You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Counseling
and Special Education

Credential Program Requirements

The Department of Counseling and Special Education offers postbaccalaureate programs leading to credentials in the fields of counseling and special education. Credential programs include: Counseling: Pupil Personnel Services Credential; Special Education: Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/ Severe Disabilities (including Special Education Internship Program) and the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities.



Application Deadlines

University Admission. University deadlines for graduate admission applications normally are set during the semester prior to anticipated program enrollment. (Deadlines occur during April or May for fall enrollment and October or November for spring enrollment.) The university may extend admission deadlines if anticipated enrollment targets are not met. For specific deadlines, applicants need to check with the Admissions Office, Joyal Administration Public Contact Window, or call 278-2261.

SOEHD Admission. All SOEHD admission materials required for full admission (Classified Standing) are to be submitted to the graduate technician in the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100, no later than 30 days following the deadline for university admission. Students submitting all application material within these timelines will receive priority consideration for admission. For SOEHD admission deadlines, contact the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100, or call (559) 278-0300.

Counseling

Pupil Personnel Services Credential -- School Counseling. The Pupil Personnel Services Credential is required to function as a counselor in a public school setting, grades K-12.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation. In addition, include:
    a. evidence of having passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
    b. a current medical clearance
    c. a valid Certificate of Clearance to participate in public school field placement activities
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) or equivalent.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and the review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Program Requirements. Candidates for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential who have been approved by the Program Faculty Review Committee for admission to the program and who want to be recommended for the credential must meet the following program requirements:

  1. Complete COUN 150, 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 208, 220, 240, 241, 242, 249A, 249B.
  2. Complete practicum and field practice with a grade of B or better.
  3. Pass the competency exit review.

Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the Program Faculty Review Committee and they have been admitted to the credential program.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential -- School Psychology. See Psychology Department.


Special Education

New state regulations have significantly changed the credentialing process for special education teachers. It is no longer necessary to first obtain a Single Subject or Multiple Subjects teaching credential before entering the field of special education. Under the new regulations, one must obtain the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities and within five years receive the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential.

Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Programs. The Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential has two areas of specialization: Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. These areas of professional emphasis distinguish the student population with which the candidate seeks to pursue a special education career.

  1. Mild/Moderate Disabilities. This credential authorizes the provision of services to individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, in grades K through 12, including adults, who may be inefficient learners experiencing difficulties imposing structure on learning tasks. They may display delays in intellectual development, specific learning disabilities, and/or serious emotional disturbances. Frequently their behavior is characterized by underachievement, failure expectancy, and lack of social competence.
    They may be impulsive, distractible, and inattentive. This credential is available through the Basic Program, the Internship Program, and the Dual Certification Program (description follows).
  2. Moderate/Severe Disabilities. This credential authorizes the provision of services to individuals with moderate to severe disabilities in grades K through 12, including adults, with disabilities that require specialized support to address unique learning needs resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory, and/or motor impairments. This credential is available through the Basic Program, the Internship Program, and the Dual Certification Program (description follows).

Program Delivery Systems. Students may pursue their credential goals through the Basic Program, the Internship Program, or the Dual Certification Program. A program is also available for those seeking authorization to teach the deaf and hard-of-hearing:

  1. Basic Program. The basic program is designed for students seeking the credential as a full- or part-time student. They may be working as a credentialed general education teacher or be teaching with an emergency special education credential.
  2. Internship Program. The Internship Program is available to students after they complete a minimum of 15 units of specified prerequisites, acquire employment in an appropriate educational setting, and attain admission to the Internship Program. Interns may serve as special education teachers at a salary rate slightly reduced from that of fully credentialed teachers while completing the required coursework and other internship activities specifically designed to support their special professional needs.
  3. Dual Certification Program. This program, known as the TIES Program (Teachers in Inclusive Educational Settings), leads to the Multiple Subjects Credential and the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities, and is designed to prepare preservice multiple subjects and special education teachers to work cooperatively in serving the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Field work participation is extensive. Special advising is required.
  4. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. This credential authorizes the provision of services to individuals from birth to age 22 who have hearing impairments that impair the processing of information through hearing and that adversely affect education performance. Processing linguistic information includes speech and language reception and speech and language discrimination. Contact the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders for advising.

