Are you looking to accelerate your career pathway in teaching?  For those who want to teach in elementary or secondary schools, Chapman University’s MA in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) Program may be the perfect match, allowing you to earn your master’s degree and California teaching credential through an accelerated process.  Chapman students interested in the MACI program must apply in January of their sophomore year to begin their graduate coursework during junior year.

What is the MACI Program, and what makes it unique?

The Attallah College of Educational Studies developed the Accelerated Five-Year Bachelor’s plus Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) Program to prepare students to become knowledgeable, culturally competent, and service-oriented K-12 classroom educators. This program aims to give future teachers the tools they will need to work with students in the classroom.

In just five years of full-time study, you can obtain your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and dual California teaching credentials.  Specifically, graduates will be eligible for both a special education (education specialist-mild/moderate) credential and either an elementary (multiple subject) or secondary (single subject) teaching credential.

What does the coursework in the program look like?

MACI students start working with children through fieldwork as undergraduates at the start of their junior year, developing skills in curriculum and instruction, as well as becoming knowledgeable in pedagogical theory.  For example, in the second semester of their junior year, students take a five-credit course called MACI 409 (Literacy and Learning: K-6), a six-hour class that is divided between fieldwork and lectures so they can gain tangible classroom experience.

Students who are accepted into the program will then complete their bachelor’s degree during their fourth year at Chapman and spend their fifth year in residence within Orange Unified School District (OUSD), which has school sites just a few blocks from the Chapman campus. This means that you can begin student teaching at a local elementary or secondary school while taking master’s level courses at night.

What are the admission requirements?

Students must have:

  • Minimum of 30 credits earned at Chapman University before applying
  • Major in Integrated Educational Studies (IES) or in one of the core content areas (such as science, history, mathematics, or English) plus a Secondary Education (SEED) minor.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Have taken IES 102 and 206 and received a B or better
  • Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) before beginning MACI coursework

What are some helpful tips for prospective students?

No letters of recommendation are needed for the MACI  application, but applicants do need to supply the names and email addresses of two faculty recommenders, one from IES and one outside of the department. Be sure to give those faculty a heads up that they will receive a survey from the MACI admissions committee and that they will need to respond before your application can be considered complete.

Here are some additional tips for Chapman students interested in applying to the MACI program:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute to work on your application.
  • Have someone review and revise your essays.
  • Do not stress. Take one question at a time.  To ease the stress, try working on the application one section at a time.
  • Prior to applying, book an appointment with an IES Peer Advisor to gain insight and learn more about MACI.
  • Form study groups with your cohort to study for the CBEST/CSET. Attallah College offers free study sessions, so take advantage of this opportunity. It’s super fun and helpful!

For any questions, please contact Kelly McCuen at ies@chapman.edu or Dr. Amy Ardell at ardell@chapman.edu.