For more than 75 years, the University of La Verne's Education
Department has been developing outstanding education
professionals and today offers a program with the following
benefits:
At the University of La Verne, faculty and students are partners
in learning. Together we pursue a common goal: providing the best
educational environment and experience for our community's
children.
Because we believe a critical feature of capable and influential
teachers, counselors and administrators is establishing a
relationship with each student, we strive to ensure that the
needs of each student in our graduate studies programs are met.
We want each to excel as students and as education professionals.
Through its academic and co-curricular programs, the University
provides rich educational opportunities that relate to both the
academic and personal development of its students. For its
undergraduates the University offers a challenging general
education program, as well as a strong knowledge base in a
particular discipline. Graduate programs at La Verne are offered
in selected professional disciplines. These programs are aimed at
the practicing professional, and seek to integrate theory and
practice.
This bachelor's degree program prepares individuals for careers
in early childhood education and children's programs in public or
private schools and social agencies. Through instructional and
experiential learning, learners study child growth and
development as they relate to children in school, family and
community settings.
The liberal studies major is an undergraduate Subject Matter
Preparation Program for individual seeking a career in elementary
education. Learners and faculty are partners in the process,
pursuing the shared goal of developing the highest quality
teachers for our communities.
Teaching Education Credentials
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Single Subject and Multiple Subject Credentials
The University of La Verne's teacher education program is
designed to equip tomorrow's teachers with the knowledge and
skills they need to make a positive impact on the children in
their classrooms and in the community. The program is targeted to
meet the needs of California's diverse student population,
emphasizing language development, cultural diversity, and
humanistic approaches to the learning process. Students may
pursue a Multiple Subject (typically grades K–6) or a
Single Subject (typically junior high and high school) teaching
credential. Cross-cultural, language and academic development
issues are incorporated into the program.
Optional MEd Special Emphasis
Designed for classroom teachers with particular interests, this
advanced degree offers the flexibility to devise a unique program
combining regular coursework with independent study on topics
chosen by the learner. Integrating theory and practical skills,
the program culminates in a final project.
Master's Degrees and Certificates
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MS in Child Development
Integrating practical and theoretical concepts, this advanced
degree program is designed for child development professionals
and supervisors who wish to increase their understanding of the
physical, intellectual and emotional development of children.
MS in Child Life
This master's degree program prepares individuals for careers
working with medically fragile and hospitalized children from
birth through adolescence. A Child Life Specialist is a trained
professional who strives to minimize stress and anxiety children
and their families experience while undergoing medical treatment.
MS in Educational Counseling / Pupil Personnel Services
Credential
Through this combined degree and credential program, students
gain the knowledge and skills needed to become effective school
counselors serving youth from kindergarten through community
college. This program is approved by the California Commission on
Teacher Credentialing. Students may pursue the Master's degree,
the PPS Credential, or both.
MS in Educational Management / Preliminary Administrative
Services Credential, Tier I and II
This program and credential are designed to prepare learners for
leadership roles in elementary and secondary education. Key
principles of the program include developing leaders who are
scholarly practitioners as well as active collaborators with
teachers, students, parents and the community for greater student
achievement.
Reading Certificate, Specialist Credential, and MEd
Professional educators have three programs to increase their
effectiveness in the areas of reading education at the University
of La Verne: a reading certificate, a reading and language arts
specialist credential, and the Master of Education in Reading.
Designed for classroom teachers, teacher specialists, and
administrators, the programs may be pursued concurrently.
Special Education Credential
This program is designed for those interested in teaching
students with mild-moderate special needs such as learning
disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mental retardation,
autism and traumatic brain injury. Those applying need not have
any other credential, though with additional courses and
fieldwork, learners may also complete a Multiple or Single
Subject Teaching Credential. This program may be completed in one
calendar year.
Doctoral Degree
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Organizational Leadership and Management (EdD) with Optional Tier
II Credential
This doctoral program builds on two major elements--leadership
and research. Leadership is viewed as the application of new
skills and knowledge to create and change organizations. Students
are actively engaged in fieldwork that connects learning to
hands-on experiences in organizations. The learning experience is
supported by ongoing research that develops scholarly
practitioners and culminates in an original research project.
Accreditation
The University of La Verne is accredited by the Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is approved by
the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for offering
credentials in several areas.