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California State University, Chico
College of Communication and Education

Education MA Online

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  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    Online

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The MA in Education is ideal for K-12 teachers or others working in education settings. It’s the perfect option for those looking to take their teaching practice to the next level and have a passion for educational research.

With a focus on promoting equity and social justice in education, our program is designed for credentialed K-12 teachers seeking to advance their careers, school administrators or support staff seeking to enhance their skills, and individuals interested in the social sciences with a focus on education.

Application Info

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Earn Your MA While Teaching Full Time

The fully online program offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in education while working full time. The 30-unit program that can be completed in 1-2 years. Students collaborate closely with faculty advisors throughout their academic journey.

Students learning sign language

Get Real Value Out of Your Education

There are many great reasons to pursue your MA Education Online at Chico State. Here are just a few:

  • Students who complete their initial teaching credential at Chico State may carry-forward up to 9 credits from their credential program to the MA in Education program. Students can also transfer Professional and Continuing Education units from our PASC Program.
  • Earning your MA is a great investment by moving up on your district pay scale.
  • You can tailor your MA program to meet your career goals by choosing one of three options for completing your degree: comprehensive exam, project, or thesis.
  • Based on their MA theses, our alumni have published articles in highly respected peer-reviewed journals. 
  • Many of our alumni continue their education in a doctoral program and/or go onto work in higher education as university supervisors, adjunct faculty, or tenure track professors.
  • Our alumni also go on to work as school district administrators, school principals, or as elementary, middle school, or high school teachers. Other career possibilities with an MA in education include:
    • Child development program specialist
    • Curriculum and instruction coordinator
    • Community college instructor
    • Curriculum developer

Career Outlook

California is set to continue hiring teachers over the coming years at a pace not seen in over a decade. Currently, the job market for teachers is expected to grow by at least 7-8% for elementary, middle, high school, and special education teachers in the next 10 years

Application Information

Create the change your school, organization, or higher ed institution deserves while advancing your teaching career in the way you want.

All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.

Application Deadlines

Fall: May-1
Spring: December-1 

Supplemental Materials

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Writing assessment

See this application process website for detailed instructions.

How to Apply

We're here to help! Reach out to graduate program coordinator Ben Seipel at bseipel@csuchico.edu with any questions.

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Scholarship Opportunities

California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

Typical feeder majors for this master’s program are liberal studies, math or science education, or credential programs. But you can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree is in a different field.

It may occasionally require some prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to the graduate coordinator for details.