Special Education, MA
Social Sciences and Education (sse)
Department of Teacher Education
Office: Education Building, 238
Phone: (661) 654-3055
Email: rotawka@csub.edu
Master of Arts Degree in Special Education
The Special Education Master of Arts (MA) Program offers coursework and services 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.
Admission Requirement
- 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 in the SSE Credential Office. 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 SSE Graduate Studies Evaluator (Julia Bavier, 661-654-3193 in Bakersfield and Jennifer St. George, 661-952-5083, Antelope Valley) 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.
| 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 | ||
| Teaching Students with Autism | ||
| Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families | ||
| Assessment and Intervention/Instructional Strategies: Birth through Pre-Kindergarten | ||
| Phase III: Culminating Activity | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Master's Project Special Education | ||
| Master's Exam in Special Education | ||
| Master's Thesis in Special Education | ||
| Total Units | 35 | |