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.
There are two options for completing a Master of Arts in Special Education:
The Master of Arts in Special Education does not meet the preliminary credential requirements for you to teach in California public schools.
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. Provide proof of a valid Preliminary credential or certificate of eligibility.
How to Apply
Complete and submit an Application for Graduate 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.
Prerequisite:
The Level II Education Specialist Professional Credential, 1997 CTC Standards is available only to candidates who completed an Education Specialist, Level I, Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe Credential Program written to CTC Standards, 1997. The program will be phased out according to CTC timelines. Candidates who would like additional information may contact the Teacher Accreditation Department or a special education faculty advisor.
Please see the catalog description for the Level II program for more details about this part of the Option 2 Master of Arts in Special Education.
Core Courses (18 credits)
| EDUU 519 | Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| lor EDUU 560 | Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| EDUU 511 | Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling | 3 |
| EDUU 600 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
| EDUU 602 | Positive Behavioral Supports | 3 |
| EDUU 603 | Instructional Supports for Communication, Language, and Literacy | 3 |
| EDUU 649 | Data-Based Decision Making in Special Education | 3 |
General Education Electives (6 credits)Select from the following:
| EDUU 512 | The Art and Craft of Teaching | 3 |
| EDUU 526 | Theories in Language Structure and Acquisition | 3 |
| EDUU 527 | English Language and Literacy Development | 3 |
| EDUU 528 | Content-based Instruction and Assessment for Linguistic Minority Students | 3 |
| EDUU 534 | Advanced Study of Teaching English Learners | 3 |
| EDUU 535 | Advanced Study of Health Education | 3 |
| EDUU 536 | Advanced Study of Teaching Special Populations | 3 |
| EDUU 563 | Curriculum, Leadership, and Instruction Technology | 3 |
| EDUU 564 | Social Implications of Educational Technology | 3 |
| EDUU 565 | 3 | |
| EDUU 570 | Voice, Diversity, Equity and Social Justice | 3 |
| EDUU 605 | Democracy, Education and Social Change | 3 |
| EDUU 606 | Seminar in Learning Theory | 3 |
| EDUU 607 | Seminar in Comparative Education | 3 |
| EDUU 608 | Seminar in the Social Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUU 609 | Seminar in Curriculum Studies | 3 |
| EDUU 619 | Literacy Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
| EDUU 620 | Children's Literature and Family Literacy | 3 |
| EDUU 622 | Seminar in Program Design I | 3 |
| EDUU 623 | Reader Leader: Planning and Delivery I | 3 |
| EDMU 520 | Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms I | 3 |
| EDMU 521 | Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms II | 3 |
| EDMU 522 | Mathematics and Science in K-8 Classrooms | 3 |
| EDMU 523 | History, Social Science and Visual/Performing Arts in K-8 Classrooms | 3 |
| EDSU 530 | Theories, Methods, and Materials for Teaching English Learners | 3 |
| EDSU 531 | Secondary Instructional Strategies for Language/Culturally Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| EDSU 532 | Effective Literacy Instructions for Single Subject Candidates | 3 |
| EDSU 533 | Content Specific Strategies for Single Subjects (Series) | 3 |
Advanced electives (15 credits)select from the following:
| EDUU 687* | Professional Induction Planning and Assessment | 6 |
| CSPU 639 | Advanced Positive Behavior Support | 3 |
| EDUU 638 | Advanced Assessment and Instructional Support for Persons with Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| or | ||
| EDUU 660 | Seminar on Instructional Supports for Persons with Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| EDUU 650 | Transitions Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| EDUU 688 | Professional Induction Planning and Assessment |
| Total credits (not including prerequisites) | 39 |
*This course must initially be completed prior to enrolling in any other Level II courses. Students must be employed as a special education teacher at least half time to be enrolled in this course.
Demonstration of Mastery Candidates for the Master of Arts in Special Education degree must successfully complete a digital portfolio of eight signature assignments with reflective essays. These assignments will be chosen with faculty approval. Candidates can submit the portfolio during their last remaining course in their program, and must meet the minimum passing score on the portfolio rubric.