Moderate/Severe 2-Semester Option
See course requirements for the Moderate/
Program of study: Preliminary Specialist Credential in Moderate/
Note: You can download this information as a printable PDF.
After completion of the Preliminary Credential, candidates are eligible to take teaching positions. Following employment as a special education teacher, candidates have 5 years to complete the Clear Professional Credential.
Preliminary, Prerequisites* 13 units |
Preliminary, Semester 1 16 units + 4 unit practicum |
Preliminary, Semester 2 14 units + 6 unit Practicum |
SPED 450 (Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations) – 3 units [Formerly SPED 500] |
SPED 505 (Educational Services for Students with SED) – 1 unit | SPED 526 (Char. & Ed. Phys., Health, Sensory Impairments) – 3 units |
SPED 501** (Typical & Atypical Learning Processes ) —3 units |
SPED 553 (Behavioral Strategies and Supports for Students with Disabilities) –3 units |
SPED 530 (Issues in Autism) –3 units |
SPED 502 (Field Experiences in General and Special Education) – 1 unit | SPED 635 (Assessment in ECSE & M/S) –3 units | SPED 560 (Applications of Technology for Individuals with Disabilities) – 3 units |
SPED 527# (SPED in a Pluralistic Society) – 3 units | SPED 647 (SPED Adaptations of Basic Skills Instruction) – 3 units | SPED 645 (Issues in Curr. & Instr. for Students with Severe Handicaps) – 3 units |
DLE 915A/B# (Teaching and Learning in the Content Area: English Language Development/ |
SPED 657 (Facilitating Transition Across Environments in SPED) – 3 units |
SPED 562 (Collaboration, Legislation, and Educational Planning in SPED) –2 units |
TE 930** (Teaching Reading & Language Arts) – 3 units | SPED 980B (Adv. Practicum) | |
SPED 970B (Practicum in General & SPED) Take RICA exam first Saturday in December |
* For admission, students must meet additional criteria, including subject matter
competence, by passing CSET: Multiple Subjects (all 3 subtests) or CSET: Single Subject
(Math, English, Social Studies or Science only). Refer to Preliminary Credential Requirements
information sheet on website regarding CSET multiple subject requirements for obtaining
Mild/
* Courses in this column are available to upper division undergraduate students.
** Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple Subject or Single-Subject Teaching Credential from a California program sponsor. Individuals who acquired their Multiple Subjects or Single Subjects equivalent credentials outside of California are required to have a course in educational psychology or take this class or submit substitution forms proving course of a similar content was successfully completed at another institution.
***Because it will not be offered in summer, students are admitted to the program in Fall must take SPED 525 concurrently with Semester I courses.
# Not required for candidates who possess a Multiple or Single Subjects credential inclusive of CLAD or EL authorization.
Note: Candidates for the Preliminary credential must demonstrate knowledge of principles and provisions of U.S. Constitution through successful completion of a 3-unit college level course or examination. For further clarification contact the Office for Student Success at 619-594-6320.
Candidates for the Preliminary credential must complete a course in Health Education, including, but not limited to, nutrition, the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and use of tobacco. This requirement must include verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which covers infant and child to adult CPR skills. SDSU course TE 280. For further clarification contact the Office for Student Success at 619-594-6320.
Petitions to Substitute or Waive course(s) must be turned in the semester prior to being admitted to the credential program.
San Diego State University — Department of Special Education
This information is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to ensure
this information is current and accurate. 8/22/19