Special Education, M.A., with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential

The mission of the program is to develop change agents, professionals who will pursue social justice side-by-side with people with disabilities. Candidates should be prepared to believe in and be advocates for the absolute dignity of all people, including those with labels of disability.

The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential is embedded in the master’s degree.

In keeping with the Attallah College of Educational Studies commitment to developing global citizenship, students are encouraged to consider participating in at least one international learning experience during the course of their program.

Admission to the program and prerequisites

Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
2. Submit passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent.
3. Have a minimum admission grade point average of 3.000. Applicants with an admission grade point average between 2.750 and 2.990 may be admitted in provisional standing for a maximum of one semester; provisional standing for the M.A. in Special Education specifies that students can enroll only in 500 level courses and can complete a maximum of 12 credits. Students who are below a 2.750 grade point average will be denied admission to the M.A. in Special Education.
4. Submit passing score on, or proof of registration for, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subject exam.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements for the Education Specialist Credential

1. Passing score on all sections of the CBEST or equivalent.
2. Passing score on the RICA.
3. Meet the U.S. Constitution Requirement (by transcript or exam).
4. Complete Infant, Child and Adult CPR requirement.
5. Negative TB test.
6. Obtain a Certificate of Clearance.
7. Passage of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subject exam.
8. In addition, all teacher education program candidates are expected to follow the Teacher Education Disposition Policy, which can be found in their respective Program Handbook.
9. Successful completion of all credential courses listed below.

Demonstration of mastery

Comprehensive examination
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 and have completed all core courses, 35 credits, to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to take the comprehensive examination. The student must pass a written comprehensive examination that covers all of the required coursework. The examination may be attempted upon completion of the program core courses. A maximum of two attempts are allowed. (See Academic Policies and Procedures  for additional guidelines.)

Requirements for Master of Arts in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential degree

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential degree are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures . In addition these specific degree standards apply:

• Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
• Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
• Complete Demonstration of mastery.
• Due to embedding of credential courses within the master’s degree curriculum, students must pass or fulfill all credential requirements (including examinations external to Chapman University, such as CBEST, CSET, RICA, and/or TPA, or their equivalents as determined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in place during their enrollment in their credential program) to be eligible for master’s degree conferral. Students seeking exceptions must file a Graduate Petition form and exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Academic Council.

The following courses make up the M.A. in Special Education with Preliminary Special Education Moderate/Severe Credential curriculum: