How to Apply

M.A. in Special Education

Learn how to apply to the Master's in Special Education (M.A.) with the following concentrations:

  • Behavior Analysis and Autism Concentration
  • Early Childhood Special Education Concentration
  • Extensive Support Needs Special Education Concentration
  • Mild/Moderate Support Needs Special Education Concentration

*Note: You may apply to both the Master's degree program and the Clear Credential program by selecting the appropriate combined program name in Cal State Apply (select the option with CLEAR in the title).

Important Dates for Fall 2027

Item Deadline
1. Cal State Apply application
(opens August 1 each year)		 February 1, 2027
2. Program application February 15, 2027
3. Official transcripts due February 15, 2027

Application Instructions

Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU

SDSU uses the California State University common admission application through the Cal State Apply website. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.

SDSU Graduate Admissions: Steps to Apply

Step 2: Submit Slate Application to Program

Within 72 hours of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email containing a personalized link to Slate, where you must complete your program application.

Please ensure that all required program-specific documents listed below are prepared in advance and ready to upload to your Slate application.

 
 

Items Requested in Program Application

Upload a 300- to 500-word essay describing:

  • Your philosophy of education
  • Your reasons for applying to this program
  • Your potential for succeeding in an advanced degree program in Special Education

Upload your current resume.

Please contact 2 individuals who you have interacted with professionally and who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Please have these letters uploaded to the program application.

To be eligible to complete the combined master's and CLEAR credential program, you must hold a valid California Clear or Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in one of the applicable concentration areas (Early Childhood, Mild/Mod or Extensive Support Needs). Admissions staff will verify your credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) website.

If you are also applying to the Special Education (SPED) Clear Credential program, employment verification is required before enrollment. You must be employed as the teacher of record; employment as a substitute teacher or instructional aide does not meet this requirement.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondence from SDSU.

Step 4: Monitor my.SDSU

Be sure to follow all instructions provided by SDSU, particularly those related to setting up your my.SDSU account. Once your account is active, regularly monitor your my.SDSU Application To-Do List for any items or requests issued by Graduate Admissions. Prompt attention to these items is essential to avoid delays in the processing of your application.


Get in Touch

Application Process Questions

Program Questions

This program is offered through the

Department of Special Education