Course Requirements
The cohort model begins with entry in Module 1 in Fall I or Spring I. Candidates who enter at other times of the year will be advised regarding course enrollment prior to the next modular entry date. A maximum of nine units may be taken per term with the department chair's prior written approval only.
| 1. Take modules 1, 2, and 3. |
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| Module 1 | 6 units | |
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SPED 511 Language Development for All Students | 3 | |
SPED 574 Literacy and Reading Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities* | 3 | |
*Students must complete this course before taking the RICA, and the RICA must be passed before qualifying for a credential.
*Candidates cannot register for this course without clearance from the Office of Student Services. This is a mentor-based course. Teacher candidates do not attend classes to meet regularly with an instructor. Teacher candidates must attend a mandatory Clinical Practice orientation meeting before the term begins.
| 2. Pass RICA. |
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| 3. Apply for Clinical Practice by April 1 for spring and October 1 for fall. |
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| 4. Take module 4. |
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^Candidates cannot register for this course without clearance from the Office of Student Services. This is a mentor-based course. Teacher candidates do not attend classes to meet regularly with an instructor. Teacher candidates must attend a mandatory Clinical Practice orientation meeting before the term begins.
| 5. Clearance for Clinical Practice |
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| 6. Placement by Office of Student Services with Master Teacher. |
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| Total units for credential only |
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| 7. Apply for Preliminary Credential. |
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| 8. Take Comprehensive Exam. |
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| 9. Submit Intent to Graduate Form to Graduate Registrar. |
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| 10. Take courses required for master's degree. |
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| Required for Master of Arts in Education: Special Education (for those in combination programs only) | 18 units | |
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SPED 532 Bilingual Special Education | 3 | |
SPED 581 Historical and Philosophical Perspectives of Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 582 Theories of Learning and Research in Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 583 Current Trends in Curriculum and Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 584A Guided Research Project: Procedures | 3 | |
SPED 584B Guided Research Project: Findings | 3 | |
| Total units for credential and master’s | 45 units | |
Note: Completion of all credential requirements, including all examinations, coursework, and other requirements, must be met before the master’s degree will be posted. An Intent to Graduate Form must be completed and fees paid by the deadlines set by the Office of the Graduate Registrar. | ||
Clinical Practice (Contract Teaching Application)
Application for Clinical Practice (Contract Teaching) must include:
Digital ELL Workshop: 120 hours with 10 hours of classroom observation
Any special education teacher candidate desiring to begin an internship in the fall or spring semester must complete the Special Education Digital Modules’ pre-Service hours. The Digital Modules will be available during fall, spring and summer. For more information, please contact the Department of Special Education.
- Proof of passage of Subject-Matter Competency by deadlines placed by the Office of Student Services
- Full-time public school or WASC-accredited private school contract for SPED position
- Letter on official school letterhead from administrator fully describing the assignment/position for consideration (must have prior approval by program director)
- Candidates with an approved non-WASC teaching position must complete an extra 4-6 weeks of Clinical Practice in a WASC setting, as placed by the Office of Student Services.
“The special education program at APU develops you as a teacher and a person. The subject matter is integrated with Christian beliefs, making the education extremely personal. By example, I have learned how to weave my own faith into my teaching, even at a public school. I now pray over my class and each of their seats, and it has impacted my students greatly.”