Hi Ay761,
I am also learning towards UCLA's masters program in education for the SSCE program. I am extremely excited but also very nervous because I am currently working and I made this decision off the whim because I realized that if I want to get started on a phd I shouldn't prolong my MA any further. I am hoping to get into their phd program upon completion of my masters. Are you planning to pursue a phd in Southern California as well?
Hope we get to discuss more details/information!