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Mild to Moderate Support Needs

School of Education

Explore Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Develop and implement systematic, evidence-based instructional strategies to teach skills within school, community and working settings. This includes assessment sources that integrate alternative statewide assessments, formative assessments, and formal and informal assessments.

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Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed course enrollment within cohort sequence means no wait listing
  • Courses are held in the evenings and weekends, with coursework taught in online, blended and traditional models
  • Autism authorization imbedded in each credential
  • Option to complete an education specialist credential and multiple subjects credential concurrently
  • Option to complete Master of Arts in Special Education with additional units
  • Personalized advising with support by program director and 24-hour response time during the work week
  • Mentoring provides candidates with customized individualized support during field placements and practicums
  • Integration of faith/teaching/learning
  • Classes are small, allowing for a personalized learning experience
  • Professors are current in the field of education, help problem-solve, and promote a dialogue of issues of practice within your setting
  • Innovative and researched based

Catalog

Overview

This authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students' access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals with mild to moderate support needs in kindergarten, grades 1 – 12, through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available. 

(ELAE) The following instructional services may be provided to English learners within the specialty area(s) and grade/age level authorization of this document: (1) English language development defined as instruction designed specifically for limited-English¬ proficient students to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English; and (2) specially designed content instruction delivered in English defined as instruction in a subject area, delivered in English, that is specially designed to meet the needs of limited-English-proficient students. This English learner authorization also covers classes taught on the basis of other valid, nonemergency credentials or permits held within the settings or content/specialty area(s) listed at the grade or age levels authorized. 

This document authorizes the holder to teach reading to students in kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in general education settings. (ECP 4-B February 2018)

Admissions Requirements

  • Three current reference forms
  • Educational plan
  • All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
  • Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
  • CBEST results
  • CSET/multiple subject exam results
  • One subset passed for admission (Does not apply to ECSE candidates)
  • Second subset should be passed by the beginning of the second semester
  • All subtests passed by the beginning of the third semester
  • Not required for early childhood special education candidates
  • Copy of valid Certificate of Clearance
  • Addendum to Graduate Application: Education Specialist Credential Program
  • Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.0
  • Technology recommendation: In order to prepare future teachers to effectively use technology, students are highly encouraged to have access to a laptop for all coursework and class meetings.

Candidates may be admitted to the education specialist credential program in the spring or summer and enroll in Foundational Coursework. Spring and summer Jump Start/Foundational Coursework is SPEC 601 and SPEC 602. Candidates will then proceed into the cohort start in the fall semester. 

Credential Pathway

Mild/Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential Pathway  

Required Courses (31 minimum units)

  • EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 **
  • EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits 3 **
  • EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits 3 **
  • SPEC 601 - Foundations of Special Education and Health Credits 3
  • SPEC 602 - Special Education Laws, Ethics and Inclusion Credits 3
  • SPEC 612 - Curriculum and Technology for Mild Moderate Credits 4
  • SPEC 659 - Assessments & the IEP Credits 3
  • SPEC 684 - Special Education and General Education Fieldwork Credits 4
  • SPEC 690 - Intern Support Credits 2 *
  • SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4 or
  • SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4

  • *Required each term for candidates employed as an independent teacher

  • **Candidates entering the MMSN program with a Clear Multiple or Single Subject credential and an English learner authorization not required to enroll in EDUC 642, EDUC 643, or EDUC 646

  • Note:

    • MMSN credential program completers who seek to add an Extensive Support Needs (ESN) credential will enroll in SPEC 616 Curriculum & Technology: Extensive Support Needs (4 units) following completion of the MMSN credential program.
    • MMSN credential program completers who seek to add a Multiple Subject credential will enroll in EDUC 609 Final Student Teaching (1 unit) and EDUC 647 Teaching Elementary Science (2 units) during the summer term following completion of the MMSN credential program.

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Program Requirements

Note: As a result of COVID-19, admission requirements have temporarily been simplified. Please contact your program representative for more information.

  • Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
  • Three graduate reference forms
  • Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
  • Valid California credential or Certificate of Clearance
  • Educational plan form
  • Subject matter testing requirements:
    • Official CBEST results
    • Official CSET results
    • One CSET subtest passed for admission
    • All CSET subtests passed prior to third term (CSET is not required for Early Childhood Special Education candidates)

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $705
Teacher Education $705
MBA $757*
MSN and LEAD $720
KIN $570
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

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Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center