Master of Arts Degree in Special Education Option in Mild/Moderate Support Needs

The MA in Special Education, Option in Mild/Moderate Support Needs offers in-depth study of theory, policy and practice issues focused on the needs of students with learning disabilities (including those with dyslexia), intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, and autism spectrum disorders. Many of the courses are offered in tandem with the mild-moderate support needs credential so that students may efficiently pursue the M.A. and the credential at the same time. The degree is also offered independently of the credential.

Building Expertise, Transforming Lives

The Master of Arts Degree in Special Education Option in Mild/Moderate Support Needs equips you with the skills and insight necessary to make a meaningful, lifelong impact on the lives of individuals and families. Students of the program will be able to:

Develop an understanding of current issues and practices in curriculum and behavior support for individuals with learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and emotional disturbance, and the ability to inquire into these topics.
Develop knowledge and skills in educational research; develop analysis and reflection skills and written and oral communication.
Identify and analyze topics of importance in current educational conversations and debates for critical issues related to special education.
Deepen their commitment to their students and their students’ learning of academic and functional curricula.
Increase their confidence to utilize a variety of teaching methodologies.
Improve their ability to manage and assess their students’ progress in the curriculum.
Augment their capacity to think reflectively about their teaching practices.
Increase their capacity to become an agent of change in the field of special education.

Graduate wearing their cap and gown smiling and posing. In the background, graduate wearing cap and gown smiling and waving.

As graduates of Masters in Special Education with an Option in Mild/Moderate disabilities one may find work as:

Special education teachers at the K-12 level
Inclusion support specialists in public and private schools
Behavior support specialists in public and private schools
Developers of special education curriculum Lead teachers in special education
Providers of professional development and in-service workshops in response-to-intervention, behavior support, curriculum differentiation
Authors of textbook
Consultants for publishing companies

Applications for Fall 2026 Open Now Through May 31, 2026

Shape Your Career in Special Education

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in counseling? Don’t wait—start your application today and be part of a program that transforms lives!

Apply Now!

Admissions Requirements

GPA of 2.5 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units
Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Philosophy Statement
Negative TB Test within four calendar years

Please note - basic skillls and subject matter competency exam/coursework are required once admitted, not to apply.

Special Education M.A. Catalog

Program Faculty

As a part of the Option in Mild/Moderate disabilities, students receive individual advisement and instruction from expert faculty members who combine extensive classroom-teaching experience, research, and pre-service and in-service teacher development in the area of special education. For more information regarding the Mild/Moderate Disabilities Option, contact any of the program coordinators below: