Contact Information
Introduction/Overview
Loyola Marymount University’s Special Education program provides candidates with the theoretical knowledge and professional skills needed to teach students with Mild/Moderate disabilities across various settings and in collaboration with general education teachers. Our program is also committed to preparing candidates to successfully work with culturally and linguistically diverse students. We provide a socially just inclusive curriculum designed to meet student and school community needs. Our excellent reputation throughout California and the field ensures our alumni are in high demand. Our graduates are recognized throughout California as professional, compassionate, and competent educators who immediately impact their students and benefit their school sites. Specifics on the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential are found in that section of the Bulletin.
LMU’s 1+1 program design allows candidates to obtain a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Special Education using the coursework from their Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs credential, and apply it to degree requirements. All students in the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential program that are successfully progressing in their credential coursework are eligible for the M.A. program. The M.A. in Special Education coursework combined with the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs credential coursework prepares candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds to work with students who have mild/moderate support needs.
Courses in this program are delivered in an online modality.
In addition to the benefits listed for the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential, the benefits of the Master of Arts in Special Education include:
- Acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to create access to learning for students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities.
- Focus on removing barriers to learning for students with disabilities through the lens of social justice
- Authentic connection and experience working with students with disabilities.
Program Outcomes
As a result of this program, candidates will:
- Address an action research-based project to address a challenge at the candidate’s school that affects children with disabilities, their families, teachers, paraeducators, and/or administrators.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills regarding the interpretation and application of evidence-based practices and research methodology in special education
- Examine advanced evidence-based strategies for accommodating and adapting instruction for children with high incidence disabilities who may be culturally and/or linguistically diverse.
- Explore current issues related to characteristics, educational methods, curricula, questions, problems, concerns, and movements connected to the education of children with disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Program Admissions Requirements
This program is available only to candidates who have been admitted to, and are on track for completion of the coursework for the Preliminary Special Education Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential program. Specific admission requirements for the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential are listed in that section of the Bulletin.
- Application for M.A. from Credential if not admitted to the Special Education M.A. program at the time of admission to LMU.
- 3.0 minimum GPA in the Preliminary Credential program coursework
Specific partnerships may have alternate requirements different from those listed above.
Degree Requirements
- Completion of the coursework leading to the Special Education Mild/Moderate Support Needs teaching credential at LMU.
Required Coursework
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Semester Hours |
| EDTL 6000 | Language Theory and Pedagogy for Teaching English Learners | 3 |
| EDTL 6001 | Policies and Practices for Inclusive Classrooms | 2 |
| EDTL 6002 | Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Education | 3 |
| EDTL 6100 | Multiple Subjects Methods for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDTL 6101 | Literacy for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDTL 6300 | Evidence-Based Assessment Practices to Promote Student Learning | 3 |
| EDTL 6301 | Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments in Support of Student Learning | 3 |
| EDTL 6302 | Pedagogy and Transition for Students with Disabilities | 2 |
| EDTL 6501 | Praxis Fieldwork and Seminar for Education Specialist Candidates 1 | 2 |
| EDTL 6502 | Praxis Fieldwork and Seminar for Education Specialist Candidates 2 | 2 |
| EDTL 6350 | Research Methods in Special Education | 3 |
| EDTL 6351 | Advanced Inclusionary Practices for Students with High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| EDTL 6352 | Special Topics in Special Education | 3 |
| EDTL 6353 | Master's Professional Project | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 38 |
The M.A. in Special Education (including coursework completed in the credential program) must be completed within a five (5) year period.
Additional Program/Degree Requirements
- Application for Degree
- Professional Advising
- Exit Interview or Survey
- Research Symposium Participation
