Master of Arts Degree in Education, Concentration in Special Education

AS OF SPRING 2007 ALL MA CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE & PASS A WRITING ASSESSMENT. PLEASE SEE ORIENTATION PAGE FOR DATE AND TIME.

The Department of Special Education offers a Master of Arts Degree in Education with emphasis in Special Education. This program is a 30 unit program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in Special Education through a core curriculum and elective coursework in areas of specialization: deaf education, early childhood, mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities, or a combination of these areas. The program of study for a Master's degree is designed to offer a combination of core curriculum, elective coursework, and methodology courses in Special Education research.

The State of California does not allow a person to teach in a public school with a Master Degree. You must complete a credential program in an area that you are interested in teaching in order to work in the public school setting. Students are encouraged to complete the MA degree after completing their credential work. Please view the Information Materials and Application for Master of Arts Degree application packet, or the Master of Arts Degree Program in Education Handbook at the bottom of this page, or on the Forms page for further information and requirements regarding the MA option.

If you are interested in working toward a Master of Arts degree as you advance in your professional development from Level I to Level II, please do the following:

1. Discuss it with your advisor
2. Download the MA Handbook
3. Notify Graduate Studies that you want the MA to be an added emphasis
4. Complete a Candidacy Form with your advisor
5. Take to the Department Office (SH 204)
6. Follow the deadlines published by Graduate Studies
7. Maintain all course grades at B or better
8. Steps to Graduate

Professional Preparation Requirements

	Information Materials and Application for the Master of Arts in Education
	Master's Handbook
	Recommendation/Reference Form for MA

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

• Must have completed a four-year college course of study and hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited institution and program (by a regional accrediting association), or shall have completed the equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities.
• Must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, or be in good standing at the last college or university attended.
• Must apply to the Department of Special Education.
• Must interview with the Program Coordinator or Graduate Advisor of the concentration of interest.
• Must apply ONLINE to Graduate Studies.International students should contact Graduate Studies for information regarding the TOEFL and deadlines for application and submission of documents international transcripts.
• Must submit three (3) forms of recommendation/reference attesting to your ability to complete a graduate level program.If you are in a credential preparation program and have submitted letters already, you will need to submit two (2) forms that speak of you as a candidate for a Master Degree option.
• Must submit an essay that includes a statement of education and professional goals.