Special Education, M.A., with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential

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Admission to the program and prerequisites

Admission to the program may be achieved by completion of the following requirements:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Have achieved the required admission grade point average as specified in the admission section. Applicants with a grade point average between 2.75 and 3.00 are required to submit passing scores from one of the following standard admission tests:

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Achieve a passing score.

Transfer of coursework

Up to six credits may be transferred into the program. Requests for transfer are submitted on a petition to transfer graduate degree coursework. Requests must meet transfer policies specified in the academic policies and procedures section and must be approved by the program coordinator and the dean of the Attallah College of Educational Studies.

Demonstration of mastery

Comprehensive examination
Students must be advanced to candidacy, have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 and have completed all core courses, 35 credits, to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to take the comprehensive examination. The student must pass a written comprehensive examination that covers all of the required coursework. The examination may be attempted upon completion of the program core courses. A maximum of two attempts are allowed. (See Academic Policies and Procedures for additional guidelines.)

Requirements for Master of Arts in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential degree

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
Complete Demonstration of mastery.

The following courses make up the M.A. in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential curriculum:

educational core (38 credits)

EDUC 471 - Educating Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms 3 credits
OR
EDUC 571 - Educating Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms 3 credits
EDUC 500 - Literacy and Learning: Teaching of Reading 4 credits
EDUC 544 - Legal Aspects of Special Education 3 credits
EDUC 548 - Mental Health and Wellness 1 credit
EDUC 558 - Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities 3 credits
EDUC 559 - Advanced Behavioral and Communication Supports for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities 3 credits
EDUC 564 - English Language Acquisition and Issues of Diversity for Special Education Teachers 3 credits
EDUC 566 - Creating Positive Systems of Supports through Assessment 3 credits
EDUC 587 - Education Specialist Fieldwork I 1 credit
EDUC 588 - Education Specialist Fieldwork II 2 credits
EDUC 591 - Student Teaching: Moderate/Severe I 3 credits *
EDUC 593 - Student Teaching: Moderate/Severe II 3 credits *
EDUC 654 - Introduction to Educational Research 3 credits
EDUC 667 - Assistive Technology and Instructional Supports for Students with Disabilities 3 credits

one of the following (3 credits)

With advisor’s consent other Attallah College of Educational Studies master level courses may count as electives.

EDUC 599 - Individual Study 1-3 credits
EDUC 638 - Advanced Strategies Mild/Moderate 3 credits
CSP 639 - Advanced Positive Behavioral Supports 3 credits
EDUC 660 - Advanced Strategies Moderate/Severe 3 credits
EDUC 693 - Strategies and Supports for the 21st Century Inclusive Classroom 3 credits

total credits 41

*EDUC 591 and EDUC 593 will be waived for those students who hold a current credential in special education or those who are in the master’s only program.