The Master of Arts in Education (Special Education option) is designed for teachers who hold a valid basic teaching credential and who are seeking both a master’s degree and a career path in special education by adding on the Preliminary Mild/Moderate with the option to complete the Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist credential. (See program options below.)
Master’s Candidates are encouraged to apply to the Master of Arts in Education degree program by submitting an application to the School of Education, Student Services Center by the published deadline date. Masters Candidates who have a break in enrollment from the University (without a formal leave of absence on file with the university) must reapply for admission via the CSU application process. (www.csumentor.edu)
The Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability), Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), and Specific Learning Disability. The Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Moderate/Severe Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability), or Multiple Disabilities. Education Specialist program options approved by the university and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) are briefly described here.
Option 1: Concurrent with Multiple Subject. Candidates earn Preliminary Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disability Education Specialist credentials and a Multiple Subject credential with the option for a Master of Arts degree.
Concurrent candidates receive both the Multiple Subject and the Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Instruction Credentials with the option to also complete the Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Instruction Credential. The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences. A bilingual emphasis may be added to the Multiple Subject credential for qualified candidates.
Full-time concurrent candidates may complete the 59 units of coursework and clinical practice for the Multiple Subject and Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist credentials in three semesters. Moderate/Severe Education Specialist coursework and clinical practice requirements may be completed in an additional semester. For part-time candidates, time to completion is longer. Candidates who successfully complete all of the Concurrent Multiple Subject Courses and both Concurrent Multiple Subject Clinical Practice experiences, the RICA and edTPA, and other credentialing requirements may be awarded the Multiple Subject credential and apply for admission to the Special Education Master of Arts option to complete remaining Education Specialist courses and clinical practice experiences as master’s candidates. EDMX courses (i.e., EDMX 622, 627, 631, 632, 633, 575, 635) and clinical practices (EDMX 572, 573) may be applied toward the master’s degree, for eligible candidates.
Option 2a: Add On. Candidates who already hold a Multiple Subject or other credential earn Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disability Education Specialist credentials with the option to also earn a Master of Arts in Education.
The Preliminary Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist Add On program options are especially designed for teachers who have completed a basic (e.g., Multiple Subject, Single Subject) credential program and have satisfied California subject matter competence requirement. (An emergency or substitute permit is not a basic credential.) The option prepares teachers in advanced skills to instruct students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. Authorization to teach English learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences.
Add On candidates may obtain a Master of Arts in Education degree with a special education emphasis by completing the EDUC 602, 622, and 698 coursework and thesis/project.
Option 2b: Add On Internship. Candidates who already hold a valid basic credential (e.g., Multiple or Single Subject) and an English Language authorization earn Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disability Education Specialist credentials while employed and teaching on an Intern credential.
This intern partnership option prepares teachers in advanced instructional, assessment and differentiation skills to meet the needs of all students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities while working as an Education Specialist.
At CSUSM, internships are only considered for or granted to Add On Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist credential candidates. Add On candidates are candidates who already hold a basic (e.g., Multiple Subject, Single Subject) credential and who have satisfied California subject matter competence requirements.
