Specialization Areas
The Education Specialist credential authorizes services in the following specialization areas:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Teaching students who are deaf and hard of hearing; authorizes service to individuals from birth to age 22.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Serving children with mild, moderate, severe, or multiple impairments, and their families; authorizes service from birth through pre-kindergarten.
Mild/Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
Provide instruction and special education-related services to learners with extensive to mild support needs in kindergarten and grades 1-12, through age 22. Upon completion of the program, candidates will earn two authorizations: (1) mild/moderate support needs, and (2) extensive support needs.
Academic Pathways
Traditional Credential Program: (serves all specialization areas)
- flexible – full or part time
- fits the needs of most candidates
- may enter the credential program in fall or spring semester
- courses offered late afternoon and evening
- includes coursework, field experiences and seminars
Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) (MM, MS)
- collaboration between CSUN and LAUSD
- full time late afternoons and evenings for coursework and on site during the day
- cohort atmosphere with personalized advising and guaranteed course enrollment
- one on one coaching by experienced classroom teachers
- completed in two semesters for candidates in mild/moderate and three semesters for candidates in moderate/severe
Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP Junior Option) (MM, MS)
- leads to a bachelor’s degree and Education Specialist Credential concurrently
- lower division requirements and junior standing must be achieved
- full or part time
- courses are not cohorted
- includes coursework, field experiences and seminars
- may enter the credential program in fall of spring semester
Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP Freshman Option) (MM, MS)
- leads to a Bachelor’s degree and Education Specialist Credential concurrently
- must be college ready for math and science
- full time
- coursework, field experiences and seminars
- may enter the credential program in fall semester only
Internship Program (serves all specialization areas)
- open to those with an offer of full time employment in a public or charter special education position
- complete coursework while on the job
- courses offered late afternoon or evening
- includes coursework, field experiences and seminars