Special Education, M.A. (Only for FPU Credential Graduates within 5 years of completion)

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Explore Special Education, M.A. (Only for FPU Credential Graduates within 5 years of completion)

We invite graduates of the special education program at FPU to embrace teaching as a calling to redemptive service. Our hope is that you will become scholars, professionals, peacemakers, and leaders as you advance in the teaching profession.

The Special Education Credential programs prepare candidates for a preliminary teaching credential and provides foundational courses for a master’s degree in special education (SPED MA).

After completing the requirements for a preliminary credential, you will have the option to extend and deepen your understanding of effective teaching strategies, curriculum analysis, and other special education topics within the Master of Arts Degree in Special Education program. 

Program Highlights

  • Emphasis on teacher inquiry into problems of practice, connecting theory to practice, advocacy, and service to the profession
  • Opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly and professional dialogue about issues critical to new teachers
  • Cohort model which fosters a robust community of practice
  • 2 Semesters I 4 courses post-credential coursework centered on teacher inquiry and action research
  • Coursework facilitated online (Zoom/Moodle)
  • For a detailed program brochure, click here

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Catalog

Overview

The Special Education Credential programs prepare candidates for a preliminary teaching credential and provides foundational courses for a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education (SPED MA). Only Fresno Pacific credential program completers are eligible to continue in the capstone courses of the SPED MA to complete their degree. SPED MA students must be employed as a credentialed special education teacher and return to the capstone courses within five years of credential program completion.

After completing the requirements for a preliminary credential, candidates have the option to extend and deepen their understanding of effective teaching strategies, curriculum analysis, and other special education topics within the Master of Arts Degree in Special Education program. This program is comprised of all credential program coursework units and 12 units of post-credential coursework within five years of credential program completion. Courses must be completed in the prescribed sequence and academic terms as outlined.

Candidates will be challenged to reflect on their role as a teacher and their commitment to teaching as a vocation. Candidates will develop a deeper understanding of teacher inquiry and gain a teacher-research identity, which will be applied by completing a classroom action research project and report.

Admissions Requirements

  • Earned FPU Education Specialist Credential within previous 5 academic years.
  • Graduate Admission Update Form 
  • Employment Verification Form 
  • Education plan from Program Director (given after advising appointment) 
  • Earned all As and Bs in credential coursework
  • No readmission fee required

Locations Offered

Online

Required Courses

Special Education Credential

  • Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Credential  OR
  • Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Preliminary Credential  OR
  • Mild/Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential  

Capstone Courses (12 Units)

  • SPEC 731 - Issues in Teaching: Investigating Problems of Practice in Special Education Credits 3
  • SPEC 733 - Literature Review Credits 3
  • SPEC 734 - Research Methodology: Action Research Credits 3
  • SPEC 735 - Research Project Credits 3

  • Note: Courses must be taken and successfully completed sequentially

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event. 

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission for the M.A. in Special Education, please submit the following items:

  • Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
    • Earned all As and Bs in credential coursework.
    • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
    • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu
      or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:
      • Fresno Pacific University
        Office of the Registrar
        1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
        Fresno, CA 93702
  • Completed Employment Verification Form.
  • Earned FPU Education Specialist Credential within the previous five academic years. The M.A. in Special Education program is only available to FPU credential graduates.
  • Valid CA teaching credential (for credential program only).

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

 

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* MBA Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2023-24

Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

Career Opportunities

This program is designed for recent FPU credential graduates who are eager to deepen their expertise and advance their careers in special education. This program enhances your teaching skills, broadens your understanding of educational theories and prepares you for leadership roles within schools and districts. The program emphasizes teacher inquiry into problems of practice, connecting theory to practice, advocacy and service to the profession. It also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies or specialized certifications as a scholar, leader, peacemaker and professional.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center