Since Fall 2013, master’s students entering the program have had the choice of pursuing two tracks: the Research Master’s or the Professional Master’s. The Research Master’s is intended for students who plan to eventually complete a doctoral degree in Education, either at UCSB or at another institution. Doctoral students who do not already have a master’s degree in Education will be required to fulfill these requirements, which are a subset of the doctoral requirements. The minimum number of units for this master’s is 40. The Professional Master’s is a degree for students who do not plan to obtain a doctorate. The minimum number of units for this master’s is 36.

Research Master’s

Research Methodology Courses: Students are required to complete three research methodology courses:  both introductory courses and a third, more advanced course in either quantitative methodology or qualitative methodology.

Breadth Courses: Students must take one course from 3 of the 4 breadth menus below.

Elective Courses: Students are required to take 3 elective courses. The student’s advisor must approve the choice of electives.

Professional Master’s

Research Methodology Courses: Students are required to complete one introductory research methodology course in either quantitative methodology or qualitative methodology.

Breadth Courses: Students must take one course from 3 of the 4 breadth menus below.

Elective Courses: Students are required to take 4 elective courses. Four additional units can be completed through independent study or one more elective.

PLEASE NOTE: Food is allowed at milestone meetings, but it is not provided by students.

Research Master’s

Research Apprenticeship: During the first year, each student is required to participate in a research apprenticeship under the guidance of his or her faculty advisor or another qualified faculty member. The purpose of the apprenticeship is to acquaint students with the hands-on conduct of research by having them participate in the research activities of a faculty mentor.

Research Project: The Independent Research Project should involve a topic of interest to the student and the student should assume major responsibility for all aspects of the project, from the review of research, through data collection, to analysis. Completion of the project should result in a paper that is appropriate for submission for publication. There is an oral defense of the project.

Professional Master’s

Research Project or Comprehensive Exam: The professional master’s gives the choice of either a Research Project (described above) or a comprehensive exam designed by the student’s faculty committee.

The program learning outcomes for master's students in Education are listed in the Student Handbook as well below.

M.A. Research Strand:

PLO Area: Core Knowledge

1. Demonstrate knolwedge of current educational research and/or theory within at least one area of discipline.

PLO Area: Research Methods and Analysis

2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of a select range of qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies typically used in education research critically read research that uses these methods.

3. Systematically analyze and critically evaluate data to come up with appropriate findings and interpretations.

PLO Area: Independent Research

4. Design and implement a study using appropriate research questions, methods, and techniques.

PLO Area: Academic Communication

5. Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature. 

6. Structure a coherent academic argument that presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.

PLO Area: Professionalism

7. Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to the ethical standards of the American Education Research Association, and the Institutional Review Board.

M.A. Professional Strand

PLO Area: Core Knowledge

1. Demonstrate knowledge of current educational research and/or theory within at least one area of discipline.

PLO Area: Research Methods and Analysis

2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of a select range of qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies typically used in education research critically read research that uses these methods.

3. Systematically analyze and critically evaluate data to come up with appropriate findings and interpretations.

PLO Area: Independent Research

4. Design and implement a study using appropriate research questions, methods, and techniques.

PLO Area: Academic Communication

5. Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature. 

6. Structure a coherent academic argument that presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.

PLO Area: Professionalism

7. Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to the ethical standards of the American Educational Research Association, and the Institutional Review Board.

 

Degree requirements are listed in greater detail on the MA Degree Sheet--Strand 1: Research 

Degree requirements are listed in greater detail on the MA Degree Sheet--Strand 2: Professional

All milestone requirements are listed in greater detail in the 2022-23 Student Handbook.