Pathway in Individualized Examination, M.A.

The individualized examination pathway is a 33-unit course of study, including 18 units in the student’s program area of concentration, 9 units of core courses (EDUC 570 , EDUC 571 , and EDUC 573 ), and 6 units of elective courses. For the electives, students, in consultation with their faculty advisor and/or committee chair, choose courses which allow them to examine areas of interest related to the M.A. concentration and to focus on the examination area(s) of study that they have chosen. In order to work with their three-member committee as they prepare for the examination, students must take EDUC 573  (Supervised Study for the Individualized Examination) as their final course in the M.A. program.

The individualized examination addresses areas of study identified by the student in consultation with the student’s examination committee. The exam is written by the student’s committee (a chair plus two other members) and consists of three questions related to the student’s area(s) of study, including one question submitted in advance to the committee by the student. When the student is ready to take the examination, he/she receives the questions from the chair and has 72 hours to complete the written examination and return it to the chair. Within two weeks of completing the examination, the student must meet with the committee for an oral examination in which the committee asks follow-up questions for clarification and elaboration.