National University: A Comprehensive Guide to Master's Programs
For over half a century, National University (NU) has been dedicated to providing flexible, accessible, and high-quality education to adult learners, active military service members, veterans, parents, and lifelong learners. As a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit institution since 1971, NU's mission remains steadfast: to offer achievable higher education tailored to the demands of busy professionals balancing careers, families, or military service. With a wide array of accredited online programs, NU strives to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
The National University Advantage
National University distinguishes itself through several key features that cater to the unique needs of its diverse student body:
- Flexibility: NU's online courses provide the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere. Whether studying from home or a favorite coffee shop, students can seamlessly integrate their education into their lives.
- Accessibility: NU is committed to making higher education accessible to all adult learners. The university accepts all federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships, and also awards tuition scholarships and grants to those who qualify.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: NU's master's programs are thoughtfully designed to offer tangible, lifelong benefits, with a focus on advanced skills and credentials that are highly valued in the job market.
- Accreditation: National University holds regional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring that its online master's degrees have the same rigor and employer recognition as traditional on-campus programs.
- Supportive Environment: From initial inquiry to graduation, National University's student support network, including academic advising, technical support, career counseling, and mentoring, ensures that students are never alone.
- Streamlined Application Process: NU has simplified and streamlined its application process, allowing students to get enrolled in their chosen master's program right away. The university accepts and reviews applications year-round, so students can start learning as soon as next month, depending on their program of study and location of choice.
- Four-Week Classes: NU offers four-week classes, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish their degree faster.
Master's Programs at National University: An Overview
National University offers a diverse range of master's programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today's workforce. These programs are structured to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary for career advancement and personal growth.
Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program at National University is designed for individuals interested in non-credential professional growth and advancement in educational fields. This program expands knowledge and opportunities for passionate educators looking for growth and advancement. Candidates will learn about historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of education.
Program Highlights:
- Curriculum: The MAE program requires the completion of 45 quarter hours of graduate work. Students must complete all courses with a minimum grade of B-. Students shall not select more than four (4) courses from any subject to fulfill the MAE course requirements.
- Transfer Credits: A total of 4.5 quarter units of transfer graduate credit may be granted if not used earning another advanced degree. An additional 11.25 units of graduate level credit may also be transferred through prior learning experience. All prior learning experience will be reviewed by the Sanford College of Education Prior Learning Experience Assessment Committee before accepted for transfer.
- Course Examples: The MAE program offers a wide range of courses, including:
- Research-based analysis of English phonology, morphology and orthography
- An investigation of meaning-making at both the local (discourse) and global (general knowledge) levels
- Current issues in early childhood education and implications for the field
- Adult learning theories and principles of personal leadership to meet the specific needs of ECE leaders
- Assessment, policy-making, and accountability in higher education
- Technology Foundations serves as MSDIET program introduction
- Typologies and characteristics of English Learners; grounded knowledge of learners and their families in schooling contexts
- STEAM (PK-6) and STEM (7-12) education issues and challenges
- Inspired Teaching Practices in PK-12 education
Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
For those looking to expand their knowledge of social and emotional learning to empower educational communities, the Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at National University is an ideal choice. NU's MA in SEL is the only dedicated SEL master's program in the country, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Read also: Learn about FSU's National Merit Program
Program Highlights:
- Curriculum: The intensive coursework in this program immerses students in every aspect of SEL, enabling them to become experts in the field. To receive a Master of Social Emotional Learning, students must complete 45 quarter units of graduate work.
- Program Focus: This program equips students with research-based knowledge and skills in self-care, cognition, trauma, and the ability to create healthy environments and relationships that are culturally responsive, equitable, and supportive for the whole child. The program is focused on student success, with instructors providing transformative, highly personal, individualized attention in small classes.
- Faculty Expertise: Faculty in the MA in SEL program are among leaders in the industry, offering valuable expertise in the processes and principles associated with SEL.
- Accelerated Format: The four-week class schedules are designed to allow students to start sooner, finish faster, and focus on one class at a time, one month at a time.
- Course Examples: The MA in SEL program includes courses such as:
- Analysis of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education communities through the lens of SEL frameworks, competencies, cultural responsiveness and developmental indicators
- An investigation into how personal culture, implicit bias, stereotypes, assumptions, values, and beliefs influence personal identity and impacts our ability to engage in dynamics of difference
- How learners learn and instructors teach can be explained by brain research and by neuroscience
- Identification of trauma-informed strategies for developmentally diverse classrooms and implementation of prevention strategies and protective factors
- Evidence-based practices to create a shared vision and cultivate a positive school climate to empower students and school leaders
- Explore assessment practices that support social and emotional learning in educational settings
- Capstone Project: As the capstone course for the MA in SEL degree, learners will construct an action research project that includes the tenets of social and emotional learning.
Other Master's Programs
In addition to the MAE and MA in SEL programs, National University offers a wide range of other master's programs across various disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields. While the specific programs and their details may vary, they all share the same commitment to flexibility, accessibility, and career-focused education.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Admission to graduate programs at NU is based on evidence, including a studentâs academic record at other institutions, test scores, interviews, professional experience, motivation, and educational objectives.
Application Process:
- Online Application: Complete the online application form, which is streamlined and user-friendly.
- Transcripts: Send official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Prompt submission of transcripts is crucial to avoid admission delays.
- Supporting Documents: Provide any other required supporting documents, such as test scores, letters of recommendation, or personal statements, as specified by the program.
- Interview: Participate in a required interview with an admissions advisor to discuss your educational goals and determine how NU can support your success.
Transfer Credits:
If youâre an incoming graduate student, you can potentially transfer up to 13.5 quarter credits to National University. However, youâll need to meet the applicable criteria first. For example, the institution you attended must have been regionally accredited or your credits wonât be transferable. NU has credit transfer agreements with many universities, colleges, and community colleges.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
National University is committed to making higher education affordable and offers a variety of financial aid options to help students finance their education.
Financial Aid Programs:
- Federal Aid: NU accepts all federally funded financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
- Scholarships and Grants: NU awards tuition scholarships and grants to those who qualify. Explore National Universityâs scholarship opportunities.
Graduate Student Scholarships:
NU offers a variety of scholarships exclusively for graduate students. These scholarships can help offset tuition costs, reduce financial barriers, and encourage you to complete your degree.
Read also: Eligibility for National Awards
Military Benefits:
National University is proud to serve our active-duty military, Veterans, and families. We offer reduced tuition rates, specialized military support services, and flexible schedules designed to accommodate duty schedules or deployments.
Career Support and Resources
National University is committed to student success beyond academics. NU offers robust career support through its Career Services, including career workshops/events and Handshake Job Portal where you can explore thousands of job listings.
Is a Master's Degree Worth It?
Earning a masterâs degree opens doors to higher earning potential, new career paths, and deeper expertise in your field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a masterâs degree earn a median of $15,444 more annually than those with only a bachelorâs degree.
A masterâs degree can be an excellent investment in your future. By deepening your expertise and opening new professional avenues, youâre positioning yourself for greater job stability, higher earning potential, new skills, and leadership opportunities.
Read also: Explore accessible education at National University
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