The Special Education Intern Program

Interested in Learning to Teach While On-the-Job?

The California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Special Education Intern Program provides an opportunity to complete a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential while on-the-job.  The program, offered in collaboration with local school districts and other local educational agencies (LEAs), is comprised of credential coursework, fieldwork and seminars that prepare teachers to work effectively with students with special needs.  Courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening with the program typically completed in two years.  Teachers earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education or Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Each program is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Learn More about Requirements in Each Credential Area:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals ages birth to 22.

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), serving children birth to pre-kindergarten with mild, moderate, severe, or multiple disabilities and their families.

• Mild/Moderate Disabilities (MM), serving K-12 students with specific learning disabilities, mild to moderate cognitive disabilities and other health impairments, autism, and emotional disturbance. 

• Moderate/Severe Disabilities (MS), serving K-12 students with severe autism, multiple impairments, moderate to severe cognitive disabilities, deaf-blindness and emotional disturbance.