Section menu
Our Master of Arts in Special Education is designed to prepare you to serve children in the disability community. With multiple options available, you’re sure to find a program that meets your career goals.
Program Options
Master of Arts in Special Education Blended Option
A minimum of 36 semester units of coursework is required for a Master of Arts in Special Education and an Education Specialist credential. All candidates must receive advisement and an education plan must be developed prior to admission to the programs. The combined credential and MA program include 13 core thesis units and 23 credential units, as well as an extensive list of electives to add if you so choose. Up to 9 units may be eligible for transfer from another university. Courses include traditional, online, and blended format.
Master of Arts in Special Education Fully Online
The Master of Arts in Special Education emphasis for disability service providers prepares individuals serving those with exceptionalities in capacities that do not require an Education Specialist credential. Students outside of California, or students who earned their teaching credential elsewhere, are also able to enroll in this fully online master’s degree. The program is 32 units that includes the core 14 thesis units and 18 content units.
Master of Arts in Special Education & BCBA
Those wishing to earn both a Master of Arts in Special Education with Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, a total of 60 units must be completed. Candidates are required to complete the 14 core units, complete 18 special education content units, and a total of 28 BCBA units. Dr. Lisa Keith, MA Program Director and Dr. Eileen Whelan, BCBA Program Director, will provide advising.
Program director
Lisa Keith, Psy.D.
Faculty
Megan Chaney, Ed.D.
Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.
Claudia Norris, MS
Admission requirements
- Application form and fee
- Educational Plan
- Three letters of reference and forms
- Official transcripts verifying BA/BS degree
- Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
- Academic Writing Sample
- Certificate of Clearance
Course listing
Required Courses
Master of Arts Core (14 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ED 779 | Values in School and Society | 3 |
| EDRH 794 | Thesis Introduction and Literature Review | 3 |
| EDRH 795 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| EDRH 796 | Thesis Completion | 1 |
| SPEC 603 | Theology of Disability | 1 |
| SPEC 708 | Abstract, Critical and Technical Writing | 2 |
| SPEC 796 | Leadership & Communication | 1 |
Elective Units
Applicants who have completed an FPU Preliminary Education Specialist Credential may select from the following course work to meet the eighteen required elective units.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPEC 601 | Foundations, Health and Observations | 3 |
| SPEC 602 | Laws and Ethics in Special Education | 3 |
| SPEC 605 | Positive Behavior Support | 3 |
| SPEC 606 | Medical Implications | 2 |
| SPEC 607 | Comparative Development | 3 |
| SPEC 609 | Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities | 3 |
| SPEC 610 | Transition: Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 611 | Transition: Moderate/Severe and Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPEC 612 | Curriculum and Technology for Mild Moderate | 3 |
| SPEC 613 | Curriculum and Technology for Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| SPEC 615 | Curriculum and Technology for Early Childhood Educators | 3 |
| SPEC 620 | Early Childhood: Program Design and Development | 3 |
Applicants Seeking a M.A in Special Education only take the following coursework to meet the eighteen elective minimum unit. These courses are offered online only.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPEC 602 | Laws and Ethics in Special Education | 3 |
| SPEC 707 | Comparative Development | 3 |
| SPEC 749 | Physical, Health, and Intellectual Impairments | 3 |
| SPEC 755 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| SPEC 760 | Advanced Collaboration, Consultation and Inclusion | 3 |
| SPEC 770 | Foundations for Working With Students With Emotional Disturbance Disorders | 3 |
View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure.
State Authorization
State authorization is a federal requirement in the HigherEducation Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but six states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.
Program details
Special Education
Delivery mode
Blended, On campus, Online
Start dates
Fall, Spring, Summer
Cost per unit
$670, $690 (effective 21-22)
Number of units
36, 32 or 60
Locations
Related programs
Avg completion time
1-3 years
FPU has given me the skills and support to be an educator to and advocate for my students and families, and accomplish the goals I set out to.
Amanda Whitehead
- Special Education