professor guiding students during a class activity

Special Education, MAEd, and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential

Earn an MA in Education: Special Education and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll accelerate your career by simultaneously earning your MAEd and completing the content requirements for an education specialist credential—developing the advanced skills needed to serve students with extensive support needs to TK-12 students to age 22 in public schools. Build fieldwork experience and study relevant education methods as you take advantage of multiple location options and evening classes, designed for the working professional.

Program at a Glance

The School of Education equips educators to lead and champion students in diverse educational settings.

Upcoming Events

Online Preview Night
6-7:45 p.m. | Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Application Deadline

Start times are available throughout the year—fall, spring, and summer. The upcoming application deadlines are:

  • Spring 2025: November 22, 2024

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 46-49
  • Cost per Unit: $675
  • Base Cost: $31,050-$33,075*

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus), High Desert, Murrieta, Orange County
Yellow ribbon icon

Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Teacher and a student

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Put learning into action through practical fieldwork opportunities.
  • Complete courses grounded in a Christian worldview as you explore how to make a difference in your classroom.
  • Benefit from a rich learning community in a cohort style program.
  • Explore behavior support, inclusion strategies, modified classroom instruction, and more.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

zadie zenney smiling

Zadie Kenney ’17 discovered her passion for working alongside children with special needs during her time at APU.

Program Details

This program includes comprehensive foundation courses emphasizing teaching and educational methods, as well as specialization courses providing content required for the education specialist credential. Practical classroom and fieldwork experiences provide application to theory, preparing candidates to teach in diverse settings. Advanced coursework in the emphasis area of special education provides candidates with knowledge needed to serve students with disabilities in K-12 public schools.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Informational Meetings

Prospective students may attend an informational meeting prior to submitting an application. Complete details regarding admission and specific program requirements, advising, and general information are discussed at information meetings. For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education's information meeting calendar or call (626) 815-5376.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

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

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Two recommendations that assess competence and character. Appropriate recommendations include those who have supervised the applicant’s leadership 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. Additional letters are optional.
  • Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
  • One- to two-page personal statement 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 youth; why the applicant wants to teach; preferred grade level and content areas and why; and how the applicant envisions supporting the success of all students and contributing to the profession. Written communication skills will be assessed along with content.
  • Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
  • Proof the Basic Skills Requirement has been satisfied
  • Proof of subject matter preparation or proof of paid registration for the next appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) administration (view teacher test preparation resources)

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
  • Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
  • Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Multiple financial aid options are available to make your special education master's program affordable.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree or program includes a network of services and personnel who partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a breakdown of some common fees associated with School of Education programs.

School of Education Fees

Tuition and Fees
  Cost
EdD in Educational Leadership (per unit) $1,159
EdD in Educational Leadership dissertation continuation courses (per unit) $569
Education master’s degree, credential, authorization, and certificate programs (except School Counseling and School Psychology programs) (per unit) $675
School Counseling and School Psychology, and LPCC programs (per unit) $813
BCBA Certificate (per unit) $799
Audit (per unit) half-price tuition
School of Education assessment fee (Taskstream/Teacher Performance Assessment; flat fee equal to cost of .25–1 unit, depending on the program and course the fee is attached to) no longer applicable
Intent to Commence and/or Graduate Fee $100

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

School of Education Scholarships

APU also provides information on numerous financial aid options for prospective School of Education students. Learn more about the aid opportunities available.

School of Education Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Education offers an alumni tuition discount for Azusa Pacific alumni starting in a graduate program.

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Notes on Eligibility: The School of Education’s doctoral program (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) and the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) program are not eligible for the alumni tuition discount. APU doctoral alumni are also not eligible for the School of Education alumni discount. Additionally, the alumni discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid, such as School of Education scholarships. Students who are eligible for both may choose to receive either the alumni discount or an APU scholarship. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Note: Award and eligibility are applicable for the 2022-23 academic year and apply to students admitted beginning fall 2020. The discount is subject to change.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

How many units do I take each term?

Students may take no more than 8 units per eight-week session, which includes a maximum of two methods or education classes and their corequisite field experiences (if appropriate).

How long is a term?

Each term has two sessions (Fall I and Fall II, Spring I and Spring II). Each session is eight weeks in length. The 16-week student teaching term covers Fall I and II or Spring I and II.

How many hours does each class session require?

Each class requires that students meet for approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, once a week.

How many evenings per week do I attend classes?

Students meet one night a week for eight weeks.

Does APU require theses, dissertations, or capstone projects?

Students are required to complete a thesis/capstone project for this program.

How soon can I finish this program?

This program can be completed in three semesters and one summer session.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contacts

  • Angela J. Guta, PhD, director, Special Education Credential Programs, [email protected], (626) 815-5425
  • Julie Magana, program coordinator, Special Education Credential Programs, [email protected], (626) 387-5791

Division of Teacher Education

Phone

(626) 815-6018

Fax

(626) 815-5416

Mail

Division of Teacher Education
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Featured Faculty

Angela J. Guta

Angela J. Guta

Director, Special Education Credential Programs, and Associate Professor, Division of Teacher Education

Tammy Bachrach

Tammy Bachrach

Associate Professor, Division of Teacher Education

HeeKap Lee

HeeKap Lee

Faculty Coordinator, MAED in Teaching; Professor, Division of Teacher Education

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Teacher and student in classroom

The Golden State Teacher Grant: An Overview and APU’s Connection

APU is proud to be a recipient of the Golden State Teacher Grant, helping prospective California teachers to fund their education in pursuit of a teaching credential.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
 
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.