The Master of Science degree in Special Education is an advanced academic degree. One of the following Added Authorizations is included within the degree: Adapted Physical Education (APE),  Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Emotional Disturbance (ED), Orthopedic Impairment (OI), Other Health Impaired (OHI), and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A total of 36 semester units are required for the degree. The curriculum provides a deeper specialization in contemporary issues in the field of special education.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Master of Science in Special Education are built on and related to the School of Education outcomes that are symbolized in three themes: equip, transform, and empower.  The M.S. in the Special Education program then applies these major themes to this program.

Candidates who complete the Master of Science in Special Education program will be able to:

Equip

• Promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

Transform

• Promote the success of all students by modeling a personal code of ethics and developing professional leadership capacity.

Empower

• Promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

Program Eligibility to the Master of Science in Special Education

• Proof of a valid California initial credential
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the MS in Special Education to the degree or the stand-alone credential. Applicants with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
• Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth (references from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
• A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability; and
• An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair.

Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.

Transfer of Credits

Up to six (6) units of post-baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates seeking transfer credit should make this request during the first semester of enrollment.

Required Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Core Courses
GED 6022	Advanced Special Education Assessment and Analysis of Behavior	3
GED 6029	Using Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning	3
GED 6041	Culturally Inclusive Environments: Instruction and Advocacy	3
GED 6050	Universal Access: Equity for All Students	3
GED 6056	Shared Leadership, Legislation, and Due Process	2
GED 6072	Philosophy in Education	3
GED 6081	Educational Measurement and Evaluation	3
GED 6096	Advanced Research-Based Literacy Instruction for All Students	3
GED 6097	Advanced Literacy Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention for All Students	3
Choose one (1) course from the following:		4
APE 6057	Adapted Physical Education Methods and Inclusive Strategies 1
SPE 6051	Methods of Teaching Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
SPE 6053	Methods of Teaching Students with Traumatic Brain Injury
SPE 6054	Methods of Teaching Students with Other Health Impairments
SPE 6060	Methods of Teaching Students with Orthopedic Impairments
SPE 6061	Early Childhood Special Education Curriculum and Services
Finishing Courses
GED 6098	Master of Science Thesis Design	3
GED 6099	Master of Science Thesis	3
Total Units		36

¹

APE 6057 requires additional fieldwork units.

Added Authorizations in Special Education

Graduation Requirements

In order to earn and receive a Master of Science in Special Education degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:

1. A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (online or in the Records Office, Point Loma campus);
2. Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher and no grade lower than a C in any course;
3. Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
4. Recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the Regional Center;
5. Payment in full of all tuition, fees, and other financial obligations owed to the university, including a degree processing fee; and
6. All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.