The Master of Arts degree in Special Education builds upon the competencies developed in the Preliminary Education Specialist and Clear Education Specialist Credential programs. This degree is designed to prepare graduates for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community and within the overall profession of special education. Toward this end, faculty members facilitate the development of student competencies in reflective dialogue, presentations and written avenues of expression.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program (Conditionally Classified Status)

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
2. Good standing at the last university attended.
3. A minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester units attempted.
4. Admission to the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential program.

Students may petition the graduate committee for an exception for admission to the Education Specialist program, verifying one of the following has been met:

1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or a University-approved aptitude test for graduate study (GRE or MAT) and successful completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) with a score of 8 or higher.
   1. Score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three GRE subtests, or
   2. Score at or above the 50th percentile on the MAT.
2. Master’s degree in a related field.

In addition, candidates petitioning for an exception for admission to the Education Specialist program must verify the following:

1. Fingerprint clearance: Applications will not be accepted without evidence of fingerprint clearance from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Provide a copy of a valid CTC Certificate or Credential. Instructions on completing the online process can be found on the Credential Office website. Live Scan forms and CTC payment confirmation printouts will not be accepted.
2. Tuberculosis clearance: Provide evidence of freedom from tuberculosis within the last 2 years. Your test must clearly indicate a negative result. You may complete this test at any health facility you wish. If you are currently enrolled at CSUN, you may contact the CSUN Student Health Center for a TB test at (818) 677-3666. Include a photocopy of your negative test results with this application packet.

B. Requirements for Admission to the Program (Classified Status)

1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or a University-approved aptitude test for graduate study (GRE or MAT).
   1. Score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three portions of the aptitude test of the GRE, or
   2. Score at or above the 50th percentile on the MAT.
2. Successful completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher.
3. A 3.0 GPA for all work taken as a conditionally classified student.
4. Approval of a plan of study by the student’s advisor.

C. Other Requirements

1. A minimum of 30 units, including a culminating experience, is required for completion of the Master of Arts degree.
2. No more than 12 units of credit may be applied to a Master of Arts degree program until classified status is attained.
3. Courses more than 7 years old will not be included in the total of 30 units required for the M.A. degree. Students should see an advisor prior to selecting classes.
4. A 3.0 GPA or higher in all work undertaken since admission to the program to be advanced to candidacy (approval to proceed to the culminating experience course).

D. Educational Therapy Option Requirements

1. Core Requirements (9 units)

Prerequisite: Classified Status

SPED 681 Graduate Research in Special Education (3)
SPED 682MM Advanced Clinical Practicum in Special Education (3)
SPED 683 Current Trends in Special Education (3)

2. Core Requirements (15 units)

SPED 671 Advanced Study of Literacy Problems (3)
SPED 672 Advanced Assessment in Educational Therapy (3)
SPED 673 Principles of Educational Therapy (3)
SPED 676 Clinical Case Management (3)
SPED 679 Internship in Educational Therapy (3)

3. Advanced Specialization (9 units)

SPED 501MM Assessment of Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 502MM Reading/Language Arts Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 503MM Curriculum and Instruction in Math and Content Subjects for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)

4. Culminating Experience (3 units)

SPED 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)
or SPED 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 36