Master of Arts in Special Education Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs)
Total Units for Completion of MAT: 30
Program Description
The MAT coursework 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.
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 culminating exam at the end of the program.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Academic and Program Services Office in Eureka Hall 401, (916) 278-6639, an advisor in the Student Success Center, or the MAT program website for the most current admissions procedures.
Program Admission Requirements
- A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university;
- Completion of a preliminary teaching credential in the corresponding concentration;
- To successfully complete this program, students must actively serve as the permit teacher or designated teacher of record in a classroom setting during the research phase. This requirement ensures the practical application and direct implementation of learned concepts in a real-world educational environment.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units as evidenced from official transcripts from every college/university attended.
Students who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted to the degree program with conditionally classified graduate status.
Admissions Procedures
- For students completing the Sacramento State teaching credential program concurrently, an internal application process is required.
- For returning students who have completed the Sacramento State teaching credential program within the last four years, a university application will need to be submitted that includes:
- A graduate writing sample
- Two references
For applicants who have completed a teaching credential program at a university other than Sacramento State, please contact the College of Education at coe-cred@csus.edu prior to applying.
Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the MAT Degree
Units required for the MAT degree: 30
Minimum Cumulative GPA for the MAT degree: 3.0
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.
Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in this 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. In addition, candidates will need to file a Leave of Absence form with the University.
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.
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Variable additional units refer to the student taking either the Resident Pathway OR the Intern Pathway to fulfill their Field Experience requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MAT in Special Education | ||
| MAT in Special Education core courses (18 Units) | ||
| EDSP 281 | Critical Issues in Special Education Research and Practice | 6 |
| EDSP 282 | Classroom Inquiry Methods in Critical Special Education | 3 |
| EDSP 283 | Critical Analysis and Interpretation of Classroom Inquiry | 3 |
| EDSP 209 | Developing Augmentative & Alternative Communication Systems: Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| Culminating Experience | ||
| EDSP 500 | Classroom Inquiry/Action Research Portfolio-Culminating Experience | 3 |
| Mild to Moderate Support Needs Concentration Courses (12 Units) | ||
| EDSP 221 | Language and Literacy in Inclusive Classrooms II | 3 |
| EDSP 225 | Assessment and Evaluation for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs | 3 |
| EDSP 230 | Positive Behavior and Social-Emotional Supports for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs | 3 |
| EDSP 292 | Teaching English Learners with Disabilities | 3 |
| Total Units | 30 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL ADDITIONAL UNITS FOR THE CREDENTIAL (38-53 UNITS) 1 | ||
| Additional Coursework for the Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential (27 Units) | ||
| EDSP 119 | Legal and Social Foundations of Inclusive Education | 3 |
| EDSP 217 | Foundations of Positive Behavioral Supports: Creating Safe and engaging Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDSP 220 | Language and Literacy in Inclusive Classrooms I | 3 |
| EDSP 229 | Curriculum and Instruction Strategies for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| EDSP 231 | Assistive and Instructional Technologies for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs | 2 |
| EDSP 232 | Initial Seminar: Reflective Teaching Practice, Collaboration, & Communicative Competence | 1 |
| EDSP 237 | Transition Strategies for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs | 3 |
| EDSP 293 | Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDSP 238 | Culminating Seminar for Education Specialist Candidates | 3 |
| EDSP 314 | Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Total Units | 27 | |
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Variable additional units refer to the student taking either the Resident Pathway OR the Intern Pathway to fulfill their Field Experience requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIELD EXPERIENCE COURSES- RESIDENT PATHWAY (11 Units) 1 | ||
| EDSP 471 | Mild to Moderate Support Needs Field Experience | 4 |
| EDSP 472 | Mild to Moderate Support Needs Student Teaching | 7 |
| Total Units | 11 | |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIELD EXPERIENCE COURSES - INTERN PATHWAY (26 Units) 1 | ||
| EDSP 470A | Initial Fieldwork in Mild/Mod Support Needs Credential | 4 |
| EDSP 470B | Fieldwork in Mild/Moderate Support Needs | 4 |
| EDSP 473 | Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern Teaching 2 | 18 |
| Total Units | 26 | |
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Students can take the Resident Pathway OR the Intern Pathway to fulfill their Field Experience requirement.
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Course is taken twice; see advisor.