Master of Arts in Special Education Teaching (Extensive Support Needs) with Multiple Subject

Program Description

The MA in Special Education Teaching (Extensive Support Needs) with Multiple Subjects blends a teaching credential program with a Master of Arts in Teaching. The MAT program focuses on inquiry-based education which includes hands-on instruction with problem-based learning and issues-centered curriculum and a focus on reflection during the teaching and research process. The program foundation rests in social justice and equity in education for all children and youth, including those with disabilities, and their families.

The Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to provide educational services to students with extensive support needs in Grades K-12, and up to the age of 21. This credential embeds the English Learner Authorization (ELA) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Authorization, which prepare candidates to work with second language learners and students with autism spectrum disorder, respectively. Additionally, teacher candidates may choose to apply to be an intern during the course of their program. The Multiple Subjects teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. 

The ESN Teaching Credential provides candidates with applied experiences through coursework which is competency based, connecting theory to practice. Teacher candidates have supervised field experiences every semester in which they work closely with mentor teachers to develop individualized program plans for students; conduct assessments and develop instructional plans; design modifications and adaptations for participation in the core curriculum; collaborate with general education teachers, and related service providers; and engage their students’ family members in the educational process. Placements are carefully planned in order to make sure candidates experience a wide range of student abilities and challenges as well as a range of age groups. The teacher preparation coursework focuses on preparing effective teachers for working with diverse student populations with an emphasis on preparing socially just teachers and leaders for systems change, committed to equity and inclusion in culturally and linguistically diverse schools and communities.

Upon completion of the Extensive Support Needs and Multiple Subjects Credential coursework, program candidates may complete an additional sequence of four Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) courses (with thesis) for a total of 15 units, if they desire to complete the MAT after finishing both credentials. Throughout the MAT program, candidates will learn how to critically examine evidence-based practices, policy issues, and current research on teaching and learning in the field of special education. Candidates will be expected to apply analytical skills to develop and implement standards-based curriculum in diverse settings using best instructional and inclusive practices that positively impact the learning of all students, including English Learners and children and youth with disabilities. Candidates also will conduct original teacher action research using practice-based methods in diverse educational settings. The materials and associated activities presented in the MAT coursework are highly integrated to support candidates with successful completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree at the end of the program. 

Admission Requirements

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) establishes admissions requirements for all preliminary teaching credential programs and the CSU Chancellor's Office further specifies admissions requirements. The requirements listed below may be subject to change, based on actions of these two governing bodies. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Academic and Program Services Office in Eureka Hall 401, (916) 278-6639, or an advisor in the Student Success Center, for the most current admissions requirements.

Program Admission Requirements

  1. A Baccalaureate degree is required for admission to the MAT.
  2. Minimum of 45 hours of experience related to working with children or youth in a K-12 classroom or equivalent is recommended.
  3. Submit two references: one from a person who has observed the applicant’s academic competence (current or former instructor) and the other from a person who has observed the applicant working with children or youth. NOTE: References from family members will not be accepted.
  4. Submit a graduate writing sample.
  5. Satisfy writing proficiency by meeting the Basic Skills Requirement.
  6. Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. For more detailed information, visit the CTC website.  Example of ways to satisfy Basic Skills Competence include:
    1. Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
    2. Pass the CSET Multiple Subjects plus Writing Skills examination
    3. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) or the CSU Placement Examinations
    4. Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT (see the CTC website)
    5. Score a 3 or above on specific AP examinations (see the CTC website)
    6. Earn a grade of "B-" or better in specific college or university courses as detailed on the CTC website.
    7. Mix and Match as detailed on the CTC website.
  7. Satisfy the Subject Matter Competence requirement for a Multiple Subjects teacher. For more detailed information, visit the CTC website. Examples of ways to demonstrate subject matter competence:
    1. Take and pass all subtests of any CSET examination (e.g. the Multiple Subject/Elementary California Subject Exam for Teachers-CSET),
    2. Complete a subject matter program,
    3. Complete an approved undergraduate major as detailed on the CTC website.
    4. Complete coursework with a grade of C- or better that meets the required subject matter domains as listed on the CTC website,
    5. Mix and Match as detailed on the CTC website.
  8. Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units as evidenced from official transcripts from every college/university attended.
  9. Complete Credential Prerequisite Courses : EDUC 170EDUC 100AEDUC 100B, and PUBH 136. List of equivalent coursework is located on the Teaching Credentials website.
  10. Certificate of Clearance (COC) security clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing: evidence of submitting the COC application and fingerprints must be submitted at application.
  11. Participate in the Mandatory Interview.

