Master of Arts (MA)

The master of arts (MA) degree is an academic degree program that prepares students for work beyond their master's degree. Applicants for this degree program are assigned an academic advisor who assists in selecting the specific program of courses. The program of study is normally arranged at the beginning of the first semester of study.

The MA program has two options:

• Option A: For students who wish to complete a thesis. A three-person committee is formed to guide the student through completion of the thesis.
• Option B: For students who seek professional development and select to complete a non-thesis project.

MA Degree Requirements - 36 hours

MA Core Requirements – 18 hrs (Option A) or 15 hrs (Option B)

ED 550 Professional Growth and Development (3 hrs)
ED 551 Social and Cultural Foundations (3 hrs)
ED 555 Teacher as Research (3 hrs)
ED 558 Educational Research for Improved Student Learning (3 hrs)
ED 599 Thesis (6 hrs; Option A) -OR- ED 563 Master of Arts Capstone Project (3 hrs; Option B)

MA Emphasis Requirements – 18 hours (Option A) or 21 hours (Option B)

Each student's program emphasis and the corresponding coursework are constructed with the assistance of an academic advisor. The emphasis option coursework may include courses in education and other approved graduate disciplines.

Course descriptions are available in the University of Portland Bulletin.

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Program Contact

Anne Rasmussen
Academic Specialist for Graduate Programs and Licensure
rasmusse@up.edu
503.943.8257