Course Overview!

The Master of Arts in Special Education program at California State University, Los Angeles provides advanced training for professionals working with exceptional learners. It's designed for administrators, teachers, and therapists, offering various specializations such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild-Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Multicultural Multilingual Special Education, and Visual Impairment and Blindness (with options for Orientation and Mobility or Teacher Preparation). The program requires a minimum of 30 units, with at least half at the 5000-level, and includes core coursework, fieldwork, specialization courses, and a culminating experience (comprehensive exam, thesis, or project). Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and pass all sections of the comprehensive exam within three attempts. The program aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve diverse learners with special needs within various educational settings.

Course Structure

The program consists of five components: prerequisite courses (if applicable), credential requirements, MA required core courses, required specialization courses and electives (approved by the advisor), and a culminating experience. Core courses cover Foundations of Special Education, Research Methods in Special Education, and Problems and Practices in Special Education. Fieldwork experiences vary depending on the chosen specialization, including early fieldwork, final directed teaching, and internships. Specialization options have their own set of required courses focusing on specific needs and populations. The culminating experience is either a comprehensive exam, a thesis, or a project, with specific requirements and approvals needed for the thesis or project options.