Masters of Arts in Education

Special Education Specialization

The Special Education specialization prepares teachers and professionals for leadership roles in the field of special education and disabilities. Completion of this degree prepares graduates to further expand their knowledge of individuals with disabilities of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It equips practitioners with the knowledge of best practices and polices for working with students with disabilities.

Careers

The Masters of Arts in Education with the Special Education specialization prepares graduates for leadership positions in the field special education and disabilities. These leaders can develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies for individuals with disabilities; mentor special education teachers and allied professionals; conduct professional development and research; serve on policy committees; and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Admissions Requirements

1. Application to the university Admissions Office.
2. One Set of Official Transcripts: One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CSU Channel Islands Admissions Office. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be accepted into the Masters of Arts in Education Special Education Program.
3. Application to the Education Credential Office.
4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional work.
5. Interview with Education Program Admissions Committee.
6. A written statement of purpose (500-600 word essay) describing why the candidate desires to obtain a Master of Education in Special Education. This essay will include reflection on personal professional goals and ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Prerequisites

An approved teaching credential and teaching experience

Special Education Specialization Program of Study

Masters Core Courses (7 units)
EDUC 605 Education in Diverse Society (3)
EDUC 615 Principles of Educational Research (3)
EDUC 616 Masters Research Thesis/Project (1)
or
EDUC 618 Comprehensive Examinations (1)

Required Courses for Specialization in Special Education (18 units)
SPED 641 Advanced Perspectives in Special Education (3)
SPED 642 Advanced Behavior and Environmental Supports (3)
SPED 643 Advanced Assessment and Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners (3)
SPED 646 Advanced Collaborative Partnerships and effective communication in school settings (3)
SPED 690 Advanced topics in Special education (3)
EDUC 617 Action research (3)

Electives (6 Units)

In addition choose 6 units from the following list

EDCI 602 Issues in secondary education (3)
EDCI 610 Research on teaching (3)
SPED 655 Historical and contemporary portraits of disabilities and special education (3)
EDUC/POLS 431 Education policy and politics (3)
EDUC 661 Advanced teaching with technology (3)
EDPL 610 Foundations of curriculum, instruction and assessment (3)
EDPL 620 Instructional leadership of the collaborative inclusive school (3)
EDPL 621 Law and school management (3)
EDPL 622 School finance and principles of applied leadership (3)
EDPL 623 Understanding and influencing organizations in diverse communities (3)
EDPL 624 Human resource management in education settings (3)
EDPL 625 Building collaborative, inclusive learning communities (3)

CSUCI Schedules and Catalogs