Master of Arts Degree


Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Design

Admission to the M. A. Program

The M.A. in Teaching and Learning at UCSD offers professional educators in elementary and secondary schools an extensive overview of principles of educational research and curriculum design.

A key feature of the M.A. program is the integration of research and practice. M.A. students remain full-time K-12 teachers for the duration of the program. They design, implement and evaluate curricular innovations in their own classrooms. The culmination of the M.A. work is a thesis describing the rationale, development, and effectiveness of these innovations.

To apply, complete the Official Application for Admission online. Please make sure you enter the following information: The department is "EDS". The major code is "ED76", and the specialization is "M.A. Teaching and Learning (Curriculum Design)". Admission is for "Summer" only.

If you have in the past been enrolled as a graduate student at UCSD, you DO NOT need to apply online. In order to be considered for the MA program, you need to contact Jeff James at (858) 822-2350 to complete the proper forms for Re-admission.

All interested applicants should plan to attend one of the informational meetings.


In addition to applying on-line, applicants and former UCSD graduate students must make the following submissions:

  1. * Two Official Transcripts from each college or university attended.
  2. * At least three letters of recommendation.
  3. * Statement of Purpose in which you describe your experience and interest in curriculum design, relevant professional development activities, and teaching experiences.
  4. * Writing Sample: This might be either a recent college term paper, a mentorship or grant application essay, or an essay (3-5 pages) about a specific teaching and learning experience.
  5. * Official scores from all three sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test: The GRE General Test will consist of: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. The test scores are valid for five years. The GRE web site provides updated information, or you may call 1-800-473-2255. This test must be taken before the admission deadline. When you take the exam, request that the offical score report be sent electronically to UCSD (the code for UCSD is R4836)

Please contact Jeff James at 858-822-2350 with any questions.

Education Studies - Jeff James
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, California 92093-0070

 PLEASE BE SURE TO RETAIN COPIES OF ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED. WE CANNOT RETURN OR GIVE YOU COPIES OF ANY APPLICATION MATERIALS!