Applicants who already possess a Multiple Subjects or Single Subject Credential will find the application process to be somewhat streamlined. Holders of one of these Basic Teaching Credentials may be exempted from items 2, 7, 9, and 10 of the Admission Requirements below. Please see an adviser for further clarification.

__________

Note: In prior years, the attainment of a Special Education Credential roughly paralleled the requirements for obtaining the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education. This is no longer the case for those seeking the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/ Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities through the Basic Program, the Internship Program, or the Dual Certification Program. Level I programs do not lead to the master's degree.

Admission Requirements. Candidates applying for the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Programs in Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities, the Internship Program, or the Dual Certification program are expected to meet the following admission requirements:

  1. Attendance at an orientation session.
  2. Verification of pre-program field experience in a classroom setting. This requirement is met by providing evidence that the candidate has completed EHD 50 (Introduction to Teaching) or another appropriate field experience.
    b. Complete an approved subject matter preparation program or pass the appropriate subject matter examinations, (information on these tests is available in the School of Education and Human Development Teacher Preparation and Services Center in ED 100), and receive authorization from the academic area adviser that subject matter competence has been met.
  3. Completion of Application for Admission to the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Program in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities, or the Internship Program.
  4. Verification of university admission.
  5. Provision of a complete set of transcripts of all previous colleges and universities attended.
  6. Completion of an admission interview to assess your appropriateness for the program and the field.
  7. Verification of Medical Clearance.
  8. Provision of three letters of recommendation.
  9. Completion of Application for Character and Identification Clearance.
  10. Prior to admission to Special Education Practicum, students must demonstrate subject matter competence by completing either a or b:
    a. Complete an approved Multiple Subject Equivalency Program or pass the Praxis Series Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT) test for Content Knowledge and Area Exercises 1 and 2, and receive clearance from the program faculty that subject matter competency has been met by completing the Multiple Subjects Subject Matter Clearance form signed by the liberal studies adviser in ED 151.
  11. Prior to being recommended for the credential, students must provide verification of passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
  12. Prior to being recommended for the credential, students must verify possession of a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Program Requirements. Candidates for the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Programs in Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities, the Internship Program, or the Dual Certification (TIES) Program who have been admitted to the program and who want to be recommended for authorization must meet the following requirements:

Prerequisites to all programs (5 units)
EHD 50, SPED 120

Basic Program

Courses common to all areas of emphasis (12 units)
SPED 125, 135, 145, 155

Area of Emphasis (12-14 units)

  1. Early Childhood (13 units)
    ERF 130ECE, 130A; EHD 111, 112, 113; LEE 146, 148
  2. Multiple Subjects (12 units)
    ERF 130, EHD 110, CTET 150, LEE 146
  3. Single Subject (14 units)
    ERF 152; EHD 155A, CTET 159, LEE 156

Practicum (9 units)
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 175
or Moderate/Severe Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 176

Total (33-35 units)

Internship Program

Prerequisites to Internship Program by area of emphasis (12-14 units)

  1. Early Childhood (13 units)
    ERF 130ECE, 130A; EHD 111, 112, 113; LEE 146, 148
  2. Multiple Subjects (12 units)
    ERF 130, EHD 110, CTET 150, LEE 146
  3. Single Subject (14 units)
    ERF 152; EHD 155A, CTET 159, LEE 156

Courses common to all areas of emphasis (15 units)
SPED 125, 135, 145, 155, 160F

Praticum (9 units)
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 175
or Moderate/Severe Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 176

Total (36-38 units)

Dual Certification (TIES) Program

Multiple Subjects Core (34 units)
ERF 130, 140; CTET 121, 125, 150; LEE 146, 149; EHD 110, 160A, 160B

Special Education Core (12 units)
SPED 125, 135, 145, 155

Praticum (9 units)
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 175
or Moderate/Severe Disabilities (9 units)
SPED 176

Total (55 units)

_________

Note: Individuals must complete practicum and fieldwork courses with a grade of B or better.

Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential Program

As candidates near completion of the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential program, they must plan for admission to the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential Program. Upon admission, candidates must complete all coursework and obtain the Professional Level II credential no later than five years after obtaining the Preliminary Level I credential. The Level II credential program cannot be completed in fewer than two years of documented employment in a special education position that requires the Level I credential authorization. The Professional Level II credential is required as a condition for continued employment in special education in the state of California.

Candidates may complete their application for admission to the Level II credential program toward the conclusion of their Level I credential program; admission to the Level II credential program is contingent upon the following:

  1. Successful completion of the requirements for the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential and actual receipt of the Level I credential.
  2. Verification of employment in a special education position that is likely to have sufficient duration for the Level II credential program to be completed. Day-to-day substitute positions do not satisfy this requirement.
  3. A letter of recommendation from the supervising administrator of the employing district recommending the candidate to the Professional Level II credential program.
  4. An interview with the program faculty who will review progress in the Level I credential program and thus assess suitability for the program and the profession.

Since candidates for the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential have successfully completed the CBEST, have demonstrated subject matter competency, and have maintained an adequate grade point average required for successful completion of the Preliminary Level I credential program, these issues are reviewed only to determine compliance with program admission standards.

The Professional Level II credential program offers specialization in mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities as described above under the Preliminary Level I credential program. Candidates will have selected one of these professional paths for completion of the Preliminary Level I credential program, and it is expected that the same level of severity of disability will be selected for study in the Level II credential program. The selected level of disability will be consistent with the work setting in which the candidate is employed and working under the Level I credential authorization.

The Professional Level II credential program features close cooperation between the university and the employing school district. The candidate, the candidate's adviser from the university, and an assigned and appropriately credentialed Level II teacher's support provider from the employing district will work cooperatively to develop a professional credential induction plan. The induction plan will identify the unique needs of the candidate in relation to the candidate's professional setting and will establish goals and determine specific activities (including non-university activities) that will assist candidates in their development as a professional special educator.

Ongoing progress on completion of the activities specified in the induction plan will be documented in the candidate's portfolio (initially developed as a component of the Preliminary Level I credential program). The induction plan can include up to 25% of the total program in approved non-university activities if they are deemed appropriate to the professional development of the candidate.

Candidates may wish to pursue the Master of Arts in Special Education while completing the requirements for the Professional Level II credential program. There is considerable coursework consistency between the requirements of these two programs; the candidate must meet the admission requirements of both programs should this be the educational objective. Please note the requirements under the Master of Arts in Special Education for specific coursework and program requirements.

Program Requirements. Candidates for the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential Program in Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities who have been admitted to the program and want to be recommended for authorization must meet the following coursework requirements:


Level II Program

Prerequisite: Level I Credential

Special Education Induction/Evaluation and Program core (12 units)
SPED 209A, 209B, 219, 233

Area of specialization (6 units)

Specific emphasis (6 units - or equivalent)
Activities may consist of university coursework or non-university activities that are approved as a component of the professional induction plan. One-hundred fifty clock hours of approved workshops and/or seminars may be deemed equivalent to the 6-unit requirement. Students may combine university and non-university activities.

Total (24 units - or equivalent)

 


GPA Requirement for Admission to All Programs. The California Code of Regulations, Section 41100, mandates that for admission to a teaching credential program, the applicant shall have earned at the college level a grade point average that falls within the upper 50 percent of undergraduate students in the candidate's discipline. Please see the admissions technician in the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100, for information on this requirement.

