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

Applications for Fall 2025 are now available through Cal State Apply, due February 15th and March 15th, 2025.  Start application now! 

Pre-requisites for Special Education Credential Program

Pre-requisite courses may be in progress when you submit an application. However, pre-requisite courses must be completed before you begin the Education Specialist Credential Programs.

Register for Pre-requisite Courses

You may take these courses as a CSUF Undergraduate OR by registering through the Extended Education Website.

Pre-requisite Courses

(Must be completed with a "C-" or better)

SPED 322 - Introduction to Positive Behavior Support

SPED 371- Exceptional Individual

SPED 425 - Language and Culture for Special Populations

Ethnic Studies Course - More information on this pre-requisite can be found on the Center for Careers in Teaching website.

 

Applying to the Program

Applicants must submit admission items according to their chosen program Application Checklist. Failure to do so may result in denial to the program. Please download and follow the correct application checklist below: 

• Mild to Moderate Support Needs & Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Credential Application Checklist
• Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Credential Application Checklist

The application review process allows us to consider experiences, attributes and other academic metrics as well as the value an applicant would contribute to learning and teaching. The candidate shall have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in all baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate course work or a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units attempted

Credential Enrollment Fees

You can pay securely and online, or pay on-campus at Cashier's Office (Fullerton Campus - GH-180).

All Credential students who intend to enroll at CSU Fullerton must accept their offer of admission and pay a non-refundable $250 enrollment deposit. The deposit will offset a portion of your Registration Fees for the first semester. This is NOT an additional fee. Once paid, this deposit will reduce the cost of your tuition by $250.

You must accept admission and pay your enrollment deposit through your Student Portal, within the Student Center. Under the Admissions area of the Student Center, click on the Application Status link. The Accept/Decline button will be displayed. Click on the Accept/Decline button to accept your admission to CSU Fullerton. Accepting admission and paying the enrollment deposit are required to confirm your intent to enroll at CSU Fullerton.

Our College-wide deadline for final payment the $250 enrollment deposit for Fall is June 1st, or two weeks after the date you receive an offer of admission if you are admitted after June 1st.

Students with financial aid will have the enrollment deposit waived until financial aid is awarded.

APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Fall 

February 15^th* and March 15^th*

Early Childhood Special Education, Extensive Support Needs, and Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Spring

September 15^th* and October 15^th* 

Early Childhood Special Education and Mild to Moderate Support Needs 

*You may submit an application after the final priority deadline, however, admission decisions will be prioritized for those who submit an application by the stated priority deadlines. If you submit an application after the last priority deadline, you will be placed on a waitlist and your application will be processed if a space becomes available. If you have any questions regarding this process prior to submitting an application, please email spedadvising@fullerton.edu.

All file items must be completed and submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for the program. The only requirement that can be in progress when you apply are the pre-requisite courses, the subject matter requirement and the basic skill requirement.

Once credential applicants have uploaded all admission items to Cal State Apply, submitted the Cal State Apply application, have successfully completed or have evidence of being enrolled in all prerequisite courses, they will be interviewed.  If these applicants successfully pass the interview, they will be admitted to the Education Specialist Credential Program.

Special Education Department
College Park Suite 570
Office Hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
California State University, Fullerton
2600 East Nutwood Avenue Fullerton CA 92831

Mailing Address  
Attn: Special Education Admissions Assistant
California State University Fullerton
Special Education - CP-570
P.O. Box 6868
Fullerton, California 92834-6868