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University Catalog 2011-2014 (PRINTED) 
    
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University Catalog 2011-2014 (PRINTED) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education, M.A.

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The Master of Arts degree in Special Education provides administrators, teachers, and therapists with advanced preparation for work with exceptional learners. Master’s degree candidates must incorporate the specialist credential requirements in their area of specialization as a part of their program. (This requirement may be waived for personnel such as nurses, occupational or physical therapists, or orientation and mobility specialists.) The master’s degree programs include a choice among 13 options.

Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants must have a 2.75 grade point average in their last 90 quarter units attempted, must have completed (or complete concurrently) requirements for a California credential in Special Education (except in selected areas), must complete all division application procedures, and must obtain approval from the division. A number of scholarships and traineeships are available to qualified students. Interested students should contact the division office.

Advisement

Students should seek advisement for all Special Education credential and graduate programs in the Division of Special Education and Counseling.

Credential candidates must attend a group advisement session (offered at approximately two-week intervals) prior to admission.

Requirements for the Degree (45 units minimum)

A minimum of 45 units is required, with at least one-half (23 units) in 500-level courses (At least 26 Units of 500-level courses for Autism Option). The candidate must maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average, with no grade lower than C. The program has four components: (1) Credential requirements; (2) M.A. Core; (3) required specialization courses and electives that are approved by the adviser; and (4) the comprehensive examination or thesis/project requirement. Students may pursue the thesis or project option only when they meet specified division and college criteria. See Restriction on Credit Earned in Variable Unit Courses in the
Charter College of Education  section.

Prerequisites (4 units)

 

Required Core for all M. A. Options (8 units)

 

Comprehensive Examination/Thesis/Project (0-7 units)

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (EDSP 596) the quarter after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements. Students in Autism and Facilitating Behavior Change Options must elect the Thesis/Project (7 units).

Options

Select one option from the following, with adviser consultation and approval. Special education credential and related courses may be included as approved by the faculty adviser.

Autism

 

Prerequisites (4 units)

 

Master’s Core Courses (8 units)

 

Required Courses (34 units)

 

Thesis/Project (7 units)

 

Early Childhood Special Education

 

Required Courses (23 units)

 

Electives

Select from the following list of courses or other related courses (to reflect an area of emphasis as approved by the adviser)

Note:

* Courses marked with an asterisk are also required in the Credential program.

Facilitating Behavior Change

 

Prerequisites (8)

 

Note:

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to this option.

Required Courses (23 units)

 

Electives (8)

 

Note:

Students will complete a thesis only. In applied settings, it is critical for individuals working in behavior change to be skilled at designing and conducting intervention programs. The thesis option will provide that experience.

Gifted Education

Note:

A multiple or single subject credential is a requisite for this option.

Required Courses (19 units)

 

Electives

Select from the following list of courses or other related courses as approved the adviser:

Inclusion Facilitator

 

Required Courses (25-28 units)

 

Electives (12 or more units)

 

Note:

* also required for the credential.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

 

Required Courses (26 units)

 

Electives (0 to 8 units) **

Select from the credential program or from related courses below as approved by the adviser. For students electing the Comprehensive Examination Option, at least 4 units must be at 500-level.

*Students electing the Thesis Option are required to complete EDFN 452 or Equivalent as a prerequisite or corequisite to EDSP 599A.

**Students may need additional electives to meet the minimum total of 45 units.

Moderate/Severe Disabilities

 

Required Courses (26 units)

 

Electives (12 or more units)

 

Multicultural/Multilingual Special Education

 

Required Courses (26 units)

 

A. Select two courses in one of the methodology areas listed below (8 units)

 

Bilingual Methodology

 

Or

 

ESL Methodology

 

B. Select one culture course from the listing below:

 

Electives

As approved by the adviser.

Physical and Health Impairments

 

Required Courses (12 units)

 

Electives

Select from the credential program or from the following list of related courses as approved by the adviser.

Note:

*Courses marked with an asterisk also required in the credential program.

Transition Studies

 

Required Courses (26 units)

 

Electives (12 or more units)

 

Visual Impairment and Blindness: Orientation and Mobility

 

Required Courses (39 units)

 

Note:

* Courses marked with an asterisk are also in the credential program.

Electives

Select from the credential program or other related courses as approved by the adviser.

Visual Impairment and Blindness: Teacher Preparation

 

Required Courses (28 units)

 

Electives

Select from the credential program or other related courses as approved by the adviser.

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