Special Education Clear Credential & Master's Degree, How to Apply

On this page: Learn how to apply for a master's degree while clearing a teaching credential in special education.

Note: Starting Fall 2018, employment verification will be required to enroll in the Special Education Clear Credential program. You must be employed as a "teacher of record" — substitute teaching and aid positions will not meet this requirement.

Steps to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply to the Special Education Clear Credential Program:

1. Cal State Apply

For assistance, see Tips on Completing the Cal State Apply University Application.

Go to Cal State Apply (CSU application)

If you already hold a Preliminary or Level 1 Ed Specialist/Special Education credential, then you are eligible to apply to the Master's and Clear Credential Program through the Cal State Apply application.  To do this, be sure to pick the correct program name in the Cal State Apply application that contains the Master's and credential combination you seek.  

The following combinations are available: 

• M.A. in Autism with a clear credential
• M.A. in Early Childhood with a clear credential
• M.A. in Mild Moderate with a clear credential
• M.A. in Moderate Severe with a clear credential

2. Request official transcripts

Request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions on our Submit Test Scores and Transcripts page.

Pre-Admission Disclosure Language for Licensure and Credentialing Programs

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time.

For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check.

Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from School of Teacher Education, 619-594-6131, [email protected].