MA Special Education - Early Childhood Emphasis

Special education teachers are an exceptional group of educators - advocates for social justice and the dignity of all people including those with disabilities. The Master of Arts in Special Education program provides you with advanced knowledge to address educational learning problems and improve teaching strategies to enhance student performance.The Early Childhood area emphasis allows students to complete courses addressing the needs of infants and preschoolers with disabilities within the framework of a master's degree.

Admission to the program may be achieved by completing the following requirements:

Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admissions requirements for Brandman University.

If using Option Two in the graduate admissions requirements, have a grade point average between 2.75 and 2.99 in the last 30 graded semester credits (45 quarter units) in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program including credits earned toward a credential and submit passing scores from one of the following standard admissions tests:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): any two of the three GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative or Analytical Writing) may be used to meet graduate admissions standards for the MAT. The minimum acceptable score for the Verbal is 150, Quantitative is 141 and Analytic Writing is 4.5.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 403.

State Teacher Examinations: successfully complete the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), or Single Subject Assessments for Teaching (SSAT) and/or Praxis Examination.

Complete the prerequisites for the program that consist of a minimum of six (6) credits in education, including coursework in Foundations of Education and Teaching Methods. These prerequisites will have been met if you hold a valid teaching credential or has previous coursework that meets this requirement. Otherwise you will be required to meet the prerequisites in addition to the specified degree program requirements. If these courses are not completed at the time of admission, they must be completed within the first sessions of enrollment prior to enrollment in any 600-level coursework. There is no time limit on the prerequisite courses.

Candidates who have successfully completed any of Brandman University's Preliminary Credential programs and have passed the CSET, MSAT, SSAT or PRAXIS examination automatically qualify for admission to MAE program.

Submit two letters of recommendation and recommendation waivers from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic/professional ability to undertake graduate study.

How to Apply:

  • Complete and submit an Application for Admission
  • Provide official transcripts from the regionally accredited Baccalaureate degree granting institution and transcripts from all institution where post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted.

Only credit from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfers.International applicants or domestic applicants with transcripts from international institutions must also submit foreign transcripts.

PLEASE DO NOT FAX TRANSCRIPTS OR TEST SCORES.

Please mail all official transcripts to the following address:

Brandman University Office of Admission
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, CA 92618

With the exception of transcripts or test scores, you may also fax additional required documents directly to the Office of Admission at (866) 659-1143 or e-mail the documents as attachments to apply@brandman.edu.

Prerequisites:Candidate must hold a valid Education Specialist Credential or successfully complete the following prerequisite courses.

PSYU 323 Child Development (3) or PSYU 324-Adolescence 3
EDUU 510 Introduction to Teaching or a valid teaching credential 3
EDUU 511 Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling 3
EDUU 602 Positive Behavior Supports 3
EDUU 649 Data-based Decision Making in Special Education or EDUU 655 Individualized Education Plan Development and Special Education Law 3

Core Courses (9 credits)

EDUU 519 Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities 3
or EDUU 560 Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities 3
EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods 3
EDUU 661 Collaborative and Cooperative Teaching 3

Advanced Electives (24 credits)

Students admitting into MA Special Education with an emphasis of Early Childhood Special Education must be decided with an advisor and communicated to the Teacher Accreditation Department so the credits can be added to the students's official program.

Early Childhood Special Education: EDUU 665, EDUU 666, EDUU 667, EDUU 668, EDUU 669

40015 Sierra Highway, Suite B-160, Palmdale, CA, 93550
4820 Business Center Drive, Suite 100, Fairfield, CA, 94534
50 Iron Point Circle, Suite 140, Folsom, CA, 95630
Modesto Campus
5222 Pirrone Court, Salida, CA, 95368
Monterey Campus
99 Pacific Street, Suite 375-B, Monterey, CA, 93940
42-600 Cook Street, Suite 134, Palm Desert, CA, 92211
Riverside Campus
3550 Vine Street, Suite 200, Riverside, CA, 92507
Roseville Campus
3001 Lava Ridge Court, Suite 250, Roseville, CA, 95661
7460 Mission Valley Road, San Diego, CA, 92108
Santa Maria Campus
1300 E. Cypress Street, Building A-1, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
13911 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Victorville, CA, 92392
Visalia Campus
649 South County Center Drive, Visalia, CA, 93277
Walnut Creek Campus
2950 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA, 94597
Yuba City Campus
1275 Tharp Road, Suite B, Yuba City, CA, 95993