Special Education

The Master of Arts degree in Special Education builds upon the competencies developed in the Preliminary Education Specialist and Induction 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. Bachelor’s 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 completed.
4. Admission to the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential program.

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

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Good standing at the last university attended.
3. A minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester units completed.
4. Successful completion of a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential.
5. A 3.0 GPA for all work taken as a conditionally classified student.
6. Approval of a plan of study by the student’s advisor.

C. Additional Requirements

1. A minimum of 30 units, including a comprehensive examination/thesis/graduate project, 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.
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. Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Option Requirements

1. Core Requirements (15 units)

Prerequisite: Classified Status for SPED 681, SPED 682MM, SPED 683

SPED 638 Educators as Agents of Change (3)
SPED 681 Graduate Research in Special Education (3)
SPED 682MM Advanced Graduate Research in Special Education (3)
SPED 683 Current Trends in Special Education (3)
SPED 695A Advanced Behavioral Support (3)

2. Elective Courses (12 units)

Select 12 units from the following:

SPED 402 Promoting and Supporting a Positive and Inclusive School Climate (3)
SPED 502MME Literacy Intervention for Diverse K-12 Students with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)
SPED 503MME Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)
SPED 511 Assessing Learners with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)
SPED 545 Support Strategies for Learners with Physical and Multiple Disabilities (3)
SPED 581 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3)
SPED 671 Advanced Study of Literacy Problems (3)
SPED 672 Advanced Assessment (3)

3. 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: 30