Special Education
Specializations in Early Childhood, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs
The Special Education (Education Specialist) Credential authorizes the holder to teach in specific disability areas of specialization named on the credential such as:
- Early Childhood Special Education: work with infant, toddler and preschool-age children with disabilities
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs: teach students with disabilities in grades K-12, and adults up to age 22
- Extensive Support Needs: teach students with a wide range of disabilities in grades K-12, and adults up to age 22
5 Pathways to Special Education Teaching
The following programs provide pathways to earn a special education teaching credential:
- Liberal Studies Bachelor's and Stand-alone Credential (5-year Pathway)
- Liberal Studies Bachelor's with ACE Minor (4-year Pathway for Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs only)
- Any Bachelor's with Cultural Proficiency Minor (5-year Pathway)
- Any Bachelor's and Stand-alone Credential (5-year Pathway)
- Child Developmenet Bachelor's with ITEP (4-year Pathway for Early Childhood Special Education only)
1. Liberal Studies Bachelor's and Stand-alone Credential (5-year Pathway)
Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary major that offers a broad undergraduate experience and was designed for future teachers, primarily at the elementary level, but also at the middle school level. Additionally, Liberal Studies prepares students to enter credential programs in general education, special education and bilingual education.
How It Works
- 4-year Bachelor's Degree: Complete your bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, including general education, major coursework, and credential prerequisites.
- Credential Program (2-4 Semesters): After earning your bachelor's degree, enroll in a special education credential program that includes credential coursework and student teaching.
Who It's For
The Liberal Studies Major is ideal for:
High School Students & Adults Without a Bachelor's Degree
Those planning ahead for a teaching career at an elementary or middle school.
All Transfer Students
Community college students looking to transfer and complete their bachelor's degree program can transfer into the Liberal Studies Major.
Learn More About the Liberal Studies Major
For more information about the program, application process and how to contact an advisor, visit:
2. Liberal Studies Bachelor's with ACE Minor (4-year Pathway)
This pathways in only for the Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs specializations.
The Accelerated Curriculum for Educators (ACE) Minor offers an innovative, streamlined pathway for college students to quickly transition into a teaching career. Designed to meet the growing demand for qualified educators, ACE enables you to earn both your bachelor's degree and teaching credential in just 4 years.
How It Works
- 3.5-year Bachelor's Degree: Complete your bachelor's degree at SDSU while simultaneously working on credential program prerequisites and some credential coursework.
- Half-year Credential Program: After graduating with your bachelor's degree, enter an accelerated 1-semester credential program at SDSU that includes credential coursework and student teaching.
Who It’s For
The ACE Minor is ideal for:
High School Students & Adults Without a Bachelor's Degree
Those planning ahead for a teaching career and looking for a fast track.
Some Transfer Students
Contact your community college's transfer center to see if you are ready to transfer and complete you education with our accelerated teaching pathway.
Learn More About the ACE Minor
For more information about the program, application process and how to contact an advisor, visit:
3. Teaching For Transformation Strand (Bachelor's with Cultural Proficiency Minor) and Stand-alone Credential (5-year Pathway)
If you are currently an SDSU student and would like to become a teacher, this undergraduate minor option is for you. The Teaching For Transformation Strand of the Cultural Proficiency Minor is designed with courses that are prerequisites for the California teaching credential program. This pathway allows you to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching credential typically within 5 years.
How It Works
- 4-year Bachelor's Degree: Complete any SDSU major and Cultural Proficiency Minor, including general education, major coursework, and credential prerequisites.
- Credential Program (2-3 Semesters): After earning your bachelor's degree, enroll in a credential program that includes credential coursework and student teaching.
Who It’s For
The Teaching For Transformation Strand is ideal for:
High School Students & Adults Without a Bachelor's Degree
Those exploring different bachelor's degree options and planning a teaching career.
All SDSU Students
Students in any major who are ready to transition into teaching and would like to earn a minor for completing credential program prerequisite courses.
All Transfer Students
Community college students looking to transfer and complete their intended bachelor's degree program can add the Cultural Proficiency Minor that fulfills credential prerequisites.
Learn More About the Cultural Proficiency Minor
To get more information about the minor teaching pathway, minor declaration process and how to contact an advisor visit:
4. Any Bachelor's and Stand-alone Credential
SDSU offers a comprehensive stand-alone credential pathway, designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree or will earn one soon. This pathway allows you to earn a teaching credential in 2-3 semesters.
How It Works
- 4-year Bachelor's Degree: Complete your bachelor's degree, including general education, major coursework, and credential prerequisites.
- Credential Program (2-3 Semesters): After earning your bachelor's degree, enroll in a credential program that includes credential coursework and student teaching.
Who It’s For
The stand-alone credential pathway is perfect for:
High School Students & Adults Without a Bachelor's Degree
Those exploring different bachelor's degree options and planning a teaching career.
Bachelor’s Degree Holders and Career Changers
Individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree or higher and those who discovered their passion for teaching later in their higher education journey.
All Undergraduate Students from SDSU or other University
Students in any major can work on prequisite coursework and prepare to apply to one of our stand-alone credential programs.
All Transfer Students
Community college students looking to transfer and complete their intended bachelor's degree program at SDSU can work on prequisite coursework and prepare to apply to one of our stand-alone credential programs.
Learn More About the Credential Programs
To get more information about the stand-alone credential programs, application process and how to contact a credential advisor visit:
5. Child Developmenet Bachelor's with ITEP (4-year Pathway)
This pathways in only for the Early Childhood Special Education specialization.
The Integrated Teacher Education Programs (ITEP) pathway typically takes 4 years and combines a Bachelor's in Child Development and Early Childhood Special Education Credential program so that you can complete your general education, major and credential coursework, and student teaching within the 4 years it takes to earn a bachelor's degree.
How It Works
- Integrated Bachelor's Degree and Credential Program: Complete your bachelor's degree at SDSU while simultaneously completing credential coursework and student teaching.
Who It’s For
The ITEP pathway is ideal for:
High School Students & Adults Without a Bachelor's Degree
Those planning ahead for a teaching career and looking for a fast track.
Some Transfer Students
If you are on track with one of our community college partners, you may be ready to transfer and complete you education with our accelerated teaching pathway. Contact your community college's transfer center for more information.
Learn More About the ITEP Pathway
For more information about the program, application process and how to contact an advisor, visit: