The Special Education Teacher Preparation Certificate is designed for students interested in becoming special educators, specifically students interested in working with students with disabilities in diverse classroom settings. The certificate is designed to provide students with the opportunity for job training while obtaining their teaching credential as part of their undergraduate degree, thus lowering the cost and time needed before entering the classroom as a career. The courses in the Certificate focus on pedagogy and knowledge students need to work with students with disabilities and to prepare them to become Special Education teachers as well as the courses required by the CTC for the issuance of a credential. Due to this, the courses included in the certificate represent the exact course requirements, as outlined by the state of California, that focus on pedagogy and inclusive education, to ensure students are prepared to meet the diverse needs of K-12 students with special needs.The certificate only consists of coursework. Eligibility for the preliminary credential requires successful completion of all Teacher Education testing requirements (see requirements for Special Education Credential in the catalog) and a minimum of 600 hours of fieldwork hours across the arc of the program.
If accepted to the Special Education Teacher Preparation Certificate, students can take up to 15 graduate-level credits from the MA in Teaching Program.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the Certificate is competitive and requires:
- Minimum of 30 credits earned at Chapman University at the bachelor level prior to application to the program (sophomore standing)
- Major in Liberal Studies in Attallah College of Educational Studies
- Minimum Chapman grade point average of 3.00
- Dispositional screening
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