Education with a Concentration in Special Education, M.A.

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The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.) with a concentration in Special Education provides advanced academic study for persons working with or on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Candidates who possess a valid teaching credential may pursue this degree. Candidates from related disciplines may pursue this advanced degree with consent from the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education.

Candidates must apply and be admitted both to the University and to the M.A. in Education-Special Education Concentration program in order to pursue this degree. The course of study (described below) includes the M.A. core curriculum (12-19 units) and relevant elective course work (units vary). Candidates will select one of the following pathway options for completing their M.A. course of study:

Thesis/Project option (30 units)
Cognate option (36 units)
Individualized Examination option (33 units)

Special Education Concentration with Induction (12 units)

EDSP 501 - Formative Assessment and Induction into Teaching Unit(s): 3
EDSP 504 - Formative Assessment and Induction Culmination Unit(s): 3
EDSP 513 - Current and Emerging Research and Practice in Special Education Unit(s): 3
And choose 3 additional units from courses in general concentration (see below)

Special Education Concentration (12 units)

EDSP 502 - Advanced Pedagogy in SPED Unit(s): 3
EDSP 513 - Current and Emerging Research and Practice in Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDSP 515 - Advanced Legal Issues in Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDSP 590 - Critical Issues in Special Education Unit(s): 3

Electives

Candidates have the opportunity to seek breadth or depth in a related area of study through completion of elective courses. The number of elective units needed to complete the M.A. requirements varies depending upon the culminating option selected. Elective coursework may be drawn from other graduate programs in the School of Education or other departments at Sonoma State University, such as psychology, counseling, kinesiology, or others. These courses are selected with the advice and approval of the M.A. special education advisors.

Advising

All M.A. candidates within the special education concentration will be assigned to a special education faculty advisor for the purpose of developing an individualized program of study. Electives will be determined in consideration with the advisor, in an effort to provide a broader program of study that responds to varying student interests.