M.A. in Secondary English Education

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required for admission to a postgraduate program at CSUN. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education with strong academic performance.

2. Minimum GPA: CSUN typically looks for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent. 

3. English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual band score below 6.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 58 is required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), is committed to supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. International Achievement Scholarship: CSUN's International Achievement Scholarship is designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, and recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year.

2. The Dream US Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically aimed at undocumented students, including those with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. It provides financial support to help cover tuition and other educational expenses.

3. Intensive English Program (IEP) Scholarships: CSUN offers scholarships to international students who enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP). These scholarships are awarded based on merit and help students improve their English language skills.

4. Privately Funded Scholarships: CSUN administers several privately funded scholarships that are available to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria related to academic major, community involvement, or other factors.

5. Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUN encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to help offset the costs associated with studying abroad, including program fees and travel expenses.

6. External Scholarships: CSUN also assists international students in identifying external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships may be offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations.

7. Athletics Scholarships: CSUN has a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program. Talented international student-athletes may be eligible for athletics scholarships based on their sports achievements.

8. Cultural Scholarships: Some cultural organizations and clubs on campus may offer scholarships to international students who are actively engaged in promoting and celebrating their cultures.

9. Graduate Assistantships: For international graduate students, CSUN provides opportunities for graduate assistantships that offer a stipend and may include tuition remission. These positions allow students to gain valuable experience while pursuing their degrees.

10. Research Assistantships: - International graduate students can also explore research assistantship positions that provide financial support while contributing to research projects in their field of study.

Application Process: To be considered for scholarships at CSUN, international students typically need to complete the scholarship application provided by the university. Each scholarship may have specific eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary English Education program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) prepares educators to become highly skilled and effective English teachers in middle and high school settings. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to embark on fulfilling careers in the field of education.  

1. Secondary School English Teacher: The most direct career path for graduates of this program is to become English teachers in middle or high schools. They play a pivotal role in shaping students' language and communication skills, literature appreciation, and critical thinking abilities. English teachers create engaging lesson plans, assess student performance, and foster a love for literature and writing.

2. Curriculum Developer: Graduates can work as curriculum developers or instructional coordinators. They design and revise English language arts curricula, incorporating the latest teaching methodologies and educational standards. They ensure that the curriculum aligns with state and national educational goals.

3. Educational Consultant: Educational consultants provide expert guidance to schools and districts. They assess the effectiveness of English language arts programs, offer recommendations for improvement, and help implement changes to enhance student learning outcomes.

4. Literacy Coach: Literacy coaches work closely with teachers to improve literacy instruction in schools. They provide professional development, model effective teaching strategies, and assist educators in identifying and addressing student literacy challenges.

5. Education Administrator: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in educational leadership. They may become department chairs, curriculum coordinators, or assistant principals. These roles involve administrative responsibilities and leadership in shaping school policies and practices.

6. Adult Education Instructor: Beyond traditional K-12 settings, M.A. graduates can also teach English to adults in community colleges, adult education programs, or ESL (English as a Second Language) centers. They help adult learners improve their English language skills for career advancement or personal development.

7. Writing Center Director: Graduates with strong writing skills and an understanding of effective writing pedagogy may find opportunities as writing center directors. They manage university or school writing centers, offering tutoring and writing assistance to students.

8. Content Developer: Content developers create educational materials, textbooks, and digital resources for English language arts instruction. They ensure that these materials are engaging, aligned with curriculum standards, and support student learning.

9. Researcher: Some graduates may pursue careers in educational research. They work for educational institutions, government agencies, or research organizations, conducting studies to improve English education practices and policies.

10. Teacher Trainer: Teacher trainers provide professional development to current and future educators. They share innovative teaching methods, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques with other teachers.

11. Further Studies: For those interested in academia or pursuing a Ph.D. in education, the M.A. program provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies and research in the field of education.

12. Entrepreneurship: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can create their own educational consulting businesses, tutoring services, or online educational platforms to offer specialized English instruction.