MA in Universal Design for E-learning
Catalog Description
The Master of Arts in Universal Design for eLearning (UDEL) is a fully online one-year project-based program. The program focuses on Universal Design for Learning principles, technology, instructional design, and inclusive teaching and learning. The UDEL Program is designed for students who want to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in course design. Each course will draw from an equity lens to examine ways to increase access to various educational supports and promote learner success. Students will learn ways to remove barriers to increase access to instructional materials, technology, support services, and assessment methods.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Universal Design for eLearning (UDEL) is a fully online one-year project-based program. The program focuses on Universal Design for Learning principles, technology, instructional design, and inclusive teaching and learning. The UDEL Program is designed for students who want to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in course design. Students will be able to advance their knowledge of instructional approaches that reduce barriers to meet the needs and abilities of all learners.
The program is designed with a core curriculum structure that logically progresses through the course content and provides a clear learning path. Each course is designed to provide options and choices in various contexts. There will be an intentional focus on instructional materials selection to provide a social justice lens in digital spaces. The program will incorporate social learning and provide students with the opportunity to contribute, collaborate, and challenge their thoughts. Course work will present real-life, authentic connections that make the information relevant to students' lived experiences. Courses will provide a variety of examples and formats to help students truly internalize the material.
The UDEL program coursework is project-oriented and will consist of field-based work. The Culminating Experience (Exam) will consist of an ePortfolio where students will add equity and/or technology-based artifacts they developed in each course throughout the program. Students will have faculty assigned as advisors to help them complete the project report and ePortfolio. Program instructors are experts in instructional design, technology, and inclusive learning and teaching. They hold advanced degrees and subject matter field experiences.
This program is offered as a partnership between the College of Education and the College of Continuing Education at Sacramento State.
Admission Requirements
Admission as a classified graduate student in the Master of Arts in Universal Design for eLearning Program requires:
- a baccalaureate degree;
- a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units;
- proficiency in written English composition as by meeting the requirements set by the University Office of Graduate Studies
- an intermediate level of educational technology knowledge and proficiency
- International students must meet Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) requirements for international students, which are available through the OGS website.
Opportunity exists for conditional classification of applicants with an undergraduate major and experiences different from those listed above. This requires that students demonstrate convincingly that they are competent to pursue the degree.
Admission Procedures
All prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file a University application and a separate supplemental MA UDEL Program application. Both applications must be submitted by the deadlines stated on the College of Continuing Education and Office of Graduate Studies websites. Required application materials include:
- Online applications for admission;
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State;
- A clearly articulated statement of purpose that addresses the applicants personal and academic preparation for the program that includes:
- why the applicant wants to enter this particular program which would include:
- An example of a work experience where you identified a need for building more equitable and inclusive learning opportunities, including a description of your level of involvement, and
- an example of a successful experience you have had in using technology for teaching or learning
- Career objectives
Applicants must be proficient in using the Internet and have Internet access to meet the requirements of a fully online program.
For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website. Details about each of the components of the supplemental application can be found on the application packet posted to the College of Education website.
Approximately six weeks after the posted application deadline, a decision regarding admission will be emailed to each applicant.
Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the Degree
Units required for the MA: 30.0
Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0; no units with a grade lower than "B-" may apply toward the degree.
Advancement to Candidacy Procedures
Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy indicating a proposed program of graduate study. 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 Requirements) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
- met the Graduate writing requirement through completion of the Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course, EDBM 250, with a B grade or better.
Advancement to Candidacy form is submitted online through MySacState. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his or her faculty advisor. The completed form is then approved by the Graduate Coordinator of the Department and submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDGR 251 | Principles of Universal Design for Learning | 3 |
| EDGR 252 | Instructional Design and eLearning Practicum I | 3 |
| EDBM 250 | Education Research | 3 |
| EDGR 253 | Instructional Design and eLearning | 3 |
| EDGR 254 | Instructional Design and eLearning Practicum II | 3 |
| EDGR 255 | Multimedia and Advanced Applications for Inclusive Course Design | 3 |
| EDGR 256 | Aligning Culturally Responsive Education and UDL | 3 |
| Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Culminating Requirements (3 Units) 2 | ||
| EDGR 557 | 3 | |
| Total Units | 30 | |
| 1 | Program electives are to be selected by the student in consultation with the Universal Design for eLearning Program Coordinator. At least three of the elective units must be at the 200 level. Students may focus their elective units in a program of their interest or select courses from other programs. Examples of Universal Design for eLearning elective programs include: Curriculum and Instruction, Language and Literacy, Multicultural Education, Gender Equity, BTSA or other pre-approved induction courses. With UDEL Program Coordinator approval, elective courses may include one of the following: -- 6 transfer elective units (must not be independent study or supervision units) -- 6 units of academic credit earned through Continuing Education |
| 2 | Credit is given upon completion of an Exam which consists of an ePortfolio approved culminating experience for the Master of Arts in Universal Design for eLearning. Open only to the graduate student who has been advanced to candidacy for the master's degree and has secured the permission of the UDEL Program Coordinator. |