Master of Arts Degree in Special Education

The Special Education Master of Arts (MA) Program offers coursework in the areas of Mild to Moderate (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN). This MA degree is individually designed to reflect the student’s interests. Technological applications and multicultural considerations are emphasized in all programs.

• University Admission application
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate work attempted;
• Reference forms: Three completed reference forms from those who know you and your potential for a career in special education. Forms are provided in the application packet.
• Autobiography: Typed two- to three-page description of your characteristics, interests, and motivation to become a special education teacher or earn a MA degree in special education.
• Mandatory Reporter Training certificate: Complete a Child Abuse Mandated Reported Training. http://mandatedreporterca.com/.
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Certificate of Clearance
• Completion of Program Application forms
• Successful completion of an in-person interview.

For more details on admission requirements, please check the program website
(https://www.csub.edu/specialed/sped_forms/index.html )

Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all required courses attempted after entry in the program. Candidates whose GPA falls below 3.0 will either be put on probation for one term or be dismissed from the program.

A candidate seeking a MA degree must form her/his Culminating Activity Committee at least one semester in advance of completing the MA Culminating Activity. This involves completing the Culminating Activity-Approval for Registration form and obtaining the signatures of faculty who have agreed to serve on the candidate’s committee. The MA degree candidate must also complete the Advancement to Candidacy form.  Both forms are available from the Admissions and Graduation Advisor. Note: Submission of the Graduation Application and associated fee must occur one semester prior to the culminating activity.

Candidates planning to do research with human subjects must receive an approval of their research proposals from the CSUB Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects prior to starting their research. Candidates are expected to work with their committee chair to fulfill this requirement.

Any final degree program may not contain units that are over seven (7) years old at the time that the degree is to be awarded.

Application for Graduation

The student should file an “Application for Graduation” in accordance with the Deadlines outlined by the Office of the Registrar. Please visit the Registrar’s website on Graduation  for Application for Graduation Forms and specific Deadlines. (Please note that Deadlines for submission of Applications for Graduation vary depending on which semester you intend to graduate, and it is the student’s responsibility to adhere to these Deadlines).

The student should work closely with the Admissions and Graduation Advisors on the Antelope Valley and Bakersfield campuses to assure that the file is complete and accurate. Any deviation from the original Program of Study filed at the beginning of the MA program must be explained and approved by the program director.

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Prerequisite
EDRS 4600	Educational Statistics	4
Phase I: Foundation and Basic Understanding
EDSP 5610	Characteristics and Needs of Students with Mild to Extensive Support Needs	3
EDSP 5620	Collaboration and Transition in Special Education	3
Phase II: Skill Development
EDSP 5630	Assessment of Students with Mild to Extensive Support Needs	3
EDSP 5640	Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support	3
EDSP 5650	Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Mild/Moderate Support Needs	3
or EDSP 5660	Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs
EDSP 6200	Research in Special Education	4
Electives
Select three electives		9
Recommended
EDSP 6100	Teaching Students with Autism
EDSP 5710	Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families
EDSP 5720	Assessment and Intervention/Instructional Strategies: Birth through Pre-Kindergarten
Phase III: Culminating Activity
Select one of the following:		3
EDSP 6810	Master's Project Special Education
EDSP 6820	Master's Exam in Special Education
EDSP 6830	Master's Thesis in Special Education
Total Units		35