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School of Education

M.A. in Special Education

The Master of Arts in Special Education and Credential Option is specifically designed for teachers who hold a valid basic teaching credential who are seeking both a master’s degree and a career path in special education by adding on the Mild to Moderate Support Needs and the Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Education Specialist Credential(s).

Credentials Offered

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  • Mild to Moderate Support Needs - Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential

    Authorizes instruction of students kindergarten through 22 years of age with mild to moderate support needs with a primary disability of: 

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Emotional Disturbance
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Multiple Disabilities
    • Orthopedic Impairment
    • Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder)
    • Specific Learning Disability
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Extensive Support Needs - Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential

    Authorizes instruction of students kindergarten through 22 years of age with extensive support needs with a primary disability of:

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Deaf-Blindness
    • Emotional Disturbance
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Multiple Disabilities
    • Orthopedic Impairment
    • Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder)
    • Specific Learning Disability
    • Traumatic Brain Injury

Program Information

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  • Program Student Learning Outcomes

    Professional Dispositions: Demonstrate positive professional dispositions and ethics inclusive of social justice and equity, collaboration, critical thinking, professional ethics, reflective teaching and learning, and life-long learning.

    Culturally Proficient Inclusive Schooling: Develop an action plan for creating and sustaining a culturally proficient inclusive schooling environment.

    Assessment and Program Planning: Conduct and analyze formal and/or informal assessment data to develop assessment reports and Individual Education Program goals based upon individual students’ assessed needs.

    Research Analysis: Analyze and integrate research in educational and professional settings.

  • Requirements for Admission
    • ´ó·¢ Graduate Application and Fee
    • Bachelor’s Degree as evidenced by official transcripts verifying awarding of Bachelor’s degree
    • Verification of valid basic (Multiple or Single Subject) credential issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
    • Statement of Purpose
    • GPA of at least 2.67

    Subject matter competency and individual requirements for out-of-state trained teachers may be required. Contact the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Student Services Office for details, (760) 750-4277.

  • Core Courses

    Master of Arts in Special Education Core Required Courses: (24 units)

    • EDEX 602 - Culturally Proficient Inclusive Schooling in a Pluralistic Society Units: 3
    • EDMX 622 – Literacy for Education Specialists Units: 4
    • EDMX 627 - Assessment for Planning and Instruction Units: 3
    • EDMX 630 - Diverse Learners with Disabilities and Their Families Units: 3
    • EDMX 631 - Foundations in Law, Ethics, and Procedures of Special Education Units: 3
    • EDMX 632 - Instructional and Assistive Technology Units: 3
    • EDMX 633 - Creating Accessible Learning Environments Units: 3
    • EDUC 622 - Research Methods in Education Units: 3
    • EDUC 698 - Master’s Culminating Experience Seminar Units: 3
  • Select an MA + Credential(s) Pathway

    These pathways include clinical practice and internship courses required to obtain Mild to Moderate and/or Extensive Support Needs Credentials.

    Pathway 1: Master of Arts in Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential (Traditional Clinical Practice) 9 units

    • EDMX 572 - Education Specialist — Clinical Practice: Special Education Setting Units: 7
    • EDMX 575 - Education Specialist — Transition Development Plan Seminar Units: 2

    CORE + Pathway 1 = 37 units

    Pathway 2: Master of Arts in Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential (Full Year Internship) 16 units

    • EDMX 575 - Education Specialist — Transition Development Plan Seminar Units: 2
    • EDMX 671 - Education Specialist –Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern I Units: 7
    • EDMX 672 - Education Specialist – Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern II Units: 7

    CORE + Pathway 2 = 44

    Pathway 3: Master of Arts in Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential (Semester Internship) 9 units
    • EDMX 575 - Education Specialist — Transition Development Plan Seminar Units: 2
    • EDMX 672 - Education Specialist – Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern II Units: 7

    CORE + Pathway 3 = 37 units

    Pathway 4: Master of Arts in Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Credentials 24 units

    • EDMX 572 - Education Specialist — Clinical Practice: Special Education Setting Units: 7
    • EDMX 573 – Education Specialist – Clinical Practice: Extensive Support Needs Units: 7
    • EDMX 575 - Education Specialist — Transition Development Plan Seminar Units: 2
    • EDMX 635 – Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs Units: 4
    • EDMX 636 – Communication and Positive Behavioral Supports Units: 4

    CORE + Pathway 4 = 52 units

    Pathway 5: Master of Arts in Special Education and Extensive Support Needs Credential 15 units
    • EDMX 635 – Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs Units: 4
    • EDMX 636 – Communication and Positive Behavioral Supports Units: 4
    • EDMX 573 – Education Specialist – Clinical Practice: Extensive Support Needs Units: 7

    CORE + Pathway 5 = 43 units

    Pathway 6: Master of Arts in Special Education and Extensive Support Needs Credential Full Year Internship 22 units
    • EDMX 635 – Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs Units: 4
    • EDMX 636 – Communication and Positive Behavioral Supports Units: 4
    • EDMX 673 – Education Specialist – Extensive Support Needs Intern I Units: 7
    • EDMX 674 – Education Specialist – Extensive Support Needs Intern II Units: 7

    CORE + Pathway 6 = 50 units

    Pathway 7: Master of Arts in Special Education and Extensive Support Needs Credential Semester Internship 15 units

    • EDMX 635 – Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs Units: 4
    • EDMX 636 – Communication and Positive Behavioral Supports Units: 4
    • EDMX 674 – Education Specialist – Extensive Support Needs Intern II Units: 7

    CORE + Pathway 7 = 43 units

  • Completion Requirements

    The following completion activities apply to all Master of Arts in Special Education students:

    • Successful completion of the core courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Advancement to candidacy
    • Completion of a culminating experience under the direction of a faculty committee
    • Continual enrollment in EDUC 698 until successful completion of the culminating experience
    • Up to nine (9) units of graduate-level coursework from another approved Special Education program may be accepted and transferred into the ´ó·¢ program with faculty approval.

M.A. in Special Education Program Coordinator:

Application Information

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