Appeal to Denial of Admission. Applicants who have received notification of denial of admission because the minimum standards specified in the admission requirements have not been met have an opportunity to make a formal appeal for Special Consideration to the School of Education and Human Development Admissions and Standards Committee. Information regarding this process is obtained from the admissions technician in the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100.

 


Graduate Programs

The Department of Counseling and Special Education offers programs leading to a Master of Arts in Education with an option in counseling and student services; a Master of Science in Counseling with an option in marriage and family therapy; a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling; and a Master of Arts in Special Education.

Candidates who qualify for a preliminary teaching credential with completion of a bachelor's degree program may, with prior approval, use a master's degree program to satisfy the fifth-year requirements for a clear teaching credential.

Application Deadlines

University Admission. University deadlines for graduate admission applications normally are set during the semester prior to anticipated program enrollment. (Deadlines occur during April or May for fall enrollment and October or November for spring enrollment.) The university may extend admission deadlines if anticipated enrollment targets are not met. For specific deadlines, applicants need to check with the Admissions Office, Joyal Administration Public Contact Window, or call (559) 278-2261.

SOEHD Admission. All SOEHD admission materials required for full admission (Classified Standing) are to be submitted to the graduate technician in the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100, no later than 30 days following the deadline for university admission. Students submitting all application material within these timelines will receive priority consideration for admission. For SOEHD admission deadlines, contact the Teacher Preparation and Services Center, ED 100, or call (559) 278-0300.


Master of Arts in Education

Counseling and Student Services

The Master of Arts in Education with an option in counseling and student services is designed for individuals seeking advanced preparation for careers within educational settings.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts in Education with an option in counseling and student services must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) or equivalent. Applicants without an appropriate background may be asked to complete COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) as an additional prerequisite.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the review committee and they are admitted to classified standing (fully admitted to the program).

Core requirements (27 units)
ERF 220, 285 or 288; COUN 298 or 299 (10 units)
COUN 200, 203, 208, 220, 249A or 249B or 249C (17 units)

Electives (3 units)
COUN 150, 180T, 201, 202, 240, 241, 242, 280T, 290; ERF 289; or other approved electives

Total (30 units)

Note: Practicum and field practice must be completed with a grade of B or better.


Master of Science in Counseling

Marriage and Family Therapy

The Master of Science in Counseling is a 60-unit professional degree program designed for persons who desire to practice in the field of counseling. An option is available in marriage and family therapy. Persons completing this degree may qualify to work in agencies, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, marriage and family therapy, and related areas. Completion of the M.S. in Counseling with an option in marriage and family therapy fulfills the educational requirements for the state of California Marriage and Family Therapist License if students take an elective upper-division or graduate-level course (at least 1 unit) in substance abuse and obtain at least seven clock hours of training through either a university course or a noncredit professional development workshop (with appropriate verification of attendance) in both child abuse assessment and reporting and domestic violence. Students seeking licensure should contact the coordinator of counselor education for information regarding licensing. This degree program is designed to meet the requirements of Division 2, Chapter 13, Section 4980.37 of the California Business and Professions Code.

In 1995 the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) conferred accreditation to the MFT option in counseling in Marriage and Family Therapy. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Since this program is CACREP accredited, MFT students are qualified to take the National Certified Counselor Exam upon graduation.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Counseling with an option in marriage and family therapy must complete the admissions packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education - Graduate Programs section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete prerequisite coursework: COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling) and ERF 153 (Educational Statistics) or equivalent. Based on prior coursework and experience, some applicants may be asked to complete COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) as an additional prerequisite.
  3. Receive approval through a review by program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and the review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Note: Students may not enroll in 200-level courses until their application has been approved by the review committee and they are admitted to classified standing (fully admitted to the program).

