Department of Special Education

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The Department of Special Education (SPED) is committed to making a difference for people with disabilities and their families with diverse lived experiences by increasing their success in schools, workplaces, and community settings. We aim to develop the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities, support their talents, and to make a significant positive impact on their learning and life environments with the focus of improving outcomes through professional development and social change.

Our Programs

 
Teaching, Early Childhood
Preliminary Credential
Teaching, Mild to Moderate Support Needs
Preliminary Credential
Teaching, Extensive Support Needs
Preliminary Credential
Induction Program
Clear Credential
Behavior Analysis and Autism, Early Childhood, Mild/Moderate Support Needs, and Extensive Support Needs
Special Education (M.A.)
Early Childhood
Added Authorization
Behavior Analysis
Advanced Certificate
Teacher and girl with pink helmet
VIDEO: Learn how SDSU graduates are making an impact in Special Education -- in the classroom and across the San Diego community.

Announcements

 
SDSU campus

Fall 2025 Admissions Now Open

SDSU is now accepting applications for fall 2025. Deadlines differ by program. Please see individual academic program information for details.
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Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Candidates!

Project PERSPECTIVES prepares you to educate young, disabled children with evidence-based practices and engage our diverse community, while funding your in-state tuition and fees.
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New Funding for Special Education Candidates

Residency grants provide opportunities to receive $35,000 while you earn your special education credential under the guidance and mentorship of a Master Teacher in the district.

 

Contact Us

Laura Hall
Dr. Laura Hall, Department Chair
Department Email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-594-6665
Location: North Education Building, Room 70 (NE-70)
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
 
More Contact Details Faculty Directory
 

SPED News

A group of six people in formal attire pose and smile in an outdoor setting.
Black Resource Center bestows Collaboration Champion Award on Dean Chung, COE
Three smiling professors pose outdoors.
Dual-credential program between special education and general education gets green light
A teacher smiles as she works with a young student.
Making a splash: SDSU builds partnerships locally and nationally to improve special education
More News

Diversity Statement

The Department of Special Education (COE) at San Diego State University recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as fundamental values of all department programs and the communities we serve. Accordingly, the faculty and staff in the department are committed to community partnerships that embrace this mission, and we strive to be a catalyst for change in support of students of all abilities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, ages, social classes, socio-economic statuses, immigration statuses, political views, and veteran statuses. We are dedicated to supporting a safe, responsive, and equitable learning environment.

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