Candidates in this master's degree program work toward attaining leadership positions in public and private schools and agencies in the community that provide services for individuals with disabilities. The program is aimed at developing advanced skills and knowledge of current research in special education, and demonstration of the ability to engage in reflective inquiry. The program culminates with a thesis or comprehensive exam. The program does not result in a credential to teach students with disabilities. Candidates who want to teach individuals with disabilities should refer to the Education Specialist Credential Program section. Candidates who are in the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program may be eligible to apply to the master's degree program the semester prior to completing coursework. Please contact your program advisor.
Visit the program website for program details (www.ced.csulb.edu/academic/masters.cfm).
The following are required for admission to the program:
1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, to include 24 upper-division units in 4 areas of study:
2. Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units of coursework.
3. Special education teaching credential, or equivalent experience.
4. International applicants have additional university application requirements including meeting the English language proficiency requirement. Please visit The Center for International Education (CIE) website at www.csulb.edu/cie for more information.
Candidates must apply separately to both the university and the program by posted deadlines. Applications should be submitted at the same time.
The application for Graduate Admission to the University is available online through CSUMentor (www.csumentor.edu). One complete set of official transcripts must be submitted with the university application. This set of transcripts will be used to determine grade point average eligibility. Failure to submit transcripts in a timely manner will result in a delayed review of the application.
A separate application to the Special Education program must be submitted to the College of Education Graduate Studies Office (ED1-7). An application and directions can be downloaded at www.ced.csulb.edu/graduate/application-packets. The program application does not require a set of transcripts. Prospective candidates should attend an on-campus program orientation.
Successful applicants are admitted to the program with Conditional Admission status.
Students should advance to candidacy as early as possible. For advancement to candidacy (Clear Admission status), students must:
Students must complete a minimum of 30 units of upper-division and graduate courses with a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at this university. Degree requirements include the following courses:
1. Foundation Courses:
Take one of the following:
Take both of the following:
2. Required Specialization Courses:
3. One of the following advanced methods courses:
4. One of the following pathways with advisor consultation:
5. Take 3-6 units of electives with advisor consultation to reach the unit 30 unit requirement.
