Special Education Teaching Credential Cal State Monterey Bay

There continues to be a shortage of highly qualified teachers prepared to serve students with disabilities throughout the state of California and nationwide. When teachers participate in a relevant and thoughtful course of study with well-respected faculty members and field practitioners, it increases the likelihood that they will remain teaching in the field.

At CSUMB, you will be well prepared to meet the instructional and social needs of students with disabilities. Small class size and individual attention characterize the program. The Special Education Program at CSUMB offers the Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials in Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Disabilities with the English Learner Authorization (ELA or CLAD) along with a Master of Arts in Education, emphasis in Special Education. The Special Education Program also offers a Certificate Program in Behavior Analysis.

Required Courses

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • ED 510: Providing Behavior Supports in the Classroom (3 units)
  • ED 609: Math Methods (3 units) *
  • ED 616: Lang/Literacy Curriculum I (3 units) *
  • ED 617: Lang/Literacy Curriculum II (3 units) *
  • SPED 560: Inclusionary Practices (3 units) *
  • SPED 562: Curr Dvlpmt/Pref Practices (3 units)
  • SPED 564: Formal and Informal Assessment for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 units)
  • SPED 566: Behavior Intervention and Support (3 units)
  • SPED 567: Initial Semester Seminar (1-5 units)
  • SPED 567A: Initial Semester Practicum: Mild to Moderate (5-10 units)
  • SPED 568: Meth Cul/Ling Div Students with Learning Challenges (3 units)
  • SPED 571: Teaching and Assessing Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 units)
  • SPED 577: Final Semester Seminar (1-5 units)
  • SPED 577A: Final Semester Practicum: Mild to Moderate (8-12 units)
  • SPED 585: Transition and Career Development (3 units)

Students in the Intern Program must also complete:

  • SPED 550: Foundations/Practices for EdSp (3 units)

* Course not required for individuals who hold a Clear Multiple or Single Subjects Credential*

NOTE: Individuals who earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential will be required to complete a Clear Credential Program offered either through a CCTC-approved program at their district or county office, or university, within 5 years of receiving their Preliminary Credential. Currently a Clear Education Specialist Credential Program is available at CSUMB.

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • ED 510: Providing Behavior Supports in the Classroom (3 units)
  • ED 609: Math Methods (3 units) *
  • ED 616: Lang/Literacy Curriculum I (3 units) *
  • ED 617: Lang/Literacy Curriculum II (3 units) *
  • SPED 560: Inclusionary Practices (3 units) *
  • SPED 562: Curr Dvlpmt/Pref Practices (3 units)
  • SPED 566: Behavior Intervention and Support (3 units)
  • SPED 567: Initial Semester Seminar (1-5 units)
  • SPED 567B: Initial Semester Practicum: Moderate to Severe (5-10 units)
  • SPED 568: Meth Cul/Ling Div Students with Learning Challenges (3 units)
  • SPED 571: Teaching and Assessing Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 units)
  • SPED 574: Formal and Informal Assessment for Students with Moderate to Sever Disabilities (3 units)
  • SPED 577: Final Semester Seminar (1-5 units)
  • SPED 577B: Final Semester Practicum: Moderate to Severe (8-12 units)
  • SPED 585: Transition and Career Development (3 units)

Students in the Intern Program also complete:

  • SPED 550: Foundations/Practices for EdSp (3 units)

* Courses not required for individuals who hold a Clear Multiple or Single Subjects Credential*

The program is structured around the working classroom teacher. We offer courses in the evenings, on weekends and throughout the summer.

Students can take classes as a full-time student or a part-time student through the traditional or intern pathway. We also require you to complete a practicum in the first and final semesters of the Preliminary Program.

The Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential programs accent preferred instructional practices to help students with disabilities succeed in school and life. While pursuing your credential, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a special educator and satisfy the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) by successfully completing the listed courses.

CSTP 1 Engaging and supporting all students in learning

CSTP 2 Creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning

CSTP 3 Understanding and organizing subject matter for student learning

CSTP 4 Planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students

CSTP 5 Assessing student learning

CSTP 6 Developing as a professional educator