Associate Dean's Office
Welcome to the Associate Dean's Office in the College of Education. Our office is dedicated to enhancing Curriculum and Assessment throughout the college. We collaborate closely with faculty and staff to ensure that all courses, programs, and special projects meet the rigorous standards set by our accrediting agencies. Additionally, we coordinate graduate programs and oversee comprehensive assessment activities.
Services We Offer
Curricular Review Collaboration: Partnering with faculty to maintain and improve curricular standards.
Graduation Clearance Processing: Ensuring all graduation requirements are met for a smooth completion process.
Incoming Graduate Student Paperwork: Managing and processing essential documentation for new graduate students.
Special Recognition and Honor’s Convocation: Compiling and celebrating graduate students who achieve academic excellence.
Dean’s List Management: Compiling and celebrating undergraduate students who achieve academic excellence.
Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Educational Administration (Degree + Preliminary Administrative Services Credential)
- Educational Foundations
- Educational Technology Options in:
- Track 1: Educational Technology Leadership
- Track 2: E-learning and New Media Design
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Education for Social Change
- Critical Bilingualism & Biliteracy
- Early Childhood Studies
- Literacy Leadership
- STEM Leadership & Community Engagement
- Special Education Options in:
Master of Science (M.S.)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (Effective Fall 2025)
- Counseling Options in:
School Psychology, Ed.S. (Effective Fall 2025)
The credential programs at Cal State LA College of Education are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Policies and Forms
Office of the Registrar Forms (Add/Drop, Withdraw, Late Add etc.)
Petition to Add After Census (Contact Division Chair)
Course Overload (Consult faculty advisor)
Course Substitution (Consult faculty advisor)
Leave of Absence Policy
For full details on the policy, please refer to the policy on the Procedures and Regulations section of the University Catalog, which has the latest (and often more detailed) information on many of the topics we cover here.
Undergraduate Students:
- Automatically placed on LOA if a semester is missed.
- Permitted up to four consecutive terms of LOA.
- Must request return by the add/drop deadline to avoid reapplication.
Undergraduate students may request a return from an educational leave following absence for two, three, or four consecutive semesters, and are allowed a maximum of four semesters of leave in their undergraduate career.
Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students (Not Advanced to Candidacy):
- Automatically placed on LOA if a semester is missed.
- Permitted up to two consecutive semesters of LOA.
- Must request return within two semesters to avoid reapplication.
Graduate students who have not advanced to candidacy may request a return from educational leave following an absence of up to two consecutive semesters. This leave is subject to renewal.
Advanced Graduate Students (Advanced to Candidacy):
- Must submit a LOA request for any term off.
- Must request return within two semesters to avoid reapplication.
Graduate students who have advanced to Candidacy may use the Graduate Leave of Absence Petition. Once completed, please submit it to the Associate Dean's office to Vicki Kim ([email protected]) to assist you with routing it to the Associate Dean for review and approval.
When master's program students complete a minimum of twelve units, they become eligible for Advancement to Candidacy. This step is not automatic but is part of an ongoing review process to assess a student's progress. To initiate the advancement, students can use the GS10 form, indicating their readiness to become a candidate for graduation by meeting the program's basic requirements.
Advancement to Candidacy is a prerequisite for enrolling in the comprehensive examination (XXXX5960) or the thesis (XXX5990). This advancement must take place at least one semester before the intended graduation semester. Your faculty advisor will assist you in determining your eligibility based on the following criteria:
- Completed 12 units of master's program requirements.
- Maintaining a minimum 3.0 program GPA.
- Fulfilling the campus Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). - All students admitted to the master's program are automatically considered to have met the GWAR requirement.
- Resolving any incomplete grades, if applicable.
How to Advance to Candidacy:
The Advancement to Candidacy form is available on the Graduate Studies website. Once completed, please submit it to the Associate Dean's office to Vicki Kim ([email protected]).
Advisor approval/signature is NOT required in COE for the Advancement to Candidacy.
Office of Graduate Studies
Steps for Submission:
- Review Requirements:
- Review your Academic Requirements report (CAAR) with your academic advisor in the GET Student Center to ensure you have met all necessary requirements for graduation.
