Welcome to the Education Specialist Credential Program (ESCP)
at Cal State University Long Beach
New Program Beginning Fall 2022
Starting Fall 2022 the NEW Education Specialist Credential Program will be launching. Candidates admitted to the program prior to Fall 2022 have until May 2025 to finish their current program. Candidates admitted Spring 2022 and prior click here to review program requirements.
Beginning in Fall 2022 the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program (ESCP) at CSULB prepares candidates to teach individuals in the areas of Mild/Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and/or Extensive Support Needs (ESN). Completion of the program lead to issuance of the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
MMSN: The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students’ access to the academic curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to students with mild to moderate support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.
ESN: The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Extensive Support Needs authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students’ access to the academic curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to students with extensive support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, deafblind, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.
Other special education programs in the CSULB College of Education
ESCP assists candidates in becoming:
- Effective and caring teachers;
- Partners with parents & others in the development of high quality educational programs;
- Life-long learners engaged in program development reflective of best practices in special education.
The program themes emphasize current issues of importance to the field of special education. These themes are addressed across our curriculum and are as follows:
- Individualized Education
- Collaboration
- Cultural Responsiveness and Sustaining Practices
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Advocacy and Leadership
Definition of Mild to Moderate Support Needs:
Mild to Moderate Support Needs includes providing specially designed instruction to access grade level California Content Standards in the Least Restrictive Environment. The education specialist provides instruction and supports in one or more of the following domains: academics, communication, gross/fine motor, social-emotional, behavioral, vocational, and learning environment access skills. The supports may also include health, movement and sensory support. Mild to Moderate Support Needs practices may include lower student to educator ratio.
Definition of Extensive Support Needs:
Extensive Support Needs include providing specially designed instruction to access grade level California Content Standards in the Least Restrictive Environment. The education specialist provides intensive instruction and supports in two or more of the following domains: academics, communication, gross/fine motor, social-emotional, behavioral, vocational and adaptive/daily living skills. The supports also often include health, movement and sensory support. Extensive Support Needs practices include lower student to educator ratio.
The CSULB Education Specialist Credential Program offers the following pathways leading to the California Preliminary Mild/Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and/or Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Education Specialist Credential:
Post-Bac Traditional Pathway
Students entering the Post-Bac Traditional Pathway have either received a Bachelor's Degree or will graduate prior to the end of their Credential Program (including CSULB Liberal Studies BA only majors).
ESCP Post-Bac Intern Pathway
The ESCP Post-Bac Intern Pathway is for students that already hold a bachelors degree that have been admitted to the credential program at CSULB, met all intern eligibility requirements (including faculty approval) and have been offered a full-time position as teacher of record in a school or district which has an Intern Agreement with CSULB.
Undergraduate Liberal Studies Pathway (ITEP Program)
Students in the Undergraduate Liberal Studies Pathway are Juniors or Seniors who have declared the Liberal Studies ITEP major at CSULB.
Got Questions?
The Teacher Preparation Advising Center (TPAC) at CSULB provides advising to all prospective and current credential students. See the advising schedule list below for more information on how to speak with an advisor. We also offer monthly information sessions where an advisor goes over the program in detail and answers any questions that prospective students have. We suggest that prospective students begin by attending an Information Session first and then reach out to TPAC with any questions or one on one assistance you may need after that.
Spring 2023 TPAC Advising Hours
TPAC Offers Advising In-Person, via Zoom and by Appointments.
In-Person Advising - Just Drop by EED-67 to speak with an advisor during the In-Person Advising hours specified below. No Appointment Necessary.
Zoom Drop-In Advising - Join us during the Zoom Drop-In Hours listed below by clicking here or use
Meeting ID: 899 6719 3822
Passcode: 691082
One tap mobile+1-669-900-6833
By Appointment - Candidates that wish to make an appointment with a Credential Advisor may do so by calling 562-985-1105 or join us for Zoom Drop-in Advising and request to make an appointment with a Credential Advisor. Candidates that wish to make an appointment with a Liberal Studies Advisor must do so online through Beach Connect.
Spring 2023 Advising Hours
Mondays - Zoom Drop-In Advising 9am-11am
In-Person Advising 2pm-4pm
*In-Person Advising will not be available on 3/13 from 2-3pm.
Tuesdays - Zoom Drop-In Advising 9am-11am
In-Person Advising 2pm-4pm
*In-Person Advising will not be available on 3/7 &3/21 from 2-3pm.
Wednesdays - In-Person Advising 9am-11am
Zoom Drop-In Advising 2pm-4pm
*Zoom Advising will not be available on 3/15 from 2-3pm.
Thursdays - In-Person Advising 9am-11am
Zoom Drop-In Advising 2pm-4pm
Fridays - Zoom Drop-In Advising 9am-11am
By Appointment - 1pm-3pm
Campus Closure Days:
- Friday March 31, 2023 (Cesar Chavez Day)
- Monday May 29, 2023 (Memorial Day)
For additional information related to professional licensure and certification related to this program, please see the Credential Center.
