Special Education Program Coursework & Credential Requirements

PROGRAM COURSEWORK:

Candidates typically complete their M.S. and Education Specialist Mild Moderate Credential Program coursework and student teaching experiences within four quarters of full-time enrollment.

The study plan listed below shows one possible schedule, where full-time enrollment can lead to the completion of the credential program within four quarters.

All candidates must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA in professional Education classes throughout the program. 

CREDENTIAL & MASTERS REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements for the Five-Year Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential:

1. Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree other than in professional education from a regionally accredited institution
2. Completion of Basic Skills Competency
3. Completion of the Subject Matter Competency (CSET or Approved Subject Matter Program)
4. Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
5. Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States
   • POLS 112 - American & California Government, equivalent or U.S. Constitution exam offered by Cuesta College or exam offered online. Applicants who earned their bachelor's degrees at a CSU Campus will have met this requirement by virtue of their degree
6. Complete Special Education Teacher Education Preparation Program coursework and Clinical Practice
   • Meet the state requirements for technology competency (requirement will be met by program completion)
   • Meet the state requirements for Health Education by completing one of the following options:
     • HLTH 443 Health Education for Teachers (or approved transfer equivalent);
     • KINE 250 Healthy Living (or approved transfer equivalent)
   • CPR Certification - Must include all three: adult, child, and infant training, follow the American Heart Association or American Red Cross guidelines, and be valid at the time of credential recommendation.
7. Pass the Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA)
8. Complete the SOE Exit Survey
9. Submit a Credential Request Application to the School of Education

 

M.A. REQUIREMENTS

The following M.A. requirements must be met to earn the M. A. in Education. You will complete these requirements during the program.

1. Successful submission of a) the Formal Study Plan, b) Advancement to Candidacy Form, c) Request to Graduate Form
2. Successful completion of coursework listed on the Formal Study Plan
3. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination requirement
4. Successful completion of the Inquiry Project

 

ADDITIONAL COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Evidence of completion of the speaking and writing competencies requirement 

   • Speech Requirement: Completion of a Personal Aptitude Interview will fulfill this requirement. 

   • Writing Requirement: If you are a CSU or UC graduate, you automatically fulfill this requirement. Private or out-of-state university graduates can contact the Writing & Learning Center for evaluation.