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Graduate Application Deadlines

• Extended to December 1, 2023 (Spring Admission) 
• April 1 (Fall admission) 

Before You Apply

Attend an Information Session

The information session covers the admissions process, application requirement, and programs offered by the Department of Special Education. Information sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. via Zoom.

• Prospective students can Register Here.

Select a Program

All applicants must select one of the program objectives:

• Master of Arts (M.A. Only)
• Master of Arts plus Credential (M.A.+CRED)
• Credential Only (CRED Only) — CRED Only applicants must already possess a master’s degree

After selecting a program objective, applicants must select one program area to focus their studies:

• Early Childhood Special Education
• Extensive Support Needs
• Mild to Moderate Support Needs
• Orientation & Mobility
• Visual Impairment
   

Added Authorizations:

• Orthopedically Impaired Added Authorization (OI AA)

The Added Authorizations in Special Education are authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and are designed to provide advanced preparation for credentialed teachers who seek supplementary knowledge and skills, beyond their prerequisite teacher preparation programs.
 

Program Requirements

Prospective students should prepare application materials in advance before starting the online Cal State Apply application. Application materials vary by program objective and program area.

Application Process & Guidelines

Prospective students seeking graduate degrees, graduate certificates, and credentials must complete the online application through Cal State Apply. Applicants must complete all required sections of the online application for admission to SF State and to the Department of Special Education. The complete admission process requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the application deadline.

Submit Your Application

Visit Cal State Apply and start an application by selecting the semester you intend to enter the program. Applicants must complete all four quadrants of the online application in order to submit the application.

All program requirements are uploaded onto the Program Materials quadrant of the online application. Refer to the SPED application tips for specific details on which sections to complete, how to complete them, and other important information.

Applicant Document Extension

If you are currently working towards meeting the Written English Proficiency (WEP) Requirement (also known as the Pre-admission Writing Assessment),  Basic Skills Requirement (BSR), or the Certificate of Clearance (COC), and expect that you will receive them after the application deadline, please complete this Applicant Document Extension Notice. You may submit this notice in lieu of the listed requirements to submit your application on or before the deadline. Please note that you are still responsible to complete the requirements and submit them to us at sped@sfsu.edu. If recommended to join the program, your admission will be conditional until all requirements are met.

Interview

Following initial screening and review of applicant files, interviews will be conducted by faculty selection committees to assess the applicant’s communication skills and behaviors required to meet professional standards. Additional information may also be considered to assess the applicant’s professional qualities including test results, previous experience, and observations in coursework/fieldwork.

Additional Application Resources

• SPED application tips

• Cal State Apply

• SFSU Division of Graduate Studies

• Information for International Applicants

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