The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program, with authorizations for Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs, prepares future teachers to serve children, youth, and adults who have special learning or emotional needs. The Education Specialist Credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings. Education Specialists function in public schools or private settings as instructors and as consultants to teachers and to families. As a credential candidate, you may choose to pursue either the Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs Authorization for the Education Specialist Credential.
Subject matter preparation requirements are governed by state legislative action and approval of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements may change between catalogs. Please consult with your departmental credential advisor for current information.
Types of Credentials
Mild to Moderate Support Needs
The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults who have:
specific learning disabilities
mild/moderate intellectual disabilities
emotional disturbance
other health impairments
Extensive Support Needs
The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Extensive Support Needs authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults who have:
Autism
moderate/severe intellectual disabilities
deaf-blindness
emotional disturbance
multiple disabilities
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 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).
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
All courses taken to fulfill credential course requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or higher
Must attain a cumulative 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential.
Credential Program Courses
Must be accepted into the credential program in order to take these courses. Subject matter competence and basic skills requirement must be verified before applying to the program. Program starts in the fall and spring semesters. Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential.
Additional Courses - Required for a California State University, Chico Recommendation for a Credential
Complete at any time, but recommended before starting required credential courses. If courses from another university are used to satisfy prerequisites or other course requirements, an equivalency form, course descriptions, syllabi, and transcripts must be provided.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C- or higher before taking in-program credential courses.
Your GPA must be 2.75 for your last 60 semester units or 2.67 overall. If your GPA does not meet either of these minimums, inquire at the School of Education office about the GPA appeal process.
Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) is required for program admission the credential program. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has created the SMR options to meet the requirement review them here. You are required to meet one of the SMR in the link provided.
Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is required for admission to the credential program. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has created the BSR options to meet the requirement review them here. You are required to meet one of the BSR in the link provided. Basic Skills covers reading, writing, and mathematics at the high-school level.
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance) must be on file before acceptance to the credential program. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires this documentation and you can find more information here.
Credential candidates must be admitted to the University before beginning a program. Apply to Chico State as a graduate student through Cal State Apply.
A baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionally accredited college or university is required in order to obtain a credential recommendation.
Candidates must reside within the Chico State services areas in order to complete the credential program.
Additional documentation and requirements are necessary for a complete application to the credential program. Begin the Credential Program Application to learn more.
All prerequisite courses are offered every semester. Apply to the credential program during the semester you will finish the prerequisite courses. Applications due February 15 for fall semester. Applications due September 15 for spring semester. Bilingual Authorization and Concurrent credential programs are fall start only programs, all other programs have a spring and fall start date.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Credential Program
All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C- or higher prior to beginning the credential program.
