eLearning, M.S, (Self-Support Only)(Online)

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This program is only offered through Self-Support. Self-Support refers to programs offered through Continuing Education. Separate registration, enrollment, and/or fees may be required for programs offered through self-support. See also “Continuing Education” in the glossary .

eLearning, M.S. (Online Program)

Program Description

The Master of Science in eLearning (MSeL) program is designed to prepare and empower educators, instructors, trainers, staff and other professionals to effectively design and implement online courses and learning modules for a wide variety of fields including higher education, K-12, corporate training and various public and private industry sectors. This was the first fully online program at Cal State East Bay and currently one of the most comprehensive online teaching and learning training programs. It is designed to help learners become an effective online learning designer, learning technologist, trainer, or program manager. Students will learn and experience the evolving “best practices” and trends in online education and training, innovation, theories, and create optimized learning materials for the virtual learning environment. The program focuses on learner engagement, personalized learning, and authentic learning outcomes.

Career Opportunities

The training and skills acquired in the MSeL program can transfer into almost any educational or training field, including university, community college, K-12, corporate, military, educational administration, curriculum design, technical support, and other fields requiring design, development, implementation, and teaching services.

Admission Requirements

Complete application details are posted on the MS in eLearning webpage: https://ce.csueastbay.edu/ce/programs/elearning/#admission

Candidates must show evidence of training or teaching experience when applying for this degree. A teaching credential is not required to join the program unless the candidate has expressed that they wish to teach online at the K-12 level.
Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Candidates must have earned at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all upper division/post baccalaureate coursework.
If a candidate has a baccalaureate degree from out of the country, he/she must have his/her transcripts evaluated by the International Admissions Office.
Candidate must submit a Statement of Purpose explaining why you’d like to be accepted to the program, your relevant teaching and/or training background (if any) and how obtaining the degree would fit into your career plans. Make sure to include your contact information in case of questions. The statement of purpose should be addressed to the Program Director. You must upload the statement of purpose as part of your Cal State Apply application. Without it, you will not be able to submit your application.

Degree Requirements

Complete at least 30 units of approved graduate work, subject to the following conditions:
- All units must have been earned within the past five (5) years immediately preceding completion of the requirements for the degree.
- No fewer than 70% (or 21 semester units) must have been completed in residence as a regularly matriculated student in the graduate program at Cal State East Bay. An exception is made for students who have completed the certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, who must complete no fewer than 18 units in residence.
- No more than 9 semester units of approved courses may be transferred from another institution, taken through approved extension courses (including Open University), or taken as an “Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate” student. An exception is made for students who have completed the certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, who may transfer no more than 12 units.
- At least 50% (or 15 semester units) must have been in courses numbered in the 600 series or equivalent graduate level.
Earn at least a 3.0 GPA in all units satisfying the requirements of the degree program.
Complete Capstone Project course within five (5) years of admission to the program.
The department requires that all courses in the Master’s program be taken for a letter grade. No CR/NC grades for courses will be accepted towards the Master’s degree requirements.

Cause for Dismissal From Program

Students must earn a grade of B- or better in all classes taken during the graduate program whether the courses are taken at California State University East Bay or elsewhere. Students may repeat a given course only once, and the grade received the second time the course is taken will be the grade recorded on the student’s record. If a student does not earn a grade of B- or better the second time the class is taken, the student may be referred to the Office of Graduate Studies with a recommendation that they be declassified from the program. Students whose GPA falls below the 3.0 for two or more consecutive semesters will be academically disqualified from the university.

Program Learning Outcomes

Assess characteristics of online learners and components of an online teaching & learning environment. 
Synthesize an effective online teaching and learning environment based on current research, recent innovative ideas, and best practices.
Apply teaching strategies, learning theories, and design models to online curriculum development.
Apply current teaching and learning tools / technologies to online learning environment.
Design a successful implementation of an online program.
Develop a well designed quality online curriculum/course.