Master of Science in Education Degree and Teacher Preparation Programs

Statement of Purpose

Dominican University of California candidates are prepared to address the needs of 21st century students through skills development in communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and information, media and technology. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and in a 100% online format to accommodate the needs of working professionals.

All Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Education Specialist candidates follow the same developmental sequence of courses, which are divided into three categories: (1) foundational courses; (2) pedagogy and reflective practice; and (3) supervised fieldwork. Each course in this sequence has been assigned specific Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). Through this sequence of courses, candidates who are student teaching or intern teaching have opportunities to understand, practice and apply pedagogical competencies as defined by the TPEs. After earning a credential at Dominican University, students have the option of completing 16 additional units to earn a Master of Science Degree with a concentration in Leadership.

Dominican University of California also offers stand alone 32-unit graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science in Education. Students in the stand alone graduate program can select between either a concentration in Special Education or Interdisciplinary Studies. These programs are designed for educational professionals who wish to prepare for leadership roles in education.

If a candidate completes coursework for the teacher preparation program without completing the Teacher Performance Assessment (CalTPA), they must maintain enrollment in the program as per Education Code 44252.1 by enrolling in EDU 5005 - TPA (Cycle 1 and Cycle 2). The Ed Code allows a candidate up to two full years from enrollment in the educator program to satisfy the requirements in place when the candidate enrolled.