Master's Degree Programs
offered within the School of Education and Leadership

Notre Dame de Namur University has long been recognized for the excellence of our programs in education. Presently NDNU offers five credentials, two certificates and seven master's degrees within the School of Education and Leadership.

Master's degree programs in the School of Education and Leadership are designed to serve teachers, administrators, and other educators working with and on behalf of schools. NDNU's location between San Francisco and Silicon Valley provides a unique setting in which committed educators representing diverse school and community contexts come together with highly qualified faculty. Each program of study grounds students in the foundations (e.g., psychological, sociological, administrative) and invites them to envision new possibilities. Personalized learning and mentoring ensure that students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to move classrooms, schools, and communities from "what is" to "what could be." Each master's program includes coursework, fieldwork, and mentoring in the areas of teaching, learning, technology, social justice, diversity, equity, and leadership. Once students are admitted to a graduate program in the School of Education and Leadership, their advisors will assist them in designing a plan that meets their personal and professional goals.

NDNU’s Education Master’s Degree Options

Brief descriptions of each program follow. For more specific information, follow the link to the program description page. Specific course descriptions are available in the NDNU Catalog.

• Master of Arts in Reading
• Master of Arts in Special Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Literacy
• Master of Education in Educational Technology
• Master of Science in Educational Technology Administration

Master of Arts in Reading (MA)

This program includes all coursework for the Reading Specialist Credential and an additional capstone course which culminates with a protfolio in lieu of a thesis. More info.

Program Director/ Contact Information: Dr. Joanne Rossi (650) 508-3613 or jrossi@ndnu.edu.

Master of Arts in Special Education (MA)

NDNU's Special Education Credential programs prepare students to teach in special education programs in public and private schools. Mild/Moderate credential holders teach students in Resource Specialist Program classes, students in special day classes for learning disabilities, and some full inclusion students. Moderate/Severe credential holders teach students in grades K-12 whose needs are more severe. While pursuing the credential, students may work while they learn by interning in schools as paid teachers. More info.

Program Director/ Contact Information: Dr. Barbara Kammerlohr (650) 508-3627 or bkammerlohr@ndnu.edu.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT program is designed for secondary school teachers interested in deepening their knowledge and appreciation of a chosen subject area.

A multiple-subject credential holder may also consider pursuing a MAT if he or she is interested in serving as a school- or district-level resource teacher in a particular discipline and would like to pursue advanced study in that discipline to prepare for this role. Individuals with a significant amount of knowledge and experience in a particular discipline may also be interested in this degree program in order to prepare themselves to teach in a private school or community college setting. More info.

Program Director/Contact Information: Dr. Kim Tolley (650) 508-3464 ktolley@ndnu.edu.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)

The goal of this degree program is to build the capacity of educators to engage in improved teaching practice, curriculum development, assessment, mentoring, and educational leadership. The program includes coursework, fieldwork, and mentoring in the areas of teaching, learning, technology, social justice, diversity, equity, and leadership. Once students are admitted, their advisors will assist them in designing plans that meet their personal and professional goals. More info.

Program Director/Contact Information: Dr. Kim Tolley 650) 508-3464 ktolley@ndnu.edu.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Literacy (M.Ed.)

Many teachers, at all levels from elementary through community college, would like additional information and skill development in literacy instruction. The Master of Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Literacy provides additional coursework in education and curriculum. Teachers interested in an advanced degree in education, who intend to remain in the regular classroom, may be best served in this program. More info.

Program Director/ Contact Information: Dr. Joanne Rossi (650) 508-3613 jrossi@ndnu.edu.

Master of Education in Educational Technology (M.Ed.)

Graduates of the Educational Technology Certificate program may apply their certificate coursework toward an M.Ed. This program prepares educators to serve as school- and district-level educational technology leaders. Graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Technology program may work with the Credential Analyst in the Department of Teacher Education to apply for a supplementary authorization on their teaching credential for computer applications. More info.

Program Director/ Contact Information: Dr. Nancy Richardson (650) 508-3783 nrichardson@ndnu.edu.

Master of Science in Educational Technology Administration (MS)

This program enables students to complete the Tier I Administrative Services Credential and three additional educational technology courses in order to earn a master's degree. This degree program prepares school administrators to design, supervise, implement, and evaluate innovative and effective educational technology integration in classrooms, schools, and districts. More info.

Program Director/ Contact Information: Dr. Diane Guay (650) 508-3702 dguay@ndnu.edu.

Full course and program descriptions are available in the NDNU Catalog.

NDNU’s School of Education and Leadership

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted university offering four bachelor degrees and over 15 graduate degrees and certificates. The School of Education and Leadership, under the stewardship of the Dean, Dr. Joanne Rossi, offers bachelor's degrees in liberal studies and human services in addition to education credentials, certificates, and master's degrees. The credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The program was reaccredited in 1998.