graduateimageMASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Master of Arts Degree in Special Education builds upon the competencies developed in the Preliminary Education Specialist and Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential Programs*.  This degree is designed to prepare graduates for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community, and within the overall profession of Special Education.  Toward this end, faculty facilitate the development of student competencies in reflective dialogue, presentation, and written avenues of expression.

The Preliminary Education Specialist credential programs address beginning child and family-focused competencies for the educator of children with special needs.  The Professional Level II Education specialist credential programs address more advanced child, school and community-focused competencies.

Requirements for Admission to the Program (CONDITIONALLY CLASSIFIED STATUS)

  • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited university or college.
  • Good standing at the last university attended.
  • A minimum of a 2.5 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted
  • Successful completion of a Level I Preliminary Education Specialist Credential.

Requirements for Admission to the Program (CLASSIFIED STATUS)

  • An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher or a University approved aptitude test for graduate study (GRE or MAT)
  1. Score at or above the 50th percentile on one of the three portions of the aptitude test of the GRE
  2. Score at or above the 50th percentile on the MAT
  • Successful completion of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination with a score of 8 or better
  1. 3.0 grade point average for all work taken as a Conditionally Classified student
  2. Approval of a plan of study by the student’s advisor

Other requirements:

  • A minimum of 30 units including a comprehensive examination, thesis, or a graduate project is required for completion of the Master of Arts degree.
  • No more than 12 units of credit may be applied to a Master of Arts Degree program until classified status is attained.
  • Courses more than seven years old will not be included in the total of 30 units required for the M.A. Degree. Students should see an advisor prior to selecting classes.
  • Students in the DHH MA Program must pass the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) at required level
  • A 3.0 grade point average or higher in all work undertaken since admission to the program to be advanced to candidacy (approval to proceed to a thesis or comprehensive examination course).
Program Requirements
Mild/Moderate Disabilities Moderate/Severe Disabilities Deaf/Hard of Hearing Early Childhood Special Education

Educational Therapy

For More Information on the Masters Program contact:

Dr. Wendy Murawski, Graduate Coordinator

Department of Special Education
Office: ED 2214
Phone: (818) 677-7037
Email: wendy.murawski@csun.edu