Graduate Programs in Education

Where Education Professionals Become Education Leaders

Offered through the widely recognized and respected Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education, the Graduate Education Programs at California Baptist University prepare students to advance their proficiency as well as their professions as teachers, counselors, curriculum developers, administrators and leaders in a range of educational settings and capacities.

Students in CBU’s Education program have the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and value, explore expanded career options, and work toward professional goals as effective educators with specialized expertise. Graduates are not only prepared to advance professionally, but to contribute actively to the body of knowledge in the field of education.

Recognized and Respected by School Districts

The Metcalf School of Education enjoys an excellent reputation with school districts across the Inland Empire, and maintains strong relationships with district faculty, staff, and administrators. As a result, CBU educators are competitively positioned in the education marketplace.

A Rigorous Curriculum of Relevant Study

The Graduate Education Programs at CBU offer curricula that balance theory, practice and research — allowing students to understand the application of concepts in resolving real-world instructional challenges. Blending key areas of study in human growth and development, theories of learning, curriculum design, and research methods, coursework integrates multiple disciplines while allowing students to identify and build on individual strengths and to achieve specific professional goals.

Developing Ethical Educators

Integrating CBU’s faith-based mission, the Metcalf School of Education prepares professionals of high moral character and ethical behavior who are called to service as committed, compassionate educators around the world. The Graduate Programs in Education are enriched with a Christian perspective that honors every individual’s right to learn. Graduates are valued for their ethical approach to the profession as well as to students, and for their commitment to the concept of quality education for all.

Integrated Master’s Degree and Credential

Students pursuing a teaching credential at CBU have the added value of also working toward a master’s degree in education. Coursework for the Single Subject and Multiple Subject Credential coursework may be applied toward the Master of Science in Education, Teaching Specialization.  The Education Specialist Credentials in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities may also be applied to the Master of Science degree in Education. Those who complete all requirements for the Pupil Personnel Credentials in School Counseling and School Psychology earn the Master of Science degree.

For more information on credentialing programs, click here.

Master of Science in Education: Specialized Professional Development

The M.S. in Education offers candidates the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in a diverse range of specialties representing dynamic areas in the field of education. Candidates supplement core courses with specialized coursework in their chosen area of interest. Specializations include:

  • Educational Leadership for Faith-Based Institutions

Designed to meet the requirements for the Professional Administrator’s Credential from the Association of Christian Schools International, this unique program prepares educators for leadership roles in a variety of religious educational environments, at home and abroad. Some specialization courses are completed on-site through CBU’s Faith-Based Summer Institute.  Fall and spring courses are offered on-line. Visit the program microsite at http://www.calbaptist.edu/fbsleadership.

  • Educational Leadership for Public Institutions

This specialization meets the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Service Credential, preparing educators for the myriad of opportunities and challenges they will face as education leaders and administrators in the public school system. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including staff development, school law and finance, governance and policy, community relations and educational research.  Students who already have a master’s degree may pursue the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential without additional degree requirements.

  • Teaching

This specialization provides candidates the opportunity to supplement and enhance their teaching proficiency. Candidates concurrently working toward their credentials may apply relevant specialization courses toward this master’s degree.

  • Teaching and Learning with Induction Program

Available exclusively for the Corona/Norco Unified School District, this specialization is designed for students who have completed or are completing an induction program through an approved Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program. Candidates pursuing this specialization experience project-based learning, completing an action-research project in their own classroom or school. Coursework is intentionally connected to classroom and school practice to enhance professional development.

  • Reading

Covering such knowledge areas as reading and writing in the content area, teaching reading and phonics, the mechanics of reading and writing, diagnosis of reading problems, and theoretical models and processes of teaching reading, this specialization prepares educators to build and implement successful reading programs for individuals and groups. Most people complete requirements for the Reading Certificate as part of the master’s degree.

  • Reading Certificate Program

Approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Reading Certificate is for educators who assess student reading and provide reading instruction in response to those assessments. Reading Certificate holders are also authorized to develop, implement, and adapt the reading content curriculum and assist classroom teachers in these areas. Students may complete the Reading Certificate without earning the master’s degree.

  • Instructional Computer Applications

This specialization focuses on the role of computers and computer-related technology and media in classroom instruction and curriculum development. Graduates with this specialization will be prepared to develop and implement curricula and programs that enhance the learning experience through the use of computers. Approved credential courses may be applied to this degree as electives.

  • Educational Technology

Candidates pursuing this specialization gain an advanced understanding of the increasingly important role of educational technology in the classroom as well as the administration of schools. Graduates come away prepared to establish, build, implement and direct educational technology programs at educational institutions.

  • Special Education

Candidates seeking the Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate or Moderate Severe Disabilities have the option of earning a Master of Science in Education as well as a Specialist credential. Those desiring a master’s degree will complete core courses integrating theory and research. Students may pursue the master’s degree without the Specialist credential or may pursue the Specialist credential without completing the master’s degree.

  • School Psychology

This specialization prepares graduates for proficiency in multiple disciplines of school psychology, including counseling, educational assessment and intervention, clinical diagnosis, and behavioral assessments and interventions. Coursework integrates valuable fieldwork experience and prepares students for the Praxis exam for School Psychology. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the PPS Credential in School Psychology and the M.S. degree.

  • School Counseling

Specialized coursework in this concentration encompasses theory and techniques for counseling in group or individual settings, crisis response, behavior assessment and intervention, advanced psychopathology, personal, academic and career assessment, and a range of relevant multi-disciplinary knowledge areas. Courses combine fieldwork and practicum experience. Graduates are prepared for the Praxis exam for School Counseling Candidates who meet all requirements earn the PPS Credential in School Counseling and the M.S. degree.

  • Master of Arts in Education with Specialization in Disability Studies

This program prepares persons to work in a variety of public, private, and religious settings as advocates, program-designers, and policy-makers for persons with disabilities. Scheduled to open in Fall 2008, pending WASC approval, the program will enroll on-line students around the world.

Exceptional Faculty, Exceptionally Dedicated

CBU Education students benefit from the individual attention and support of the outstanding faculty at the Metcalf School of Education. Veteran educators with a broad range of specialties and experience in institutions around the world bring an international perspective as well as working knowledge of current theory, models and practice into the classroom, and into the hands of students. More than a career, CBU faculty members view their work as a calling. Accessible and available, CBU professors are here to support students’ success while challenging them to reach higher.

Accommodating the Working Professional

The Graduate Education Programs at CBU are designed to support student success while accommodating the needs of working professionals. Most classes are offered on weeknights, allowing students to continue working while in school. Courses integrate learning experiences that directly relate to students’ professional goals, allowing them to apply learning in the workplace. Small classes allow students the opportunity to collaborate and network with their professional peers, expanding perspectives as well as career opportunities.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about CBU Graduate Education Programs and how to apply, please attend an upcoming Graduate Program Information Session. If you’re ready to advance your knowledge, skills and career,  start by applying online. We look forward to helping you reach your professional and personal goals.