Welcome to the
Holistic and Integrative Program

MA in Education; Holistic and Integrative Education (formerly MA in Interdisciplinary Studies; Integrative Studies Option in Education) and Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Education

We offer both a MA and a certificate in Holistic and Integrative Education. The MA in Education, Holistic and Integrative Education, is an innovative program for creative educators. It is designed for educators interested in entering a dialogue with a cohort of master's students and a team of professors to explore how to develop and implement innovative and meaningful curriculum. Our major objective is to help each teacher become clearer about their vision of education and how to implement that vision in their classroom and professional life, including a high-stakes testing environment. The program has been recognized by its students and internationally for its transformative approach to teaching. The certificate program is for students that either already have a MA in education or do not wish to complete the requirements for the MA program (e.g., 24 additional units), but are interested in implementing a holistic and integrative approach to education (link: Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Education).

Characteristics of the program

This program is designed for educators looking for a nontraditional format emphasizing educational innovation, integrative teaching, and meaning-centered learning. Our students are diverse, including certified K – 12 educators, correctional educators, and noncertified educators working in community settings. Our faculty work as a team and are committed to students becoming better explorers, integrators and collaborators, and to the development of a new educational vision, all in the context of the teacher’s actual professional or classroom setting.

The program requires 48 quarter units (12 courses). Twenty-four required units are specifically designed for the program and will be restricted to students admitted into the program. Students in the program will take the courses as a cohort over a two-year period, one course per quarter. Core courses are offered on one weekend, one Saturday and five Tuesday nights per quarter. This portion of the program will be developed as themes rather than courses and, whenever possible, will be team-taught. Each theme will emphasize a strong theoretical framework and how to apply the theory in your actual classroom or professional context. The six program courses are: EDUC 611, Foundations of Integrative and Holistic Models of Education; EDUC 613, Integration and Meaning in Education; EDUC 615, Exploring Arts, Creativity and Sign Systems; EDUC 617, Exploring Integrative and Holistic Curriculum Theory; EDUC 619, Seminar in Holistic Education; and EDUC 621, Assessment and Research: Holistic Perspectives. Our pedagogy includes the following major components: A focus on helping each student develop a holistic and transformative vision of education and clarifying how to implement that vision in their professional context; a focus on collaboration; establishment of a supportive learning environment and community; emphasis on in-depth reflection on assumptions concerning education and the implications of those assumptions; an emphasis on applying the course work in meaningful ways; and a focus on program faculty “demonstrating” pedagogy in the program courses consistent with the philosophies being emphasized; e.g., constructive post-modernism, constructivism, and transformative models.

In addition to the program courses, you complete twelve units for the required MA core courses, and twelve units based on a personalized plan that allows units outside the field of education and independent study. An adviser and faculty committee will guide the student's development of a personalized plan.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Bob London
Located in: CE, Room 254
Phone Number: (909) 537-5678
E-Mail: rlondon@csusb.edu