MA in Multicultural Education

Total units required for MA: 30

Program Description

The Multicultural Education graduate program explores theoretical and pedagogical issues related to working with diverse culturally, linguistically, ethnically, and low-income populations across educational and community settings. The program includes history, research and pedagogy on bilingualism, multiculturalism, educational equity, social justice, and ethnic studies, offering courses and experiences to assist educators to work successfully in classrooms, schools, and educational agencies within our diverse state. The curriculum develops students' historical, pedagogical, analytical, and planning skills in order to prepare them to operate effectively in the development, implementation and analysis of educational policies and programs, as well as in social justice projects and advocacy to serve historically underserved and underrepresented groups in K-12 education.

Admission Requirements

Admission as a classified graduate student requires:

  • a baccalaureate degree;
  • a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units;
  • completion and successful review of application;
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Essay
  • Interview 

Admission Procedures

Prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, Riverfront Center 215, (916) 278-6470:

  • an online application for admission; and
  • one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.

For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website.

The graduate degree program is subject to general University and Departmental requirements. These requirements are explained in the Graduate Degree Requirements section of the University Catalog.

The Department does not accept units earned through Open University and they will not be credited towards the Multicultural Education degree.

Specific Admission Procedures

All MA cohorts begin in fall semester. Applicants must complete a university application and department application by the posted application deadline date for the term applying:

When applying applicants will include the following materials. Each applicant must also complete the following procedures with the Graduate and Professional Studies in Education by the same due dates noted above:

  • complete and submit a Program application
  • Resume: Please include a copy of a current resume or curriculum vita, which includes relevant experience in working with diverse population
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak of your professional experience, competence, and/or academic potential
  • Personal Statement: Please attach a statement of purpose that provides:
    • (a)  A description of the school(s) or educational setting(s) in which you have had experience; (b)  A description of the kinds of responsibilities you have had as an educator; (c)  A description of the kinds of multicultural activities and programs you have experienced as an educator; (d)  If not detailed in a-c above, a description of the kinds of experiences you have had in multicultural and /or multilingual settings. The personal statement should not exceed 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font and type-written

  • Essay: Discuss a current critical issue in the field of education in communities with children, adolescents, or adults with either a focus on racial/ethnic diversity, English Learners, and/or disabilities, and the relationship of this issue to your motivation to become a social justice advocate The essay should not exceed 3 pages, double spaced, 12 point font and type-written

  • Interview: Each applicant will be interviewed (either in person or virtually) and given the opportunity to articulate in-person how the Multicultural Education program aligns with personal, professional, or research goals. Interviews are scheduled within one month after the Program and Office of Graduate Studies applications are due.

Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the Degree

Units required for the MA:  30

Minimum Cumulative GPA:  3.0

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy indicating a proposed program of study for the MA. The student must be advanced to candidacy prior to enrolling in EDBM 565. This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units of courses in the graduate program (see Degree Requirements) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
  • taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first three semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website. The student will complete the form after planning a degree program in consultation with the Department Graduate Coordinator. The form must be submitted to the Multicultural Education Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Thesis/Project Registration

Check with the Multicultural Education Graduate Coordinator for the policies regarding Report in Progress ("RP") grades and continuous enrollment. The culminating experience for the MA may be a thesis or project.

A 3-unit course is required when doing the thesis/project. Enrollment in the culminating experience may occur only after Advancement to Candidacy.

The Thesis/Project course requires the student to file and have an approved Thesis/Project Petition form and Advisor Reservation form on record with the Multicultural Education Graduate Coordinator at least one full semester in advance of registration. Both forms are due by April 1st for fall enrollment and by November 1st for spring enrollment. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the inability to enroll in the Thesis/Project course for the desired semester.

The Thesis/Project Petition and reservation forms must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator at least one month prior to the submission due date (i.e., March or October); the forms will then be forwarded to the Graduate Committee for review and recommendations.

Students may enroll in the Thesis/Project course a maximum of two semesters for credit. Students must submit the Reservation Form only to continue in the Thesis/Project course for the second semester. Failure to do so will result in inability to work with the Thesis/Project advisor for the desired semester.

Approved Master's Thesis/Project Format: American Psychological Association (APA) - Latest Edition.

Program Requirements1

Required Core Courses (15 Units)
EDTE 251Education for a Democratic, Pluralistic Society3
EDBM 250Education Research 3
EDBM 235Research Seminar on Bilingualism and Language Varieties in Education3
EDTE 227Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction, K-123
EDBM 220Multicultural Curriculum, Advocacy, and Community3
Additional Course Requirements (12 Units)
EDBM 228The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies3
EDGR 210Contemporary Issues in Education: Curriculum and Social Emotional Well Being of Students3
ETHN 203Contemporary Ethnic Studies Issues3
ETHN 204Foundations & Theories3
Culminating Experience or Comprehensive Exam MA Exam (3 Units) 2
EDBM 565MA Thesis/Project3
Total Units30