Education: Special Education Specialization, M.A.

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The Master of Arts in Education provides advance preparation for educational professionals.

Special Education Specialization - 30 units

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 practice and policies for working with students with disabilities and their families.

Careers

The Master of Arts in Education with the Special Education Specialization prepares graduates for leadership positions in the field of 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.

Admission Requirements

Application — Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education.
One Set of Official Transcripts — One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CI Admissions office. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be accepted into the Master of Arts in Education Special Education Program.
Two Letters of Recommendation — Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional work.
Interview. Interview with the School of Education Admissions Committee.
Writing Sample — 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 and professional goals and the ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Prerequisites

An approved teaching credential and teaching experience.

Masters Core Courses - 9 units

EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society Units: 3
EDUC 615 - Principles of Educational Research Units: 3

Select either:

EDUC 616 - Masters Research Thesis/Project Units: 1-3 *
(Continuing registration required)
or
EDUC 618 - Comprehensive Examination Units: 1-3
or
EDUC 619 - Masters Project Units: 1-3

Note:

* (MA students in the Special Education Specialization must take 3 units of EDUC 616 or 3 units of EDUC 618 or 3 units of EDUC 619 .)

Required Courses for Master of Arts: Special Education - 18 units

SPED 541 - Foundations of Special Education Units: 3
SPED 542 - Managing Learning Environments Units: 3
SPED 641 - Advanced Perspectives in Special Education Units: 3
SPED 643 - Advanced Assessment and Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners Units: 3
SPED 690 - Advanced Topics: Special Education Units: 3
EDUC 617 - Action Research Units: 3

Electives - 3 units

In addition choose one course from the following list:

EDCI 610 - Research on Teaching Units: 3
SPED 655 - Historical and Contemporary Portraits of Disabilities and Special Education Units: 3
EDUC 431 - Education Policy and Politics (Cross-listed as POLS 431) Units: 3
EDUC 661 - Advanced Teaching with Technology Units: 3
EDPL 610 - Foundations of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Units: 3
EDPL 620 - Instructional Leadership of the Collaborative Inclusive School Units: 3
EDPL 621 - Law and School Management Units: 3
EDPL 622 - School Finance and Principles of Applied Leadership Units: 3
EDPL 623 - Understanding and Influencing Organizations in Diverse Communities Units: 3
EDPL 624 - Human Resource Management in Education Settings Units: 3
EDPL 625 - Building Collaborative, Inclusive Learning Communities Units: 3
SOC 418 - Sociology of Education Units: 3
MATH 511 - Functional Analysis Units: 3
MATH 513 - Advanced Algebra Units: 3
MATH 565 - Research in Mathematics Education Units: 3
MATH 590 - Graduate Topics in Mathematics Units: 3

Note:

Program Maintenance Requirements: Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better with no course grades lower than a C+. The progress of students in meeting this requirement and in progressing toward completion in a timely manner will be monitored at the conclusion of each term.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency for the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society , with a grade of B or higher.