Special Education Masters

The Master of Arts Degree in Special Education builds upon the competencies developed in the Preliminary Education Specialist and Teacher Induction Education Specialist Credential Programs*. This degree is designed to prepare graduates for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community, and within the overall profession of Special Education. Toward this end, faculty facilitate the development of student competencies in reflective dialogue, presentation, and written avenues of expression.

The Preliminary Education Specialist credential programs address beginning child and family-focused competencies for the educator of children with special needs. The Teacher Induction Education Specialist Credential Programs address more advanced child, school and community-focused competencies.

For International Applicants: please contact our graduate coordinator: Dr. Zhen Chai (zhen.chai@csun.edu) before you submit your application.

Requirements for Admission to the Program (Conditionally Classified Status)

• Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited university or college.
• Good standing at the last university attended.
• A minimum of a 2.5 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted.
• Admission to the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential program.

Students may petition the Graduate Committee for an exception for admission to the Education Specialist program, for details see catalog.

Requirements for Admission to the Program (Classified Status)

• Successful completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam with a score of 8 or higher.
• A 3.0 GPA for all work taken as a conditionally classified student.
• Approval of a plan of study by the student's advisor.

Other Requirements

• A minimum of 30 units, including a culminating experience, is required for completion of the Master of Arts degree.
• No more than 12 units of credit may be applied to a Master of Arts Degree program until classified status is attained.
• Courses more than seven years old will not be included in the total of 30 units required for the M.A. Degree. Students should see an advisor prior to selecting classes.
• Students in the DHH MA Program must pass the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) at required level.
• A 3.0 grade point average or higher in all work undertaken since admission to the program to be advanced to candidacy (approval to proceed to a thesis or comprehensive examination course).