Detailed descriptions of all admissions requirements are contained in the program’s application instructions, which are available on the Teaching Credentials Application website.

Applications Required

CSU Graduate School Application for the University

Sacramento State graduating seniors, Sacramento State students completing a master’s degree or second bachelor’s degree, and applicants not currently attending Sacramento State MUST apply for admission to graduate school through the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) by completing and submitting the CSU application on-line: Cal State Apply. 

Supplemental Application

A separate Supplemental Application is only required for current undergraduate Sacramento State students who are applying to take first semester program coursework while still classified as an undergraduate. The Supplemental Application link is posted on the Teaching Credential website in October of the year prior to admission.

Additional Information

Certificate of Clearance (COC/Fingerprint Clearance)

All applicants must submit verification of having been issued a security clearance by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) before they will be allowed to officially start the credential program. 

EXCEPTION – it is not necessary to apply for the Certificate of Clearance if you can verify you hold a valid California certificate or credential such as an emergency permit for substitute teaching, Pre-intern certificate, PPS credential, Child Development Associate or Supervisor Permit, Adult Vocational Education credential or a valid Multiple or Single Subject credential.

NOTE: If you answered “YES” to any of the Personal and Professional Fitness questions on the Certificate of Clearance application, you will need to obtain the official arrest record and court paperwork regarding each incident. Refer to the CTC website for instructions, forms, and where to submit all additional paperwork. If you have arrests and/or convictions on your record, once you submit the additional documentation to CTC, the processing of your clearance application can take SIX MONTHS or longer. This means you may not be eligible to start the program if your clearance is not issued before the program begins. If you have any questions, contact the CTC directly via email.

Verification of Bachelor's Degree

All applicants must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university in the United States in order to be eligible for a credential. Proof can be obtained through official transcripts and listed as “Degree(s) Awarded” with the date the degree was awarded. To find out if your college/university is regionally accredited by one of the accrediting agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), visit the CTC website.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents prior to applying for a teaching credential program. This evaluation is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). It is recommended that credential program applicants have their documents evaluated by WES, since both the University Office of Graduate Studies and the Commission will accept the WES evaluation. Applicants should select the WES INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIAL ADVANTAGE PACKAGE (ICAP) Course by Course Evaluation. For additional information on foreign transcript evaluations please visit the CTC website and the Office of Graduate Studies website.

Verification of completing the United States Constitution Requirement

California Education Code, Section 44335, requires all candidates for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credentials to demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution by completing a college-level course with a “C” or equivalent grade or better, or pass a college-level examination in the subject, or verify AP exam credit for American History or American Government/Politics. While this is not a program admission requirement, this requirement must be completed before the credential can be granted at the end of the credential program. Most CSU graduates have met this requirement. More information can be found by contacting pre-credential advisors in the College of Education Student Success Center.

Additional Information for All Admitted Program Candidates: Credential Coursework

Continued Enrollment: Continued enrollment in the MA in Teaching with Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs with Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program is contingent upon candidates maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in all professional education courses. If incomplete grades or grades of "D", "F", and "NC" (No Credit) are received in professional education courses, the candidate must withdraw from the program unless a specific exception has been approved by the Credential Appeals Committee. Any student on academic probation is subject to automatic disqualification unless approved by the Credential Appeals Committee to continue.

Grade Requirement for the ESN Credential: Any grade below C- in a required credential course must be retaken in order to meet credential requirements.

Physical Education Methods Requirement: Before earning the Multiple Subject Credential, candidates must complete KINS 172 or the equivalent workshop.

Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the MA in Teaching with Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs with Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Teaching Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.

Appeal Process: A student who has been formally admitted to the program has the right to appeal to the Credential Appeals Committee about any policy affecting program continuation, except for those policies set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or state education code. Appeals petitions and assistance are available in the Teaching Credentials Office.

Licensure

Admission into programs leading to licensure does not guarantee that students will obtain a license. Licensure requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure requirements.

Additional Information for All Admitted Program Candidates: MAT Degree

Grade Requirement for the Master’s Degree: Courses required for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree require a grade of B- or better in order to be used to satisfy the requirements of the Master’s degree. If a student receives below a B- in any course required for the Master’s degree, the course must be successfully repeated with a grade of B- or better in order to satisfy the requirements of the degree program (grades of C- or better will satisfy the requirements for the teaching credential).

Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the MA in Teaching with Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs with Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Teaching Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.

