Online special education credential programs in california

For Application Deadlines, please visit the Credential Office website: Credential Applications.

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers Preliminary Education Specialist credentials in four specialization areas: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild-Moderate Disabilities and Moderate-Severe Disabilities.

• Preliminary Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential (DHH) authorizes the provisions of services to individuals from birth to age 22 who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Preliminary Early Childhood Special Education Credential (ECSE) authorizes the provision of services to children birth through pre-kindergarten who are eligible for early intervention, special education and/or related services.
• Preliminary Mild-Moderate Disabilities Credential (MM) authorizes the provision of services to individuals from kindergarten to age 22 who have mild-moderate disabilities including autism, other health impairments, emotional disturbances, intellectual and specific learning disabilities.
• Preliminary Moderate-Severe Disabilities Credential (MS) authorizes the provision of services to individuals from kindergarten to age 22 who have moderate-severe disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities, deaf-blindness, emotional disturbances, and multiple disabilities.

Multiple Pathways to a Credential

Within specialization areas the Department offers multiple pathways to pursue a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential. Coursework in all pathways is scheduled late afternoon/evening or on-line.

• Traditional Program, a post BA degree program designed to be self-paced with flexible scheduling. (Available for DHH, ECSE, MM, MS credentials)
• Intern Program, post BA degree two-year program designed for teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired in a cooperating school district. (Available for DHH, ECSE, MM, MS credentials)
• Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Program (available for MM credentials only), a post BA degree full time two- semester program offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District (fall admission only). (Available for MM, MS credentials)
• Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) (MM, MS), undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two-year option as transfer students. Candidates earn their credential and a BA degree in Liberal Studies concurrently.
• Dual Single-Subject/Education Specialist Credential Program—For college graduates, the Dual program allows you to earn both the Single-Subject and Education-Specialist Credentials in two years.

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers the Teacher Induction Education Specialist Credential for candidates who hold a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential.

The Department of Special Education at CSUN offers Added Authorizations to Special Education Credentials:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Resource Specialist

Program Overview

The Special Education Program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) offers a graduate course of study that leads to a California Educational Specialist Credential and/or a Master of Science Degree. Students may choose to specialize in one of the following three authorization areas: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), Extensive Support Needs (ESN), or Early Childhood Special Education.

Before being fully admitted to the Special Education Programs, prospective students must attend an Information Session either at the San Bernardino campus or the Palm Desert campus. Reservations are not required for Information Sessions on the San Bernardino campus. If you have questions, please contact us at (909) 537-5621. Reservations are required for the Palm Desert campus so please contact us at (760) 341-2883 ext. 78145. There is a $6 fee for parking on both campuses. Please check out the section on Credential Program Options.

What You Need to Know to Become a Special Education Teacher

* RICA is not required for admissions at CSUSB.

The special education program at CSUSB offers programs in Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, and Early Childhood Special Education. The Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN) authorizations certify the teacher to serve children with special needs in grades kindergarten through 12 (or up to age 22). The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) authorization certifies the teacher to serve children with special needs between birth and kindergarten and their families. 

There are two levels of the Education Specialist teaching credential for all authorizations. The first level is called the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential (2018 Standards). As of January 1, 2011, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved the new Education Specialist Preliminary Credential structure at CSUSB. This credential is valid for a period of five years.  To obtain a California Education Specialist Preliminary Credential, State law requires individuals to complete or demonstrate the following:

• Baccalaureate Degree (B.A. or B.S.)
• California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
• Subject Matter Competency (as of July 1, 2004—passage of CSET)
• Certificate of Clearance
• Teacher Preparation Program
• U.S. Constitution
• Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA) *

The second level is called the Education Specialist Clear Credential. This credential certifies that the holder is a professional teacher who is qualified to teach children with special needs in schools. This credential must be renewed every five years on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. The holder of the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential may apply for an Education Specialist Clear Credential upon successful completion of a Commission‐approved induction program.

Special Education SB Campus Information Sessions

Special Education Palm Desert Campus Information Sessions

There are no scheduled upcoming events at this time.