M.A.Ed., Personalized Emphasis

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)

This concentration is valuable for teachers who are interested in teaching English as a foreign language to adults. In this program, you explore the structure of English, methods of teaching English, and curriculum and values taught in classroom context. The classes are as follows:

• Structure of English
• Introduction to TESOL
• Materials Evaluation & Preparation
• Communicating Values Through TESOL
• Second Language Acquisition
• Intercultural Communication for Teachers or Practicum in TESOL

Linguistics and Intercultural Studies

This concentration is particularly useful for teachers interested in strengthening teaching methods for English learners in grades K-12. You will learn about common teaching methods used in California classrooms to teach English to students from a variety of language backgrounds. Cultures of California are also explored, including field trips to local places of interest in Los Angeles, such as the Museum of Tolerance, Chinatown or Olvera Street. The classes are as follows:

• Research in Culture and Intercultural Instruction
• Foundation of Language Education
• Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students
• Language Assessment and Evaluation
• Interpersonal & Intercultural Adjustment or Intercultural Communication

Graduate students can also blend courses from the Linguistics and Intercultural Studies concentration with the TESOL concentration. Students who blend coursework must file a personalized concentration.

Apologetics

This concentration is designed for individuals who desire academic and practical preparation for proclaiming and defending the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. Students are prepared to articulate a Christian worldview reverently, with intelligence, confidence and compassion. The program fosters personal spiritual growth and maturity through guided study of the Scriptures and theology, mutual encouragement in the Christian life and intellectual rigor. Required courses include:

• Survey of Matthew–Revelation
• Scripture: Authority, Canon, and Criticism
• Essential Christian Doctrine I
• Essential Christian Doctrine II
• Six units of any additional Apologetics electives

History and Philosophy of Science

This concentration is designed to help experienced educators who already have a basic training in a natural science. Consequently, the coursework emphasizes the critical tools from other disciplines that are necessary for providing the proper context and foundation for understanding and working comfortably with issues that relate to both Christianity and the sciences. Required courses include:

• Historical Perspectives in Science and Religion
• Darwin, Evolution and Design
• Metaphysics and Epistemology
• The Theology and Philosophy of Science
• Modern Physics, Cosmology and Design
• Advanced Seminar: Special Topics
• Advanced Seminar: Special Topics

Organizational Leadership

This concentration is designed to equip experienced teachers and administrators to lead and transform 21st century organizations. Principles and practices emphasized in this program enhance personal knowledge, character and skills for business, non-profit and ministry leadership. Graduate students prepare to deal with the growing complexity and challenges that leaders face daily as they guide people towards shared goals. Required courses include:

• Practical Leadership Theory
• Character and Leadership
• Leadership Challenge Program
• Leadership & Group Behavior
• Communication for Leaders
• Leadership & Organizational Development
• The Inner Leader I
• The Inner Leader II
• Ethical Decision Making