Credential Programs

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers Preliminary Education Specialist credentials in three specialization areas: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, and Mild-Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs (combined program).

• Preliminary Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential (DHH) authorizes the provisions of services to individuals from birth to age 22 who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Preliminary Early Childhood Special Education Credential (ECSE) authorizes the provision of services to children birth through kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention, special education and/or related services.
• Preliminary Mild-Moderate Support Needs Credential (MMSN)* authorizes the provision of services to students with mild to moderate support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22
• Preliminary Extensive Support Needs Credential (ESN)* authorizes the provision of services to students with extensive support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, deafblind, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22.

*The Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs credentials are offered in a fully combined dual credential program focused on students with Mild, Moderate, and Extensive (MME) Support Needs.  Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible for both credentials.

Multiple Pathways to a Credential

Within specialization areas the Department offers multiple pathways to pursue a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential. Coursework in all pathways is scheduled late afternoon/evening or online.

• Traditional Program, a post BA degree program designed to be self-paced with flexible scheduling. (Available for DHH, ECSE, MME specializations)
• Intern Program, post BA degree two-year program designed for teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired in a cooperating school district. (Available for DHH, ECSE, MME specializations)
• Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Program (available for MME specialization only), a post BA degree full time two- semester program, with a residency option offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District (fall admission only).
• Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) (MME), undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two-year option as transfer students. Candidates earn their credential and a BA degree in Liberal Studies concurrently.
• Dual Single-Subject/Education Specialist Credential Program—A post BA program, the Dual program allows you to earn a general education Single-Subject and the Education-Specialist MMSN and ESN Credentials in two years.

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers the Teacher Induction Education Specialist Credential for candidates who hold a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential.

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers Added Authorizations to Special Education Credentials:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Resource Specialist