Program Description

The Master's program is comprised of a total of 30 units. Two pathways are currently offered to meet individual needs:

  • Pathway 1 is a fully online program designed for credentialed classroom teachers who completed an accredited post-baccalaureate credential program. Pathway 1 students can transfer 4 credential courses (12 semester units), with approval, towards the Special Education MS degree with only 6 core courses remaining (18 units) to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three semesters.
  • Pathway 2 is designed for credentialed classroom teachers who completed a credential program during their bachelor's degree or non-credentialed education-related professionals. Pathway 2 students complete 6 fully online core courses (18 units) as well as an additional 4 courses (12 units) determined through advisement to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three or four semesters in a combination of online, hybrid, and face to face instruction.

Students will complete a program planner with the Master’s degree program coordinator at a required orientation meeting. This program planner will ensure students take courses in the scheduled sequence, allowing for timely degree completion for this structured program that offers each class once per academic year. Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses. Special Education core program courses are typically offered online weeknights from 4:00-6:45PM or from 7:00-9:45PM, subject to change. A limited number of courses for Pathway 2 students is available for optional summer enrollment. 

 

Please review the Eligibility Requirements website for GPA and admission eligibility requirements. 

Completion of the following prerequisite courses or an equivalent (prerequisite courses may be taken after admission to the program, but must be taken during the first year of the program):

  • Human Development: EDP 301 or 302 (or equivalent)
  • Individual Differences: EDSP 350, EDSP 355A/B (or equivalent)
  • Special Education Assessment: EDSP 564 (or equivalent)

A minimum of 30 units of upper division and graduate courses are required. Pathway 2 students must have a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at CSULB.

Degree requirements include the following courses:

Core Courses (15 units)

  • EDSP 546 Practicum in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDSP 500 Research in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDSP 535 Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication in School Settings (3 units)
  • ​EDSP 525 Advocacy and the Social Context of Disability (3 units)
  • EDSP 582 Research in Special Education: Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction (3 units)

Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 (12 units)

Pathway 1 students will use 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework, with advisor approval. 

Pathway 2 students will take 12 additional units at CSULB, with advisor approval, such as:

  • EDSP 410 Inclusive and Equitable Practices in Special Education (3 units) 
  • EDSP 454 Academic Language Development and Inclusive Instruction for English Language Learners (3 units) 
  • EDSP 518 Integrated Math Instruction Across Content Areas (3 units) 
  • EDSP 534 Collaboration and Transition in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDSP 558 Literacy Supports for Students with Diverse Abilities (3 units) 
  • EDSP 564 Assessment and Evaluation of Student with Disabilities (3 units) 
  • EDSP 570 Community Inclusion: Introduction to Individuals with Disabilities (3 units) 
  • EDSP 577/578 Instructional Methods and Strategies for Individuals with Mild/Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs (3 units) 
  • EDP 536 Collaborative Consultations in the Schools (3 units) 
  • EDP 560 Functional Behavior Assessment and Positive Behavior Support (3 units)
  • EDP 520 Quantitative Research Methods (3 units)
  • EDP 595 Qualitative Research Methods (3 units)
  • REC/GERN 569 Disability, Culture, and Society: Issues and Interventions (3 units) 
  • UDCP 401 Positive Behavior Supports (3 units)  
  • Other classes may be approved by advisor

Culminating Experience (3-6 units):

Students select one of the following in consultation with faculty advisor:
Comprehensive Exam: EDSP 695S Seminar in Special Education (3 units) and Written comprehensive exam
    OR
Thesis: EDP 698 Thesis (6 units, completed over 2 semesters)

Course Descriptions

Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions.

*Please note: Pathway 1 is for students who have 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDSP 500
  • EDSP 582

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDSP 535
  • EDSP 546

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDSP 525
  • EDSP 695S and comprehensive exam

*Please note: Pathway 1 is for students who have 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDSP 500
  • EDSP 582

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDSP 535
  • EDSP 546
  • Pathway 2 Course #1

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDSP 525
  • EDSP 695S and comprehensive exam, or first semester of EDP 698 (Thesis)

Year 2 - Spring

  • Pathway 2 Course #2
  • Pathway 2 Course #3
  • Pathway 2 Course #4, or second semester of EDP 698 (Thesis)

A minimum of 30 units of upper division and graduate courses are required. Pathway 2 students must have a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at CSULB.

Degree requirements include the following courses:

Core Courses (15 units)

  • EDSP 546 Practicum in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDP 400 Introduction to Educational Research (3 units)
  • EDSP 535 Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication in School Settings (3 units)
  • ​EDSP 525 Advocacy and the Social Context of Disability (3 units)
  • EDSP 582 Research in Special Education: Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction (3 units)

Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 (12 units)

Pathway 1 students will use 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework, with advisor approval. 

Pathway 2 students will take 12 additional units at CSULB, with advisor approval, such as:

  • EDP 520 Quantitative Research Methods (3 units)
  • EDP 595 Qualitative Research Methods (3 units)
  • EDSP 550 Emerging Perspectives in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDP 560 Functional Behavior Assessment and Positive Behavior Support (3 units)
  • EDSP 534 Collaboration and Transition in Special Education (3 units)
  • EDSP 480 Foundations of Inclusive Education (3 units)
  • Other classes may be approved by advisor

Culminating Experience (3-6 units):

Students select one of the following in consultation with faculty advisor:
Comprehensive Exam: EDSP 695S Seminar in Special Education (3 units) and Written comprehensive exam
    OR
Thesis: EDP 698 Thesis (6 units, completed over 2 semesters)

Course Descriptions

Please see the University Catalog for course descriptions.

*Please note: Pathway 1 is for students who have 12 semester units of approved, accredited, post-baccalaureate teaching credential coursework

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDSP 546
  • EDP 400

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDSP 535
  • EDSP 525

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDSP 582
  • EDSP 695S and comprehensive exam

Year 1 - Fall

  • EDSP 546
  • EDP 400

Year 1 - Spring

  • EDP 535
  • EDSP 525
  • Pathway 2 Course #1

Year 2 - Fall

  • EDSP 582
  • EDSP 695S and comprehensive exam, or first semester of EDP 698 (Thesis)

Year 2 - Spring

  • Pathway 2 Course #2
  • Pathway 2 Course #3
  • Pathway 2 Course #4, or second semester of EDP 698 (Thesis)

 

Are you seeking a teaching credential? This program is for practicing teachers or other educational professionals and offers a master’s degree only. If you’re interested in obtaining a teaching credential, please visit the Teacher Preparation Advising Center. Students who are pursuing a teaching credential complete that program first, and then apply to the master’s program.