Credential Programs
FALL 2025 APPLICANTS: Please note that the pre-requisites for the Special Education Credential Programs have changed. The following pre-requisites are required to apply for Fall 2025:
- Early Childhood Special Education Credential Program: SPED 371, SPED 400, SPED 425
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs: SPED 371, SPED 425, SPED 465
- Extensive Support Needs: SPED 371, SPED 425, SPED 465
The Special Education Specialist Credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Individuals wishing to pursue the Specialist Credential must apply to the University indicating the specific Specialist Credential program desired. At least 75% of the program must be completed at CSUF. If you are transferring courses in, they must have been taken within the last seven years Use the Course Equivalency Petition
to gain approval for acceptance of courses taken outside of CSUF.
Our Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Programs:
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), HYBRID PROGRAM
ECSE teachers provide early intervention services to young children with disabilities from birth through Kindergarten. In this credential program, candidates are trained to collaborate with families and specialists and provide supports in a variety of settings, including home and school. ECSE teachers focus on academic, social, and life skills, as appropriate to each individual. The ECSE program is hybrid, with most classes online and some in-person, along with in-person fieldwork through local early childhood programs in the greater Orange County area.
Preliminary Early Childhood Education Specialist Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Preliminary Early Childhood Education Specialist Program Plan, PART-TIME (4 semesters)
The MMSN and ESN programs are offered as 100% online asynchronous and chronous as well as hybrid. Please note that class option is contingent on student interest.
Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), ONLINE PROGRAM
MMSN teachers provide educational services to children and youth with mild to moderate support needs from TK-12th grade. Credential candidates in this program learn to collaborate with a school team to provide effective, individualized supports and services to students with a variety of disabilities who have mild to moderate support needs. Inclusive practices, positive behavior support, and evidence-based teaching skills are emphasized throughout the program. The MMSN program includes 100% online courses (asynchronous and synchronous) and in-person fieldwork at local school districts within the greater Orange County area.
Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Program Plan, PART-TIME (4 semesters)
Extensive Support Needs (ESN) - ONLINE PROGRAM
ESN teachers provide educational services to children and youth with extensive support needs from grade TK to 22 years old. Credential candidates in this program learn to collaborate with a school team to provide effective, individualized supports and services to students with a variety of disabilities who have extensive support needs. Inclusive practices, communication supports, and evidence-based teaching strategies with a focus on functional and academic skills are emphasized throughout the program. The ESN program includes 100% online courses (asynchronous and synchronous) and in-person fieldwork at local school districts within the greater Orange County area.
Preliminary Extensive Support Needs Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Preliminary Extensive Support Needs Program Plan, PART-TIME (4 semesters)
INTERN CREDENTIAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST PROGRAM
The Intern Credential Program is designed for teacher candidates who wish to complete credential requirements while concurrently teaching in a special education position in a public school setting.
Early Childhood Special Education INTERN Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Mild to Moderate Support Needs INTERN Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Extensive Support Needs INTERN Program Plan, FULL-TIME (2 semesters)
Bilingual Authorization (BiAu) Program
There is a great need for bilingual teachers who can communicate with students and parents in their native language. The Bilingual Authorization (BiAu) Program within the College of Education at CSUF prepares teacher candidates to teach in K-12 Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Filipino, Hmong, and/or Vietnamese bilingual and dual immersion classrooms. For more information, please contact our Bilingual Authorization Coordinator, Dr. Fernando Rodriguez-Valls at frodriguez-valls@fullerton.edu.
