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

 
Rise and shine for summer session.

Summer Session 2025

Summer registration begins on March 5. SDSU offers a twelve week term and four sessions ranging from four to eight weeks in length to fit your summer schedule.
Project Express

Now Recruiting

Project EXPRESS is now recruiting middle schools to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of two programs designed for groups of 2 to 8 autistic middle school students: PEERS and UnStuck and OnTarget. 

For more information contact Laura Hall at [email protected] .

Project PERSPECTIVES

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.
New Funding for Special Education Candidates

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.

SDSU campus

Fall 2026 Admissions

SDSU will begin accepting applications for fall 2026 on October 1, 2025. Deadlines differ by program. Please see individual academic program information for details.

 

Contact Us

Bonnie Kraemer
Dr. Bonnie Kraemer, 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

Text reading U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Education Programs #45
COE rises to No. 45 in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings
A graduation cap decorated with the words "And then the student became the teacher."
Looking to become a teacher? Here’s how SDSU makes it affordable
A woman wearing black smiles in front of a lush green background.
Laura Craig runs point on SDSU’s teacher credentialing transformation
More News in Special Education

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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