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Special Education Program

Credentials, Master of Arts Degree, Teacher Induction/Clear Credential, and ECSE Added Authorization Application

Deadline Dates

Spring Deadline: November 1       -          Fall Deadline: June 1

Application Process


Apply to the University Online - $70 University fee – non-refundable
Apply to the Program - COE Supplemental Application - no fee

Preliminary Credential Application Requirements:

  1. Official transcripts of all college course history including degree(s) posted. Minimum 2.5 grade point average
    (GPA) in all baccalaureate course work or 2.75 in the last sixty (60) semester units.
  2. Applicants must provide two professional recommendations using the Letter of Recommendation form. This must be completed by a faculty member, employer, or someone that is knowledgeable regarding the application's work with children/youth written within the last three years.
  3. Current negative TB test results (no older than 4 years at the time of start term).
  4. Copy of valid emergency substitute permit, valid credential (Preliminary Educational Specialist; Multiple Subject; Single Subject) or Certificate of Clearance. For information on how to obtain a Certificate of Clearance, visit the CTC website.  Live Scan forms are available online from CTC.
  5. Read and complete the ESCP Student Commitment Form.  Applicants must complete all fields on page 2 and upload to the application.  
  6. Verification of U.S. Constitution requirement through university coursework with a minimum grade of C or passage of the online U.S. Constitution Exam.
  7. Verification of Basic Skills Requirement.  Passage of Senate Bill 153 allows credential analyst at Commission approved programs to accept the bachelor's degree (or higher) earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the BSR when evaluating for recommendation. For additional information regarding the Basic Skills Requirement, please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing Basic Skills Requirement webpage.
  8. Verification of subject matter through the CSET exam or through a CTC-approved Subject Matter Program or coursework. See options for meeting subject matter webpage. Subject matter is not required for ECSE credential. Subject Matter is required to enter Final Fieldwork in the Student Teaching option. Subject matter is required to apply for an intern.
  9. Resume.
University Intern Application
  • Verification of full-time employment contract or offer of employment on letterhead from district Human Resources department.
  • Successful completion of pre-service courses (SPE 480, SPE 458 and SPE 462). Candidates who hold a Preliminary or Level I
    credential in another specialization or General Education may take the pre-service classes in their first semester of their internship.
  • Subject Matter through CSET exam or approved subject matter program. See meeting subject matter webpage.
  • District Certification of Pre-service Preparation and Support (including Intern Consent Form)
  • Intern Coordinator Confirmation (reviewed with SPE Clinical Coordinator)
  • Resume

* Incomplete applications will not be processed. Students must be admitted to the program and met the pre-service requirements.
* Credential Requests available online

Teacher Induction/Clear Program
  • Copy of valid initial preliminary credential
  • Verification of full-time employment in an appropriate teaching position in a public school district, nonpublic school or charter school is required.
  • Certificate of Clearance
  • Completed and signed Teacher Induction Employer Support Form

Note: Students applying to the Teacher Induction/Clear Credential program will only complete the Cal State Apply application.

Master of Arts in Special Education
  • Official Transcripts
  • Hold a preliminary credential or clear Special Education credential
  • A minimum 3.00 grade point average (GPA) in the last 60 semester units of upper division and post baccalaureate work
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (not required for candidates who hold a Special Education credential)
  • Current negative TB test results (no older than 4 years at the time of start term)

Note: Students applying to the SPE Master's program will only complete the Cal State Apply application.  Candidates seeking dual enrollment in the SPE Master's and Teacher Induction/Clear Credential, will complete an SPE MA application in Cal State Apply and will be asked if you are interested in applying to the teacher induction credential program.