M.A. Secondary Education (Talent Development)
Program Overview
The M.A. degree program in Secondary Education with a concentration in Talent Development equips students with skills and conceptual knowledge for advanced teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles in classrooms, educational systems, or communities related to student and educator talent development. Graduates of this versatile degree program are well-positioned for an array of job opportunities such as mentoring program leader; teacher of advanced and honors classes; instructional coordinator; talent development coach; classroom teacher with enhanced creativity skills; and community-based education specialist. The programs also provide a foundation for doctoral studies in education.
Course Work
Students may pursue the 30-credit M.A. (thesis option) where students explore learning, creativity, talent development, research-informed practices, and the transformation of practices, possibilities, policies, and assumptions. Students critically consider big ideas while building useful skills for fostering flourishing and for meaningfully addressing the educational complexities of their current or future work and today’s educational issues.
The course options and electives that are integrated into these degree programs offer valuable opportunities for additional depth or breadth according to students’ goals and interests.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Hours 30 hours | Thesis Thesis | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
This degree program does not require teacher licensure or prior courses in specific areas for admission.
Program Mission
The mission of the program is to share and co-create knowledge related to talent development. Goals of the program include preparing graduate students to:
- Foster student and educator talented actions through teaching, mentoring, and leadership
- Contribute to knowledge and professional practice through original research
- Analyze and communicate complex information for various needs and groups of people
- Effect change at multiple levels
Through teaching, research, and service, program faculty work toward collective flourishing.
Career Options
Graduates are well-positioned for job opportunities such as mentoring program leader; teacher of advanced and honors classes; instructional coordinator; classroom teacher with enhanced skills for nurturing the creativity and talents of all students; talent development coach; community-based education specialist; and undergraduate-level course instructor. This program also provides a foundation for doctoral studies in education.
Program Faculty
The faculty bring a valuable range of experiences, perspectives, and expertise areas to their teaching. Faculty research interests include: transformative teaching and learning, creativity, imagination, opportunity and access, and philosophical issues in education.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
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For Entry Prior to Summer 2026
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard June 15 (*Flexible) June 1 Spring October 15 (*Flexible) October 1 Summer I April 15 (*Flexible) March 15 Summer II June 1 (*Flexible) No Admission *This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Effective for Summer 2026 Entry and Beyond
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard August 1 June 1 Spring - Priority September 1 September 1 Spring - Standard November 1 October 1 Summer I - Priority January 1 January 1 Summer I - Standard May 1 March 15 Summer II - Priority January 1 No Admission Summer II - Standard June 1 No Admission
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- resume/CV, including contact information for two references who are familiar with your scholarly work and/or relevant work experience
- statement of purpose (one to two double-spaced pages) that includes your rationale for pursuing graduate study in this particular program
Review important information about documents.