Education, M.A. Special Education ~ Degree Requirements

Semester Credits Required

Total credits: 30

Credits at CSUMB: 30

Credits in the program: 30

Outcomes, Courses, and Assessment

You officially begin the program by enrolling in Level II Mild/Moderate coursework and/or MAE 600 ProSeminar where you work with the instructor to create your Individual Learning Plan. That ILP maps out how you will achieve each of the Learning Outcomes designated below by successfully completing the listed courses or alternative assessment options. You conclude the program by completing your Capstone, a publicly presented project that displays your cumulative learning. [Learn more at CSUMB.EDU/capstone].

As the foundation for your master's work, you will complete three core courses: ProSeminar, a research methods course, and the Capstone Seminar. The core courses help you develop a theoretical and research base for successful teaching in pluralistic contexts and special education environments. In the research course, you initiate a research project. You complete it in the Capstone Seminar.

On top of the core, you must demonstrate competency in a second language through fourth-semester level. Coursework in a second language is available as needed, as is assistance in determining level of language competency. If you enter the program with the requisite second language proficiency, you are not required to complete additional coursework. You will also need to demonstrate basic technology competence; coursework is available as part of the program.

In addition to the three core courses there are four required Level II special education courses: Current and Ongoing Research, Policy, and Practice in Special Education; Advanced Assessment, Curriculum, & Instruction for Students with Learning Challenges; Advanced Behavioral, Emotional, & Environmental Supports for Students with Challenges; and Advanced Collaboration & Consultation. Two courses from the Preliminary Level I Credential may apply towards the MAE.

You begin conceptualizing your action thesis in ProSeminar and the research methods course, and continue to work on it while completing your special education coursework. You complete your thesis in the Capstone Seminar. You can explore thesis topics of graduates from the MAE with Emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction on the MAE website.

MAE LO 1 ~ Students express a critical, questioning perspective (i.e. identify, describe, and analyze) about diverse theoretical paradigms with regard to teaching, learning, and school reform, including those generated by marginalized groups, which situate schooling in a larger historic and political context.

MAE LO 2 ~ Students search, navigate, and critically consume (read, analyze, and use) educational research.

MAE LO 3 ~ Students use, apply, design, and implement research to bring about change and make improvements in their own professional environment.

MAE LO 4 ~ Students demonstrate their knowledge of and ability to use the most appropriate culturally responsive practices that support complex and challenging learning.

MAE LO 5 ~ Students communicate with native speakers of a language other than English.

MAE LO 6 ~ Students use technology critically to access information, to communicate, and as a means of curricular and pedagogical support for higher-level thinking.

MAE LO 7 ~ Students communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, particularly acting as effective advocates for children.

 

Revised 6/10/05