Advancement to Candidacy Procedures: Each student working toward a Master of Arts in Teaching degree must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy for the degree. The purpose of this application is to provide certification to the Office of Graduate Studies that the student will complete the necessary requirements and coursework for the Master’s degree. The student must be advanced to candidacy the semester prior to enrolling in EDSP 500.

This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • Completed 21 units in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
  • Met the Graduate Writing Requirement through completion of the Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course, EDSP 281, with a B grade or better.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available online through the Office of Graduate Studies. The student should complete the form in consultation with the MAT Program Coordinator. The form must be submitted online with the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Culminating Experience Enrollment: Before enrolling in EDSP 500, the student must submit a reservation form for a Culminating Experience to the MAT Program Coordinator.

Continuous Enrollment in the Master's Degree: Enrollment in EDSP 500 for the culminating experience is for one semester. The expectation is that students will complete the culminating experience during EDSP 500. Up to three semesters of continuous enrollment (EDSP 599) are allowed if the Culminating Experience advisor deems a reasonable amount of progress has been made and assigns a grade of "RP" for EDSP 500. If students fail to make adequate progress while enrolled in EDSP 500 and there are no mitigating circumstances (e.g., illness), a grade of "no credit" is given, and the student must re-enroll in EDSP 500.

Bilingual Authorization (BA)

The BA is a specialized authorization that authorizes the credential holder to provide instruction in the primary language to candidates with limited English proficiency. This option is available concurrently for all program candidates with oral and written fluency as well as cultural/historical knowledge of the target group (currently approved languages include Spanish or Hmong; other languages are in the process of being approved). Candidates can complete additional requirements to add the Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or Hmong. For additional information on the BA option, contact the College of Education Equity Coordinator for an advising appointment to review your transcripts.

Program Requirements:

Program Requirements

MAT in Special Education (30 units)
MAT in Special Education Core Courses (18 Units)
EDSP 281Critical Issues in Special Education Research and Practice 6
EDSP 282Methods in Research Design and Practice with Diverse Children, Youth, and Families3
EDSP 283Critical Analysis and Interpretation of Data within Diverse School and Community Contexts3
EDSP 209Developing Augmentative & Alternative Communication Systems: Assessment and Intervention3
Culminating Experience
EDSP 500Classroom Inquiry/Action Research Portfolio-Culminating Experience3
Extensive Support Needs Concentration (11 Units)
EDSP 206Collaborative Program Planning with Families, Professionals, and Communities3
EDSP 208Positive Behavioral Supports and Evidence-Based Practices for Youth with Autism and Related Issues2
EDSP 218Advanced program planning/instruction: Students with Extensive Support Needs/Multiple Disabilities3
EDSP 292Teaching English Learners with Disabilities3
Total Units29
Total Additional Units for the Credential (57-71) 1
Extensive Support Needs Credential (25 Units)
EDSP 119Legal and Social Foundations of Inclusive Education3
EDSP 205Methods in Access and Inclusion in the GE Curriculum: Students with Extensive Support Needs3
EDSP 207Secondary/Post-secondary methods and transition planning for Students with Extensive Support Needs2
EDSP 217Foundations of Positive Behavioral Supports: Creating Safe and engaging Learning Environments3
EDSP 220Language and Literacy in Inclusive Classrooms I3
EDSP 221Language and Literacy in Inclusive Classrooms II3
EDSP 235Curriculum and Instructional Methods for students with Extensive Support Needs3
EDSP 238Culminating Seminar for Education Specialist Candidates 2
EDSP 293Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms3
Multiple subject credential (10 Units)
EDSP 314Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners3
EDMS 315History-Social Science Curriculum and Instruction for the Diverse K-8 Classroom3
EDMS 316Science Curriculum and Instruction for the Diverse K-8 Classroom3
EDMS 317Visual and Performing Arts Methods for the Diverse K-8 Classroom1
Total Units35
Field Experience Courses - Resident Pathway (22 Units) 1
EDSP 414Field Experience II: Students with Extensive Support Needs6
EDSP 415Student Teaching: Students with Extensive Support Needs8
EDSP 420BMultiple Subject Student Teaching8
Field Experience Courses - Intern Pathway (36 Units) 1
EDSP 413Field Experience I: Students with Extensive Support Needs 25
EDSP 413Field Experience I: Students with Extensive Support Needs 25
EDSP 420BMultiple Subject Student Teaching8
or EDMS 434C Intern Teaching for Elementary Teachers
EDSP 421Intern Teaching I: Students with Extensive Support Needs9
EDSP 422Advanced Intern Teaching: Students with Extensive Support Needs9