Graduate School of Education

Program Overview

As today's schools, academic programs and educational requirements become more complex, the needs of special education students continue to be individualized and comprehensive. California Lutheran University's credential programs in special education blend theoretical instruction with opportunities for the practical application of knowledge, offering you an ideal avenue for heightened effectiveness.

Program Highlights

Candidates in the Special Education credential programs benefit from an integration of theoretical knowledge with an abundance of opportunities for practical application in meaningful settings.

The credential program is distinct from similar programs in the region due to the extensive personal support and empowerment training. Classes rarely exceed 20 students, and the faculty is comprised of highly regarded professional practitioners in the field.

Candidates who meet the Internship Credential requirements may complete their program under the Internship Option.

Requirements

The following courses are required to successfully complete this Moderate/Severe 39–credit curriculum:

• EDSP 503. Characteristics of Diverse Learners with Special Needs* (3)
• EDSP 519. Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Plan (3)
• EDSP 519A. Clinical Practicum (1)
• EDSP 521. Reading/Language Arts in Diverse Classrooms* (3)
• EDSP 523. Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3)
• EDSP 545. Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Behavioral and Emotional Needs (3)
• EDSP 545A. Clinical Practicum (1)
• EDSP 549. First & Second Language Acquisition and Learners with Special Needs* (3)

• EDSP 527A. Creating and Extending Family Partnerships (1)
• EDSP 527B. Supporting Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities with Complex Communication Needs (1)
• EDSP 527C. Contemporary Issues Moderate to Severe Disabilities (1)
• EDSP 537. Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Development in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (3)
• EDSP 537A. Clinical Practicum (1)

• EDSP 539. Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Development in Moderate to Severe Disabilities II (3)
• EDSP 539A. Clinical Practicum (1)
• EDSP 542. Field Study (8)

* Successful completion required for Internship eligibility

 

Courses

EDSP 503 Characteristics of Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3 units)

Explores the learning and behavioral characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities;  the  theory  and  practices  of  special  education  service  delivery  models; contemporary state and federal special education laws, with an emphasis on the Individualized Educational Program and partnerships with families.

EDSP 519 Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Plan (3 units)

Formal and informal assessment procedures for linking assessment to instruction, determining the need and eligibility for services, designing instructional programs and developing IEP goals; legal and ethical consideration for assessment, issues of reliability and validity, and information regarding test design and statistics.

EDSP 519A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)

EDSP 521 Reading/Language Arts in Diverse Classrooms (3 units)

Theory-based methods of instruction in reading and language arts in today's culturally, diverse elementary classrooms. 

EDSP 523 Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3 units)

Provides an introduction to current methodologies and instructional strategies appropriate for concept development as well as attainment and the meaningful application of mathematics and science learning based on California Content Standards.

EDSP 545 Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Behavioral and Emotional Needs (3 units)

Examines Positive Behavior Support and School-wide PBS strategies for general and special educational settings; provides information regarding individual behavior support strategies, specifically with respect to students with special needs; includes behavioral assessments and behavioral plans to support students with behavioral challenges in the general and special education classroom. 

EDSP 545A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)

EDSP 549 First & Second Language Acquisition and Learners with Special Needs (3 units)

This course in first and second language acquisition deals with an overview of some aspects of linguistic theories. The course further deals with language acquisition, theories, legal implications, and accountability factors related to language learning among both native and non-native speakers of English.

EDSP 527A Creating and Extending Family Partnerships (1 unit)

Complements and extends the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Preliminary Credential Program in Moderate/Severe (M/S) specialty, with an emphasis on further development and refinement of collaboration and communication skills to effectively partner with families of students with M/S disabilities and integrate theory, practice, and research regarding family/professional educator alliances.

EDSP 527B Supporting Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities with Complex Communication Needs (1 unit)

Complements and extends the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Preliminary Credential Program in Moderate/Severe (M/S) specialty, with an emphasis on theory, practice, application and instruction for supporting students with M/S disabilities with Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, and increase their social/communicative competence.

EDSP 527C Contemporary Issues Moderate to Severe Disabilities (1 unit)

Complements and extends the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Preliminary Credential Program in Moderate/Severe (M/S) specialty, with an emphasis on understanding and critically evaluating a number of professional contemporary, sometimes contentious issues and positions concerning the education of students with Moderate/Severe disabilities.

EDSP 537 Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Development in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (3 units)

Along with Clinical Practicum, provides foundational  knowledge and skills required to educate students with Moderate/Severe disabilities, with an emphasis on theory, practice, application, and instruction.

EDSP 537A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)

EDSP 539 Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Development in Moderate to Severe Disabilities II (3 units)

Along with Clinical Practicum, provides the skills and competencies necessary for candidates to provide high-quality special education programs and services to students with Moderate/Severe disabilities.

EDSP 539A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)

EDSP 542 Field Study (8 units) 

Candidates attend a seminar in conjunction with field study (internship or student teaching) addressing portfolio development, credential standards, TPEs, and support services for teacher candidates. 

 

 

Admission Requirements

1. Checklist
2. Completed Application Form
3. $50.00 Application Fee (please make checks payable to CLU)
4. Interview with Admission Counselor
5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
6. Personal Statement
7. Recommendation Form
8. Petition to Waive the GRE or GRE Scores (Master's degree applicants only)
9. Request for Credential Course Equivalency. If you wish to have credential course work considered for equivalency, this form must be completed and approved.

Application Process

Interested individuals are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a Graduate Admission Counselor to review specific program information, admission requirements, start terms, deadline dates, and review financial aid options.

Please call (805) 493–3335 to schedule an appointment to meet with a Graduate Admission Counselor or to request information.

• Apply Online
• Request Information
• Attend an Information Session
• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Admission FAQ