Exploring Master's Programs at UCLA's School of Education and Information Studies

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the School of Education and Information Studies (Ed & IS), an institution dedicated to addressing critical challenges in education and information management. UCLA Ed & IS is committed to cultivating equity, confronting systemic inequity, and reshaping how classrooms and communities function. With a rich history dating back to 1881, the school offers a variety of master's programs designed for educators, scholars, and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and impact the fields of education and information.

A Historical Perspective

UCLA's commitment to education began in 1881 with the establishment of a "southern branch" of the California State Normal School in Los Angeles, with its primary responsibility being teacher training. This evolved into the Department of Education in 1894. In 1919, the University of California established its southern branch by replacing the Los Angeles State Normal School with the University's Teachers College. This historical foundation underscores UCLA's enduring dedication to preparing educators and advancing educational practices. In 1994, the School of Education and the School of Library and Information Science were incorporated into the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education

The M.A. in Education is a one-year graduate-level program tailored for educators, scholars, and practitioners. It aims to deepen their understanding of teaching, learning, leadership, and educational systems. The program is suitable for those interested in preparing for a career in education and potentially pursuing a Ph.D. Students must complete nine graduate or upper division courses for the degree.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs

UCLA Ed & IS offers several specialized M.Ed. programs designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals in the field of education:

Student Affairs Program

The Student Affairs program is a one-year, cohort-based M.Ed. program focused on preparing student affairs professionals for positions in public and private colleges and universities, as well as community colleges. The program concentrates on theory, practice, and research in Student Affairs in postsecondary education. It is designed to provide early-career professionals with knowledge, skills, and a social justice perspective in areas such as student development theory, foundations of higher education, student affairs administration, research, and assessment.

Key Features of the Student Affairs Program

One-year degree program: An intensive four-quarter (11-month) graduate program.
Emphasis on social justice education: The curriculum prioritizes the design and facilitation of democratic and empowering educational opportunities. These foster understanding and respect for diversity and cultivate the active engagement of others in social change.
Three-quarter paid internship: A supervised professional practice experience that provides students with an opportunity to develop firsthand knowledge of student affairs professional roles and responsibilities. It also allows them to gain hands-on experience in program development and/or student affairs administration, and receive valuable feedback on the development and demonstration of essential professional skills.

Center X Programs

Center X is a coalition of professional credentialing and continuing education programs within UCLA Ed & IS. It offers a Teacher Education Program (TEP) and a Principal Leadership Institute (PLI). Center X works to staff schools that are underserved, in communities of color, low-income, and with students that have academic needs. Schools that employ TEP Candidates have seen success, particularly in the area of teacher retention. Center X provides ongoing development for urban educators and schools through eight projects.

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

The Department of Information Studies offers the Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS), awarded after two years of study. This program has three focus areas: Library Studies, Archival Studies, and Informatics.

Doctoral Programs

UCLA Ed & IS offers both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs for those seeking the highest level of academic and professional training. The Ph.D. is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars, practitioners, and leaders committed to advancing the field of education through original research, critical inquiry, and transformative practice. There is also a unique Joint Doctoral Program in collaboration with Cal State LA that prepares graduates to be leaders in the field as university faculty engaging in teacher education and research, or as researchers or administrators in federal, state, or local education agencies or research organizations.

Facilities and Resources

Ed & IS is located in three buildings on the UCLA campus in Westwood, Los Angeles: Moore Hall, the Mathematical Sciences Building, and the GSEIS Building. Moore Hall houses the school's administration and education faculty. The Mathematical Sciences Building houses some of the school's research centers, programs, and institutes, in addition to the administrative and faculty offices of the Mathematical Sciences. The GSEIS Building primarily houses the information studies faculty and computer and research labs. The UCLA Lab School, located on the northern part of the UCLA campus, provides an experiential education by serving as laboratories for exploring ideas about teaching, learning, and child development.

Commitment to Equity and Social Justice

UCLA Ed & IS is deeply committed to equity and social justice in education. The school trains educators and researchers to cultivate equity and confront systemic inequity, to reshape how classrooms and communities function and who they serve, and to frame intellect as a treasure and access to resources as an inherent right. The faculty and students work together to solve the most pressing issues facing education today. The school's mission emphasizes rigorous preparation, a commitment to equity, and the intentional design of learning experiences that honor the complexity of educational challenges.

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