PROGRAM COURSEWORK:
Once on semesters in Fall 2026, the M.S. and Education Specialist Mild Moderate Credential Program will follow a cohort model and traditional, in-person schedule for the first year. The second year will focus on the Master's research methods and Research Project in addition to receiving targeted support for candidates employed in the field.
All candidates must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA in professional Education classes throughout the program.
Current Quarter Schedule - Valid for Summer 2024 & 2025
Summer Quarter
| EDUC 471 |
Issues and Trends in Special Education (3 units) |
| EDUC 451 |
Early Fieldwork Seminar in Special Education (3 units) |
Fall Quarter - Clinical Practice I
| EDUC 442 |
Elementary/Secondary Field Experience in General and Special Education (2 units) |
| EDUC 546 |
Reading and Language Arts Instruction in Special Ed (5 units) |
|
EDUC 586
|
Introduction to Inquiry in Education (4 units) |
| SPED 587 |
Educational Foundations and Current Issues (4 units) |
| SPED 588 |
Education, Culture, and Learning (4 units) |
Winter Quarter - Clinical Practice II
|
EDUC 550
|
Assessment Strategies for Special Ed (5 units)
|
|
SPED
545
|
Characteristics and Instruction of Pupils with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (5 units)
|
|
SPED 547
|
Science and Social Studies Methods for Students with Disabilities (4 units)
|
|
EDUC 447
|
Elementary/Secondary Field Experience in General and Special Education (4 units)
|
|
EDUC 532
|
Advanced Field Experiences in Education (3 units)
|
Spring Quarter - Clinical Practice III
| EDUC 449 |
Special Education Student Teaching (8 units) |
| EDUC 554 |
Behavior Disorders and Positive Behavior Support Strategies (5 units) |
| EDUC 552 |
Support and Transition Strategies in Special Education (5 units) |
| EDUC 532 |
Advanced Field Experiences in Education (3 units) |
| EDUC 571 |
Consultation and Collaboration (3 units) |
Upcoming Semester Schedule - Starting Fall 2026
Schedules are still being finalized and are subject to change prior to Summer 2026.
Year One: Fall Semester - Clinical Practice I
| SPED 4451 |
Introduction to Teaching Special Education (3 units) |
| SPED 5546 |
Reading, Language Arts, and Literacy-Based Social Studies Instruction in Special Education (3 units) |
| SPED 4420 |
Clinical Practice in Special Education I (4 units) |
|
SPED 5554
|
Positive Behavioral intervention and Supports (3 units) |
| SPED 5552 |
Individualized Education Programs I (3 units) |
Year One: Spring Semester - Clinical Practice II
| SPED 4490 |
Clinical Practice in Special Education II (8 units) |
| SPED 4552 |
Barriers & Accessibility for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 units) |
| SPED 5590 |
Evidence-Based Behavior Management (3 units) |
|
SPED 5548
|
STEM: Instructional Methods Instruction in Special Education (3 units) |
| SPED 5588 |
Individualized Education Programs II (3 units) |
Year Two: Fall Semester
| SPED 5586 |
Introduction to Research in Special Education (3 units) |
| SPED 5598 |
Special Education Research Project (6 units) |
Year Two: Spring Semester
| SPED 5589 |
Advanced Research Methods in Special Education (3 units) |
| SPED 5591 |
Advanced Teaching Seminar in Special Education (2 units) |
CREDENTIAL & MASTERS COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements for the Five-Year Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential by the completion of the program*
:
- Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree other than in professional education from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of Basic Skills Competency
- Completion of the Subject Matter Competency (CSET or Approved Subject Matter Program)
- Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
- Pass the Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA)
- Complete the SOE Exit Survey
- 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.
- Successful submission of a) the Formal Study Plan, b) Advancement to Candidacy Form, c) Request to Graduate Form
- Successful completion of coursework listed on the Formal Study Plan
- Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination requirement
- Successful completion of the Inquiry Project
ADDITIONAL COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
*Please refer to the Program Admission page for details regarding which requirements are due for admission purposes. This page is not to be used as an admission requirement resource.
