How to Apply to the Special Education Program

 

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Complete the SPED Program Application in its entirety ensuring all requirements are fulfilled, all required signatures are present, and necessary attachments are gathered. Download the application and save it to your computer before completing it.

2. Submit a graduate application to Cal Poly online via Cal State Apply by the deadline (or preferably before) to be considered for the Integrated M.S. in Special Education / Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Credential Program (MS/SPED). Visit the Cal State Apply Help Center for more information. Please note there is a $70 application fee for Cal State Apply. 
3. Upload the following requirements with the Cal State Apply application:
   1. SPED Program Application and necessary attachments as “Supplemental Materials.”
   2. CV/Resume
   3. Letter of introduction/personal statement - A brief letter of introduction expressing your interest in applying to the MA/SPED. Please include your contact information at the conclusion of this letter.
   4. Issuance of Certificate of Clearance
   5. Evidence of Subject Matter Competency - Registration for the Multiple Subject CSET examination (all three subtests); if you have passed one or more subtests, please submit a copy of the results! See the Program Prerequisites page for more details on fulfilling this requirement. 
   6. Evidence of passing Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) See the Program Prerequisites page for more details on fulfilling this requirement. 
   7. Name and email of 3 individuals to submit a letter of recommendation
4. Send official transcripts to the Cal Poly Admissions Office directly from the degree-granting institution by the Cal State Apply deadline.​​​​​​
   • All applicants must be in possession of a bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited institution at the time they begin the program.
   • Instructions on how to submit your official transcripts
   • Cal Poly bachelor's degree holders do not need to provide these transcripts
   • Transcripts verifying Community College and/or Graduate-level coursework should also be sent to Cal Poly Admissions

Please Note: The Special Education Credential Program only starts once per year in the summer term. All applicants must submit a Summer term application by the deadline and have their bachelor’s degree conferred prior to the program starting in July.

Credential Application Office hours
These office hours will be held on Zoom and are open to anyone who would like support with credential applications. Pop in and ask your questions without having to schedule an appointment.
Thursdays in March (6, 13, 20, & 27) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Zoom Link to Join

Cal State Apply Q&A Sessions

These sessions are designed for those with in-progress Cal State Apply applications for the upcoming application cycle. This session will not cover general program info but is only offered for current applicants ready to hit submit on their application.    Special Education Summer 2025 - Application deadline is April 1, 2025 Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - 12:00 am - 1:00 PM- Register for Virtual Session