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).

The Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students 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, or
Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Preliminary Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students 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, or
Traumatic Brain Injury.

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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
- CSUSM 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 CSUSM program with faculty approval.

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Careers in Special Education