Gladys L. Benerd School of Education

M.A. in Special Education

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the Education Specialist credentials for the Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Levels One and Two, and the Moderate to Severe Disabilities, Levels One and Two.

About the Degree

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Special Educationis an advanced degree program for individuals who fit one of the following descriptions:

• The individual already has a Multiple Subject or Single Subject teaching credential or Speech and Language, Clinical Rehabilitative Services credential and wishes to add an Education Specialist credential, Level One and Two, and engage in a Master of Arts program
• The individual already has a Level One Education Specialist Credential and wishes to enroll in an advanced degree program, such as the M.A. Arts degree, and complete the Level Two requirements

Degree Requirements

The M.A. degree requires the completion of a minimum of 32 units. Plans C or D for the Master of Arts may be used to designate the plan of study. At least 18 of the 32 units must be from courses numbered 201 or above.

Plan C requires the completion of 32 units.

• M.A. degree core courses of twelve 12 units
• Education Specialist Level I and/or Level II requirements
• At least fifteen 15 units of specialized work in residence, including advanced field experience
• Successful passage of a final oral examination

Plan D requires the completion of 32 units.

• A content major of at least 21 units devoted to credential courses and other relevant courses
• Research and evaluation methodology and/or theoretical constructs coursework of at least 6 units
• Field experience and/or research of not less than 4 nor more than 6 units
• At least 18 units must be taken in the School of Education
• Successful passage of an oral examination

Admission Information

Students mustsubmit all materials as a completed application to the  Research and Graduate Studies Office at the University of the Pacific.

Admission to this program is a holistic decision, and is based on the following:

• 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on the last 60 units of undergraduate study and 3.0 minimum GPA on any post-bachelor's degree coursework (on a 4.0 scale).
• The Graduate School application form
• An essay about your goals and reasons for applying for the program
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcript(s)
• Scores from the  Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• A photocopy of one’s initial credential is recommended

Additional Information

For additional information,please contact  Dr. Michael Elium , Program Coordinator, or  Janice Williams, Administrative Assistant.

Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Gladys L. Benerd School of Education
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211

Phone: (209) 946-2558
Fax: (209) 946-3110