Special Education, M.S.

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(30 UNITS)

The Master of Science in Special Education prepares graduate students to analyze and evaluate empirically based research critically; theoretical constructs and philosophical foundations; and historical, psychological, and sociological issues related to the education of individuals with disabilities. The program focuses on analyzing and interpreting policy as related to curriculum, pedagogy and methodology.

Admission to Graduate Standing - Conditionally Classified

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must have earned a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted.

Graduate Standing - Classified

A student who meets the admission requirements and the following requirements may be granted classified graduate standing:

3.0 GPA or better in all previous academic and related work.
An approved major.
Completed SPED 501.
Writing sample to be collected during the interview.
Completed a teaching credential or two years minimum experience in relevant fields related to special education, with approval.

Degree Requirements

Required (18 units)

Electives (9 units)

Notes:

* Required for early childhood students.

** Required for Mild to Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Education Specialist Credential students.

Culminating Experience (3 units)

The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information.

Must be completed with a ”B” or better.