Special Education: Preliminary Credential Program

This program meets subject-matter and professional requirements to prepare students to teach in special education classrooms in elementary and secondary (junior and senior high) schools. See Special Education on the School of Education website for more information.

Program Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or in exceptional cases, as part of an approved BA/BS subject-matter program at Cal Poly Humboldt. Credential program admission requirements and application are available at the Education & Credentialing Office (HGH 202) and on the Credential Program Requirements webpage. Applications are accepted throughout the year for admission the following fall. Apply early as space is limited.

Program Requirements (49 Units)

Obtain a preliminary credential by taking a 49-unit professional education program to qualify for teaching positions. Holders of a preliminary credential must complete requirements for a clear credential within five years.

A California Education Specialist Credential permits teaching grades K-12, including adults. This credential authorizes teaching individuals with specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, and serious emotional disturbances.

Upon completing all required tests, all assessments and observations, the US Constitution requirement, an accredited bachelor’s degree, and the special education course sequence, candidates apply for a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Support Needs. This preliminary credential authorizes teaching for five years, during which time candidates must acquire a Clear Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Support Needs.

To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (with no grade lower than a C-) to remain in the program.

Students must complete 49 units of approved courses in Special Education, including SPED 777 , Education of Exceptional Individuals. The Special Education Program Leader must approve the program of study. Contact the department office for details.

Foundation Courses (14 Units)

SPED 702 - Foundations of General and Special Education Units: 3
SPED 703 - Foundations of Assessment and Program Planning Units: 3
SPED 705 - Multicultural Special Education Units: 2
SPED 706 - Social and Emotional Supports Units: 3
SPED 777 - Education of Exceptional Individuals Units: 3

Methods Courses (35 Units)

SPED 707 - Curriculum and Instruction - Reading and Language Arts Units: 3
SPED 708 - Practicum - Reading and Language Arts Units: 1
SPED 709 - Curriculum and Instruction - Math Units: 2
SPED 710 - Practicum: Math Instruction Units: 1
SPED 711 - Curriculum and Instruction - Science, History and Social Science Units: 2
SPED 721 - Transition Planning Units: 3
SPED 733 - Special Education Policies and Procedures Units: 3
SPED 738 - Fall Special Education Student Teaching Units: 5-9
SPED 739 - Spring Special Education Student Teaching Units: 5-9
SPED 749 - Teacher Performance Assessment Support 1 Units: 1
SPED 750 - Teacher Performance Assessment Support 2 Units: 1

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

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Program Leader

Jayne McGuire, Ph.D.
KA 322
707-826-3735
jayne.mcguire@humboldt.edu