Students with mild to moderate support needs require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22.
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 significant 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.
Admissions Requirements for Credential
Apply online: fpu.edu/gradapply
Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
Two graduate reference forms
Official transcripts (all colleges/universities attended)
Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
Education plan form
Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
Subject Matter Competency/Official CSET - One CSET passed for admission - All subtests passed prior to third term
Candidates may be admitted to the education specialist credential program in the spring, summer, or fall. Cohort begins in summer.
Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency Requirements
Verification of Basic Skills by degree
Verification of Subject Matter Competency by degree, course work, or passing CSET
Admissions Requirements for MAT Post-Credential Program
Completion of Graduate Admissions Update Form
Signed Verification of Employment letter
Attend an orientation meeting with program director
No readmission fee required
Accreditation
FPU's credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC website provides extensive guidelines pertaining to becoming a teacher in California (ctc.ca.gov).
Credential Program Student Learning Outcomes
Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
Assessing Student Learning
Developing as a Professional Educator
M.A. In Special Education Post-Credential Program
The M.A. in Special Education program begins in the fall term.
M.A. in Special Education Post-Credential Pacing:
Fall
Spring
SPEC 731 Issues in Teaching: Investigating Problems of Practice in Special Education
(1st 8 weeks of the term) 3 Units
SPEC 734 Research Methodology: Action Research
(1st 8 weeks of the term) 3 Units
SPEC 733 Literature Review
(2nd 8 weeks of the term) 3 Units
SPEC 735: Research Project
(2nd 8 weeks of the term) 3 Units
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno, Visalia
Required Courses (31 minimum units)
EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 **
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 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4 or
SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4
SPEC 690A - Independent Teaching Support Credits 2 *
SPEC 690B - Intern Teaching Support Credits 2 *
SPEC 690C - Continuing Intern Teaching Support Credits 3 *
*SPEC-690A, B, or C is required each term for candidates employed as an intern or independent teacher (PIP/STSP). Independent teachers take SPEC-690A (2 units), interns take SPEC-690B (2 units), and continuing interns take SPEC-690C (3 units).
**Candidates entering the ECSE program with a Clear Multiple or Single Subject credential and an English Learner authorization are not required to enroll in EDUC 642, EDUC 646, and EDUC 643.
Extensive Support Needs Add-On
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) and SPEC-693 Practicum (4 units) following completion of the MMSN credential program.
Multiple Subject Credential Add-On
MMSN credential program completers who seek to add a Multiple Subject credential will enroll in EDUC 637 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 645 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 609 Final Student Teaching (1 unit), and EDUC 647 Teaching Elementary Science (2 units) during the summer term following the ESN credential program.
Official transcripts (all colleges/universities attended)
Verification of negative TB test (Within last 12 months)
Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
Education plan form
Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
Subject Matter Competency/Official CSET results
One CSET passed for admission
All subtests passed prior to third term
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.
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)
$1,500
2024-25
Tuition per Unit
Amount
700 Level
$750
Teacher Education
$750
MBA
$810
MSN and LEAD
$775
KIN
$610
Other Costs
Amount
Student services fee (per semester)
$70
* MBA 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.
The Mild to Moderate Support Needs program equips students with mild to moderate support needs who require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22. Graduates are also positioned for leadership roles in special education and ongoing professional development.
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.