This is an archive of the 2018-2019 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, Please visit catalog.csun.edu.

Mission Statement

The foundation of the department’s educational program is built upon knowledge derived from a sound theoretical base and rigorous research. We believe a quality program includes opportunities for reflection, problem solving and collaboration, and the application of knowledge and skills in settings that demonstrate effective practices. Working in partnership with schools and communities, a quality program provides ongoing support, mentoring and guidance to its students, while promoting innovative approaches for individuals with exceptional needs in the communities it serves.

About the Department

The Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge, offers credential and master’s degree programs for professionals who work with infants, toddlers, children and youth with special needs and their families. Programs are designed to prepare special educators to understand the diverse characteristics and backgrounds of students with special needs, to adapt curriculum and instruction, and to make sound educational judgments.

The master’s degree program builds upon the competencies developed in the Special Education credential programs, preparing students for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community and within the overall profession of Special Education. Education Specialist credential programs provide specialized coursework and field experiences for individuals who are interested in serving students with special needs. The department offers a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and an Induction Education Specialist Credential in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities.

The Department of Special Education offers the following preliminary credential pathways:

  1. Traditional Program, a post-B.A. preservice professional program.
  2. Intern Program, a post-B.A. two-year program designed for on-the-job teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired by a local education agency (LEA); e.g., a school district.
  3. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program, a post-B.A. full-time, two-semester program, offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District (in Mild/Moderate Disabilities program only).
  4. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), an undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two-year option as transfer students, earning their credential and bachelor’s degree concurrently (in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe programs only).
  5. SED/SPED Dual Preliminary Credential, a post-B.A. preservice professional program in which candidates earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential.

Academic Advisement

Advisors are available to assist students with questions about the department’s programs by email as assigned below. Please allow 48-72 business hours for a reply. The advisors may also be contacted by office phone (if available), though on-campus office hours and availability may vary.

Prospective students who are unsure of the programs available, what specialization to choose or how to apply to the programs or campus may contact pre-admissions advisors Ivor Weiner, (818) 677-2598, and Kathryn Peckham-Hardin, (818) 677-4002.

Prospective interns who need paperwork signed to begin their intern credential program or to start work may contact Intern Coordinator Tamarah Ashton, (818) 677-4869.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Early Childhood Preliminary or Induction Credential Program may contact Michele Haney, (818) 677-3874.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Preliminary Credential Program, Induction Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Rachel Friedman Narr, (818) 677-4007.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Intern Credential Program, Induction Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Ellen Schneiderman, (818) 677-2649.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Mild/Moderate Intern Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Tamarah Ashton, (818) 677-4869.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Mild/Moderate Preliminary Credential Program may contact any of the following:

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Mild/Moderate Induction Credential Program may contact Induction Coordinator Virginia Kennedy, (818) 677-2532.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Resource Specialist Added Authorization may contact Virginia Kennedy, (818) 677-2532.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Moderate/Severe Specialization Preliminary Credential Program may contact Amy Hanreddy, (818) 677-2522.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the Moderate/Severe Preliminary Credential Program, Induction Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Kathryn Peckham-Hardin, (818) 677-4002.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the ACT Accelerated Credential Program may contact Nancy Burstein, (818) 677-2552.

Students or prospective students who are interested in the ITEP Integrated Teacher Education Program may contact Sue Sears.

Accreditation

All credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Contact

Department of Special Education
Chair: Kathryn Peckham-Hardin
Education (ED) 1204
(818) 677-2596