Pathway options
Teachers
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 admissions to the program.
The program includes 14 core units and 22 elective units that can be chosen from select FPU Preliminary Education Specialist Credential courses as well as an extensive list of electives. Up to 9 units may be transferred from another university. Courses include traditional, online, and blended format.
Disability Service Providers
The Master of Arts in Special Education emphasis for disability service providers prepares individuals serving those with exceptionalities outside of the school setting or otherwise serving in capacities that do not require an Education Specialist credential. The program is 32 units that includes the core 14 units and 18 elective units.
All coursework is available in an online format for distance learners
Master of Arts in Special Education & BCBA
Those wishing to earn both a Masters 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 elective units, and a total of 28 BCBA units. Dr. Lisa Keith, MA Program Director and an assigned BCBA Field Supervisor will provide advising
Program director
Lisa Keith, Psy.D.
Faculty
Megan Chaney, Ed.D.
Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.
Kelly J. Bentz, Ph.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 |
Program details
Special Education
Delivery mode
Blended, On campus
Start dates
Fall, Spring, Summer
Cost per unit
$650, $670 (effective 20-21)
Number of units
36, 32 or 60
Locations
Related programs
Avg completion time
1-3 years
I'm most thankful I was able to intern full time while working on my specialist credential. FPU was the only program in the valley that had an intern program allowing me to work in my desired job as I earned my specialist credential.
Anne Stuckenschmidt
- Special Education