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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
- 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
- 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.
M.A. in Special Education Program Coordinator:
- Jodi Robledo jrobledo@csusm.edu