Course Requirements. Under the direction of a graduate adviser, each student develops and submits an individually designed program within the following framework:

Core requirements (29 units)
ERF 220, COUN 298 or 299 (7 units)
COUN 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 208 (22 units)

Option (22 units)
Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 211, 220, 230, 231, 238, 239 (6 units)

Electives (9 units)
Approved by adviser

Total (60 units)

Note: Practicum and field practice must be completed with a grade of B or better.




Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study. Individuals who are fully classified and advanced to candidacy in (or graduates of) the M.S. in Counseling program (MFT option) may elect to take courses leading to the Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study. The certificate program is cosponsored by the Department of Counseling and Special Education and the Department of Criminology. It is designed to enhance professional skills for counseling service within the criminal justice system. In addition to coursework required for the M.S. in Counseling, students seeking the Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist Certificate of Advanced Study are required to take a total of 16 units in Criminology (in addition to prerequisite CRIM 100 or equivalent), 6 of which may be used as electives in the M.S. in Counseling (MFT option) program. The Certificate courses: CRIM 130, 153, 201, 203, and 281. M.S. in Criminology students seeking the certificate are required to take an equivalent number of counseling courses.

Grade Requirement

Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential Program, M.A. in Education with an option in Counseling and Student Services, and M.S. in Counseling with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy. cellence in all coursework, fieldwork, and clinical experiences to be eligible to apply for the PPS credential or receive a master's degree. For the PPS and master of arts, a student will be placed on administrative academic probation after receiving a letter grade of C or less or a No Credit (NC) in any one class. Upon receipt of two letter grades of C or less, one letter grade of C or less and one NC, or two NCs, the student will automatically be disqualified from the program. For the master of science, a student will be placed on administrative academic probation after receiving a letter grade of C or less or a No Credit (NC) in any two classes. Upon receipt of three letter grades of C or less (including NCs) the student will automatically be disqualified from the program. This policy spans the entire length of the aforementioned programs; dismissal can occur at any point in the programs.

Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

The Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling assumes undergraduate preparation in psychology or counseling or a closely related area. A baccalaureate degree in an unrelated area is acceptable provided the student has a working knowledge of the behavioral sciences. The degree requires 60 units of credit and is designed to cover two years of full-time coursework, including a full semester of internship. The program provides a combination of classroom and practical field experiences, which integrates theory and practice of rehabilitation counseling in a rehabilitation setting. The curriculum has flexibility to meet varying student needs.

The graduate program in rehabilitation counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) during the last semester of study.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. See General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section of this catalog.

Admission Deadlines. Students seeking classified standing (full admission) for summer or fall enrollment must complete all admission requirements by April 1. Students seeking classified stand ing for spring must complete all admission requirements by November 1.

Admission Requirements. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling must complete the admission packet as specified in the General Admission Requirements in the Education -- Graduate Program section. In addition to these requirements, applicants must:

  1. Include with the admissions packet verification of completion of a counselor education program orientation.
  2. Complete COUN 250 and 251 with a grade of B or better in each class.
  3. Receive approval through a review by a program faculty committee. Following receipt of the completed packet and review by program faculty, applicants will receive written notification regarding admission status.

Note: Students may not complete more than 10 units of 200-level coursework before obtaining classified standing (full admission to the program).

Program Prerequisites. ERF 153 (Educational Statistics), PSYCH 154 (Personality) or 250T (Seminar in Personality) or COUN 174 (Introduction to Counseling), and PSYCH 166 (Abnormal Psychology) or COUN 176 (Counseling and Mental Health) or their equivalents. Program prerequisites may not be counted toward the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Course Requirements. Under the direction of the graduate adviser, each student prepares and submits an individually designed program within the following framework:

Core requirements (38 units)
COUN 250, 251, 252, 253, 257, 258, 260, 261, 269

Courses in supporting curriculum (12 units)
Research methods: ERF 220 (3 units)
Individual and group counseling skills: COUN 200, 202 (6 units)
Assessment: COUN 203 (3 units)

Electives (10 units)
Approved by adviser

Total (60 units)

The student must demonstrate proficiency by the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination, in addition to fulfillment of all other specified degree requirements. A thesis/project may be substituted for the comprehensive examination.

