Master of Arts Degree in Educational Therapy

Program Description

The Master of Arts degree in Educational Therapy is an online program designed to prepare individuals to become Educational Therapy practitioners who are specifically trained to combine educational and therapeutic approaches that address the needs of children, adolescents and adults with learning challenges. Educational therapists provide intensive services to their clients, including creating and implementing a treatment plan that utilizes information from a variety of sources, including the client’s social, psychoeducational and neuropsychological context; assisting clients’ awareness of their strengths; and using those strengths to overcome or compensate areas of weakness. Individuals entering the field of Educational Therapy typically have a background in general or special education, child development, speech and language therapy, psychological counseling, marriage and family counseling, and/or advocacy. Educational therapists provide services in private practice, public and private schools, learning centers, clinics, hospitals, public agencies, businesses and workplaces, community colleges, universities and vocational schools.

Program Requirements

Effective Fall 2024, admission requirements to the Master's Degree in Educational Therapy Program have been updated as follows:

A. Requirements for Admission (Classified Status)

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
2. Good standing at the last university attended.
3. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Only courses completed within the last 7 years may be considered for transfer credit with a maximum of 9 units possible
4. Two prerequisite courses: One approved course in Child/Adolescent Development and one approved course in Human Learning.
5. Pre-admission advisement meeting.
6. Minimum of two years of full-time experience, or the equivalent of 2,000 hours, in providing educational and/or therapeutic services. Experience must be verified using the form provided.
7. Two letters of recommendation using the form provided.
8. Personal statement (written responses to provided questions).
9. Livescan clearance using form provided.
10. Documentation of a negative tuberculosis test result within the last 2 years. The test must clearly indicate a negative result and may completed any health facility. Currently enrolled CSUN students may contact the Klotz Student Health Center for a TB test.
11. Current CPR certification covering infant, child, and adult CPR. Submit a copy of your signed CPR card (front and back) with your application.

B. Requirements for Conditionally Classified Admission

1. Students with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester units completed can be considered for conditional admission.
2. A 3.0 GPA for all work taken as a conditionally classified student. Approval of a plan of study by the student’s advisor. 

C. Other Requirements

1. A minimum of 36 units, including a culminating experience, is required for completion of the Master of Arts degree.
2. Courses more than 7 years old will not be included in the total of 36 units required for the M.A. degree. Students should see an advisor prior to selecting classes.
3. 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).

1. Foundational Courses (12 units)

• SPED 400 Developmental Differences and Implications in Special Education (3)
• SPED 406 K-12 Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners with Disabilities (3)
• SPED 511 Assessing Diverse Learners with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)
• SPED 503MME Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)

2. ET Core Courses (15 units)

• SPED 673 Principles of Educational Therapy for Individuals with Exceptional Needs (3)
• SPED 671 Advanced Study of Literacy Problems (3)
• SPED 672 Advanced Assessment (3)
• SPED 676 Clinical Case Management (3)
• SPED 679 Internship in Educational Therapy (3)

3. Master’s Only Courses (9 units): Classified Status Required

• SPED 681 Graduate Research in Special Education (3)
• SPED 682MM Advanced Graduate Research in Special Education (3)
• SPED 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)

Total Units Required for the Master of Arts Degree in Educational Therapy: 36