Preliminary Credential for Candidates Who Do Not Possess A California Teaching Credential

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The preliminary program is designed to provide theory and practice in both general education and special education.

Admissions Requirements

Three current reference forms
Educational plan
All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
CBEST results
CSET/multiple subject exam results
- One subset passed for admission (Does not apply to ECSE candidates)
- Second subset should be passed by the beginning of the second semester
- All subtests passed by the beginning of the third semester
- Not required for early childhood special education candidates
Copy of valid Certificate of Clearance
Addendum to Graduate Application: Education Specialist Credential Program
Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.0
Technology recommendation: In order to prepare future teachers to effectively use technology, students are highly encouraged to have access to a laptop for all coursework and class meetings.

Required Courses

Select one credential:

Early Childhood Special Education Credential (Minimum of 40 Units)

EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits: 4
EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits: 3
SPEC 600 - Education Specialist Seminars Credits: 3
SPEC 601 - Foundations, Health and Observations Credits: 3
SPEC 602 - Laws and Ethics in Special Education Credits: 3
SPEC 603 - Theology of Disability Credits: 1
SPEC 605 - Positive Behavior Support Credits: 3
SPEC 606 - Medical Implications Credits: 2
SPEC 607 - Comparative Development 3 Units
SPEC 609 - Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities Credits: 3
SPEC 611 - Transition: Moderate/Severe and Early Childhood Credits: 3
SPEC 615 - Curriculum and Technology for Early Childhood Educators Credits: 3
SPEC 620 - Early Childhood: Program Design and Development Credits: 3
SPEC 681 - Directed Initial Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2 or
SPEC 691 - Initial Intern Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2
SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4 or
SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4
SPEC 689 - Independent Teaching Support Credits: 2 *
SPEC 690 - Intern Support Credits: 2 **

Note:

*Students who are employed in a teaching position on a contract other than an intern contract must enroll in SPEC 689 each term they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program.

**Students who are school district interns are required to enroll in the Intern Support course each term that they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program and are working as an intern.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities Credential (31 Units)

EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits: 4
EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits: 3
EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits: 3
SPEC 600 - Education Specialist Seminars Credits: 3
SPEC 601 - Foundations, Health and Observations Credits: 3
SPEC 602 - Laws and Ethics in Special Education Credits: 3
SPEC 603 - Theology of Disability Credits: 1
SPEC 605 - Positive Behavior Support Credits: 3
SPEC 606 - Medical Implications Credits: 2
SPEC 607 - Comparative Development 3 Units
SPEC 609 - Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities Credits: 3
SPEC 610 - Transition: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Credits: 3
SPEC 612 - Curriculum and Technology for Mild Moderate Credits: 3
SPEC 681 - Directed Initial Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2 or
SPEC 691 - Initial Intern Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2
SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4 or
SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4
SPEC 689 - Independent Teaching Support Credits: 2 *
SPEC 690 - Intern Support Credits: 2 **

Note:

*Students who are employed in a teaching position on a contract other than an intern contract must enroll in SPEC 689 each term they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program.

**Students who are school district interns are required to enroll in the Intern Support course each term that they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program and are working as an intern

Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential (32 Units)

EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits: 4
EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits: 3
EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits: 3
SPEC 600 - Education Specialist Seminars Credits: 3
SPEC 601 - Foundations, Health and Observations Credits: 3
SPEC 602 - Laws and Ethics in Special Education Credits: 3
SPEC 603 - Theology of Disability Credits: 1
SPEC 605 - Positive Behavior Support Credits: 3
SPEC 606 - Medical Implications Credits: 2
SPEC 607 - Comparative Development 3 Units
SPEC 609 - Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities Credits: 3
SPEC 611 - Transition: Moderate/Severe and Early Childhood Credits: 3
SPEC 613 - Curriculum and Technology for Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credits: 3
SPEC 681 - Directed Initial Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2 or
SPEC 691 - Initial Intern Practicum and Seminar Credits: 2
SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4 or
SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits: 4
SPEC 689 - Independent Teaching Support Credits: 2 *
SPEC 690 - Intern Support Credits: 2 **

Note:

*Students who are employed in a teaching position on a contract other than an intern contract must enroll in SPEC 689 each term they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program.

**Students who are school district interns are required to enroll in the Intern Support course each term that they are enrolled in the FPU preliminary credential program and are working as an intern.