Special Education, M.A.

Program of Study

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).

The Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students 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, or Traumatic Brain Injury. The Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students 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, or Traumatic Brain Injury. All credentials authorize instruction of English learners.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. 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.
2. Culturally Proficient Inclusive Schooling: Develop an action plan for creating and sustaining a culturally proficient inclusive schooling environment.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Program Overview

Completion Requirements

The following completion activities apply to all Master of Arts in Special Education students:

1. Successful completion of the core courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA
2. Advancement to candidacy
3. Completion of a culminating experience under the direction of a faculty committee
4. Continual enrollment in EDUC 698  until successful completion of the culminating experience
5. 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.

Grading

All coursework will earn a letter grade, except field studies, which will earn credit/no credit. A grade-point average of 3.0 must be maintained and any grade of less than a B- will be subject to review.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement – Graduate Level (GWARGL)

Students need to fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement – Graduate Level (GWARGL) before advancing to candidacy. Please refer to Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement – Graduate Level (GWARGL)  for more information regarding this requirement.