Special Education, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Special Education prepares candidates to be leaders in their respective positions. Candidates learn how to utilize research to foster change based upon best practices. A minimum of 36 semester units of coursework is required for a Master of Arts in Special Education. The Special Education Division offers two pathways for obtaining a master's degree.

Applicants currently pursuing a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential.
Applicants seeking a MA in Special Education only.

All candidates must receive advisement and an education plan from the Master of Arts in Special Education Program Director prior to admission to the program. Sixteen (16) core units must be completed along with a minimum of twenty elective units. Candidates may apply selected credential course work as elective units. Up to nine units may be transferred from another university.

Admissions Requirements

Official transcripts verifying bachelor's degree
Minimum GPA 3.0
Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.0
Three current reference forms
Education plan completed by the MA Program Director
All official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
Academic writing sample
Copy of valid certificate of clearance
Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)

Required Courses

Master of Arts Core (14 Units)

ED 779 - Values in School and Society 3 Units
EDRH 794 - Thesis Introduction and Literature Review 3 Units
EDRH 795 - Research Methods in Education 3 Units
EDRH 796 - Thesis Completion 1 unit
SPEC 603 - Theology of Disability 1 unit
SPEC 708 - Abstract, Critical and Technical Writing 2 Units
SPEC 796 - Leadership & Communication 1 unit

Elective Units

Applicants who have completed an FPU Preliminary Education Specialist Credential or are seeking a Master of Arts in Special Education only may select from the following course work to meet the twenty required elective units.

SPEC 601 - Foundations, Health and Observations 3 Units
SPEC 602 - Laws and Ethics in Special Education 3 Units
SPEC 605 - Positive Behavior Support 3 Units
SPEC 606 - Medical Implications 2 Units
SPEC 607 - Comparative Development 3 Units
SPEC 609 - Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities 3 Units
SPEC 610 - Transition: Mild/Moderate Disabilities 3 Units
SPEC 611 - Transition: Moderate/Severe and Early Childhood 3 Units
SPEC 612 - Curriculum and Technology for Mild Moderate 3 Units
SPEC 613 - Curriculum and Technology for Moderate/ Severe Disabilities 4 Units
SPEC 615 - Curriculum and Technology for Early Childhood Educators 3 Units
SPEC 620 - Early Childhood: Program Design and Development 3 Units