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Special Education, M.A.Ed., and Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Specialist Preliminary Credential, Non-Intern (online)

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• • Domestic Applicants
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*All stated financial information is subject to change. The At a Glance provides Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) to aid in program comparison only. For a detailed cost estimate or more information, contact APU's Graduate Student Financial Services.

Domestic Applicants

Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements.

Applicants must possess:

• A bachelor’s degree
  A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA
  A minimum grade-point baccalaureate or master’s grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a grade-point average between 2.5 and 2.9 if competency can be shown using multiple measures.)

Applicants must provide evidence for one of the following:*

• Having passed the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) (e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS).
• Having attempted the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) (e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS).
• Registration for the next scheduled examination (e.g., CSET/SSAT/PRAXIS).
• Having completed a CTC-approved subject-matter preparation program.
• Continuous progress toward meeting the CTC-approved subject-matter requirement.
• Enrollment in an organized subject-matter examination preparation program.

*Reference: Education Code Section 44227(a).

Applicants must submit:

• A Graduate Application for Admission (Apply Online | Download PDF)
Use the following program code when applying: SPED25
• A $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Letter to the dean (Download PDF)
  A typewritten, one- to two-page letter to the dean addressing the following topics: experiences from the applicant’s background that may enhance the teaching experience; the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working with children; why the applicant wants to teach; preferred grade level and content areas and why; special interests, hobbies, or abilities; extracurricular activities; and previous residence or travel experiences (Written communication skills will be assessed along with the content.).
• A résumé (preferred) or statement of experience (Download PDF)
  Please include most relevant work and volunteer experience.
• Three letters of recommendation (Download PDF)
  Submitted by those who have supervised the applicant’s leadership and/or teaching experience with children/youth in public or private settings, an employer who directly supervised the applicant, or one faculty/academic reference. References from neighbors, friends, and relatives are not appropriate unless they have served as supervisors. Letters must assess competence and character. Please use the required forms provided in the Application for Graduate Admission; additional letters are optional.
• Two official transcripts
  Request that two copies official transcripts be sent to APU’s Graduate Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU’s transcript policy.
• Proof of Certificate of Clearance
  Submit photocopy of the most current Pre-Intern Credential, Emergency Permit, or Certificate of Clearance [fingerprint check for CTC] application to the Graduate Center. For more information, please contact the credential analyst at (626) 815-5346. Current Pre-Intern Permit or Emergency Permit also meets this requirement.
• Proof of Basic Skills requirement
  Can be met by successful passage of CBEST or successful passage of CSETs 101, 102, 103, and 142, or equivalent (see credential analyst for information on equivalency).

Submit all materials to:

What to Expect

After all above materials have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions in the Graduate Center, the School of Education reviews the file and will notify you by mail or phone to schedule an admission interview.

Students admitted with Provisional Program Acceptance must complete the first 12 units with a B or better in each course to remain eligible for continued enrollment at the university.)