Master of Arts in Special Education

The Master of Arts in Special Education offers advanced preparation in mild/moderate disabilities and moderate/severe disabilities and is closely related to course requirements for the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential program. It is expected that students seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Special Education will possess a substantial entry-level background in special education, such as having made significant progress toward completion of the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential program in mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities.

Applicants seeking the Master of Arts in Special Education who also wish to teach in special education settings in the public schools of California should be concurrently enrolled in the Education Specialist Credential program. The master's degree alone will not provide authorization for classroom instruction in the state of California. Only students seeking teaching positions in states other than California, students seeking expertise for application to employment settings which specifically exclude public education, or students desiring to teach outside of the United States may pursue the Master of Arts without concurrent enrollment in the Education Specialist Credential program. Students with these unique aspirations are responsible for understanding credentialing/licensing requirements that may pertain to their desired work setting.

Students are not required to obtain this master's degree to be employed as a fully credentialed special education teacher in California. It is the credentials (both Level I and II) which provide the required state authorization. Most individuals at the Professional Level II will desire the master's degree as a reflection of their professional preparation beyond the entry level, and for purposes of possible salary augmentation. Students who already possess a master's degree in another field are not required to complete this degree program while pursuing the education specialist credentials.

It is essential that time considerations for admission to and completion of the Master of Arts and credential programs be observed. Applicants who wish to be fully credentialed as special education teachers must complete the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential program in mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities within five years of completing the Level I program. Six units of Special Education coursework may be brought forward from the Level I credential program to the Master of Arts program. The Master of Arts must be completed no later than five years subsequent to taking the first approved course for the degree.

Admission Requirements for Classified Standing. In addition to the admission requirements stated in the General Admission Requirements in the Education - Graduate Program section in this catalog, students must possess a GPA of 2.75 overall or on the last 60 undergraduate semester units (or 90 quarter units) and a GPA of 3.0 on all postbaccalaureate coursework attempted. The Special Education Program also requires completion of ERF 153 - Educational Statistics (or equivalent) as a prerequisite for admission. Students may complete ERF 153 no later than the first semester of 200-level coursework and prior to taking ERF 220 or SPED 233. Additional admission requirements include an interview with the program coordinator and faculty review.

Graduate Writing Requirement. Students must demonstrate writing competence before they apply for advancement to candidacy. SPED 233 - Seminar in the Special Educator as Researcher has been designated as the course used to determine students' ability to write clearly, logically, analytically, and knowledgeably. Should the student receive a passing grade in the course content but fail to demonstrate adequate writing competence, there is an appeal process; students are permitted to present their professional portfolio to a special education faculty committee for appeal review.

Professional Development Opportunities for Master's Degree Candidates. Master's degree candidates are provided various opportunities to broaden their professional and educational preparation. Faculty regularly involve degree candidates in advanced research, professional conference presentations, and collaborative writing for publication. Interested students receive mentoring concerning scholarships, grant writing, positions of leadership in school districts, and doctoral programs.

Prerequisite: ERF 153 (or equivalent)

Core requirements (19 units)
6 units of approved postbaccalaureate coursework in special education from the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Program or equivalent (6 units)
ERF 220 and SPED 298 or 299 (7 units)
SPED 219, 233 (6 units)

Area of specialization (6 units)
Six units from SPED 235, 236, 237, 240
Candidates with interests in mild/moderate disablilities should complete SPED 235 and 237; candidates with interests in moderate/severe disabilities should complete SPED 236 and 240.

Electives (5 units)
Electives are determined in consultation with the student's program adviser and are to support the student's development in areas of specific emphasis (e.g. severe emotional disturbance, early childhood special education, home/school/community collaboration, etc.) All elective units must meet the criteria for graduate-level experiences.

Total (30 units)


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