- Pay the Fee:
- Pay the $30 graduation application fee online via Transact
- Submit Application and Receipt:
- Complete the graduation application form.
- Obtain approval from your academic advisor.
- Email the advisor-approved application form and the payment receipt to the Graduation Office.
Important Notes:
- Separate Application for Degree and Certificates:
- If you are completing both a degree and a certificate, you must fill out and submit two separate forms—one for the degree and one for each certificate.
- Check Deadlines:
- Ensure you check and adhere to all submission deadlines to avoid any delays in processing your application
| Declared Graduation Term: | Undergraduate Degrees: |
Graduate & Doctorate Degrees: |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Preceding October 15 |
Preceding November 15 |
| Summer Term | Preceding February 1 |
Preceding February 15 |
| Fall Semester | Preceding March 1 |
Preceding June 15 |
| Winter Intersession | Preceding September 1 |
Preceding September 15 |
Additional Resources:
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to the Associate Dean’s or the Graduation Office.
There are many sources of grants, scholarships, loans for teacher candidates.
| Pathway | Working full time as a teacher during program? | Paid during program? | Eligible for grants? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | Yes | Salary or stipend |
|
| Traditional | No | No | |
| Integrated Undergraduate | No | No |
|
| Intern | Yes | Salary |
Find Funding for Your Teaching Journey
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) offers the Teacher Candidate Funding Explorer, a searchable database of federal and state financial resources that could make earning your teaching credential affordable—or even cost-free!
Other Funding Opportunities
- Golden State Teacher Grant: Up to $20,000
- TEACH Grants
- Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program
- Robert Noyce Scholarships
- Federal Loan Cancellation & Forgiveness Programs
- Residency Year Scholarship
- Over 400 scholarship opportunities at Cal State LA
Application Process
- Follow the steps outlined in the General Scholarship Application.
- You’ll automatically be matched to eligible scholarships based on your information.
Explore the Teacher Candidate Funding Explorer and other opportunities now!
Honors and Commencement
Commencement
Graduating with a degree from the University and participating in Commencement are two different things. Graduation is when the student has officially and successfully completed all their degree requirements. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the achievement of the students who have graduated or will soon graduate during the academic year.
Commencement at Cal State LA is held annually at the end of the spring semester. Students may graduate at the end of the fall, winter, spring, or summer terms, but the Commencement ceremony takes place only in late spring. Additional details, including the schedule, will be posted on the Commencement website at the beginning of the spring semester.
Regalia (cap and gown) and Commencement merchandise: For information on regalia and merchandise, please contact the Cal State LA Bookstore or visit their website. Regalia is available starting in mid-spring through Commencement week.
Special Recognition in Graduate Studies
Graduate students receive Special Recognition in Graduate Studies by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher and completing 80% or more of their programs by the end of Fall Semester.
Download the Special Recognition in Graduate Studies List
Honors are calculated by the Graduation Office based on completed coursework as of the end of the Winter term. While students not initially listed as projected honor recipients may still graduate with honors pending final grade verification, the Graduation Office will duly note this on their diploma and transcript.
Undergraduate students: Before Commencement, the College receives the honors list from the Graduation Office. Students will be notified when they can arrange to pickup their honor cords through the Office of Student Services. Please wait for the notification, as the list will not be available for verification until that time.
Dean's List
Undergraduate students eligible for this distinction must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher in 12 or more units of graded coursework during at least one semester. Please note that undergraduate students who receive a grade of NC for any course in the semester under consideration are not eligible to be named to the Dean's List for that semester.
Download the Dean’s List
The College of Education recognizes the outstanding achievements of undergraduates at the Dean’s List Mixer. Stay tuned for the announcement regarding future Dean’s List Mixer events.
Convocation for Credential Completers
Students completing teaching, service, specialist, or administrative credentials will be honored at the College of Education’s Honors Convocation/Day of the Educator Celebration, which includes the following divisions:
- Applied and Advanced Studies in Education
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Special Education & Counseling
This celebration at Cal State LA acknowledges students concluding their credential programs, outstanding fieldwork site supervisors, and school partners. It also recognizes graduate degree students for exceptional academic performance who are named on the Special Recognition for Graduate Studies list.
