curricular foundation with immediate practical classroom applications. Specializations include:

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

The STEAM specialization takes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to the next level by adding Arts (liberal, social, manual, physical and fine arts) to the framework for integrated instruction. STEAM empowers teachers to employ a project-based learning approach that crosses all of these disciplines in solving everyday problems. This approach aligns with Common Core Standards and has been shown to engage students and allow them to use both left and right brained thinking in the same exercise.

Learn More about the STEAM Specialization

Inclusive Learning: Special Education and Universal Design (UDL)

Inclusive learning (UDL) provides all students with access to flexible learning choices and effective paths for achieving educational goals in spaces where they experience a sense of belonging. As special and general education teachers move toward creating more inclusive classrooms, the frameworks of Disability Studies in Education and Universal Design for Learning employ strategies to meet the expectations of IDEA and expand understanding of student ability.

Learn More about the Inclusive Learning: Special Education and Universal Design  Specialization

Curriculum and Instruction

This course of study is the most flexible master’s online option at the University of San Diego (USD). It allows you to choose your specialization courses from across the School Leadership, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), Inclusive Learning: Special Education and Universal Design or the Literacy and Digital Learning offerings. With these courses, you will focus on the design, delivery, and assessment of lessons, units, and programs.

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Literacy and Digital Learning

This specialization helps you integrate new media into your classroom to improve reading, writing and language development. Designed for English and Language Arts teachers, elementary educators, and content area teachers, it responds to Common Core State Standards and supports the development of evidence-based best practices. Coursework will strengthen your ability to effectively engage students in reading and responding to complex texts, accessing and critically evaluating information, and sharing their ideas through written work, oral presentations, and multimodal media communications.

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School Leadership

The School Leadership specialization is designed for experienced K-12 educators who aspire to leadership roles within their schools and communities. The School Leadership concentration features a five-course specialization sequence that addresses essential areas of school leadership including data driven decision-making, instructional leadership, professional learning communities, meaningful engagement with families and communities, and ethical and professional norms.

Learn More about the School Leadership Specialization