Stay tuned for details regarding future Honors Convocation/Day of the Educator events.
Save the date:
2024 Honors Convocation/Day of the Educator
Thursday, May 9, 2024
5:00-7:00 p.m. PST
Golden Eagle Ballrooms 1-3
Pre-reception from 4:00-5:00 p.m. PST
Additional Information
- Vision and Mission
- Organization Chart
- Faculty and Advisor Directory
- Title II Data Dashboards
- University Procedures and Regulations
- Graduate Student Handbook includes graduate student policies and procedures
- Links to:
Division Accreditations
M.S. in Counseling, option in School Psychology
The M.S. in Counseling, option in School Psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
M.S. in Counseling, option in School Based Family Counseling
The M.S. in Counseling, option in School Based Family Counseling is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
M.S. in Counseling, option in Rehabilitation Counseling
The Master of Science in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
M.S. in Counseling, option in Applied Behavior Analysis
The M.S. in Counseling, option in Applied Behavior Analysis is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. In addition, the Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Graduate Admission
You are considered a graduate applicant if you hold a bachelor's degree, and wish to continue your graduate/post-baccalaureate studies in a graduate, certificate, credential or 2nd bachelor's program at Cal State LA.
Please refer to the Graduate Application and Admissions websites for the application process, which has the latest (and often more detailed) information on many of the topics we cover here.
STEP 1: Apply online at Cal State Apply by the program deadline
Visit Admissions Deadlines for specific deadline information for your program of interest. Applicants must apply during the appropriate CSU filing period.
To qualify for admission to these programs, you must meet the general university admission requirements as well as the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards as determined by the specific graduate/post-bac program.
The general university minimum admission requirements are:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the start of the desired admission term;
- Good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
- Grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned bachelor's degree (or a GPA of at least 2.5 (out of 4.0) in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units attempted);
- Meet English Language Proficiency if the bachelor's degree was not earned at an accredited college/university where English is the only language of instruction.
For more details on the minimum CSU admission requirements for specific programs, please visit the individual program's website. You can find links to these program websites on the department's website.
BSR update notice
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has an important update regarding the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Starting June 29, 2024, the BSR can be met by holding a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Senate Bill 153 removes the BSR as a requirement for any credential or permit if the applicant holds a bachelor's degree.
RICA UPDATE NOTICE
The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is required for candidates pursuing Multiple Subjects and Education Specialist credentials (except those admitted Fall 2024 and later). For more details, visit the Commission’s website or the CTC Exams page on the Evaluation Systems, Pearson website.
Important Changes:
- Effective June 30, 2025: The RICA exam requirement will be retired for Preliminary Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credentials.
- Candidates have two options:
- Complete the RICA exam by June 30, 2025, or
- Take the new Reading Foundations exam offered by Pearson, starting July 1, 2025.
This change also applies to Single Subject credential holders adding Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credentials.
Graduate Degree Programs (Masters/Doctorates) Admission Deadlines
Credential Programs Admission Deadlines
Academic Program | Domestic Deadline | International Deadline (for students who will require a |
|---|---|---|
| Education Specialist Credential - Early Childhood Special Education | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Education Specialist Credential - Extensive Support Needs | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Education Specialist Credential - Mild to Moderate Support Needs | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Education Specialist Credential - Visual Impairments | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (Elementary Education) | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Single Subject Teaching Credential (Secondary Education) | May 31, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
Masters Process and Procedures
You are considered a graduate student if you hold a Bachelor’s degree, and is enrolled in a graduate/post-baccalaureate studies in a graduate, certificate, or credential program at Cal State LA.
Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website, which has the latest (and often more detailed) information on the process and procedures.
The Graduate Student Handbook includes graduate student policies and procedures.
[Masters Program Handbooks Content Links Here]
Office Hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Contact Information
Personnel
Dr. Fryling, Mitch J.
Associate Dean
College of Education | KH D2070
Phone: 323.343.4314
[email protected]
Kim, Vicki
Assistant to Associate Dean and Curriculum Analyst
College of Education | KH D2070
Phone: 323.343.4303
[email protected]
Ofoegbu, Mezu
Research Technician III
College of Education | KH C1065
Phone: 323.343.6164
[email protected]