Preliminary Teaching Credential, Education Specialist

The Education Specialist programs are rigorous and specialized, preparing students to teach mild to moderate disability special education students. The Education Specialist Credential can be completed in 11 months, while the Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching, which includes the Education Specialist Credential, can be completed in 16 months.

These programs emphasize personal interaction integrated within the theoretical framework of social and educational justice. The Education Specialist Credential authorizes the holder to teach mild to moderate disability special education students in the following settings: special day classes, special schools, home/hospital settings, correctional facilities, non-public schools and agencies, and resource rooms.

Unlike the crowded classrooms at public universities, the University of Redlands Education Specialist programs provide small class sizes, one-on-one interaction, and the development of interpersonal skills. University of Redlands professors are interested in seeing all students reach their potential—and that includes our own teacher candidates.

Candidates take coursework and engage in field experiences concurrently from the very beginning of the program. The course content prepares candidates to:

Know and understand various types of disabilities and their causes.
Design, adapt and differentiate instruction for students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
Design and implement positive behavior support plans for students’ behavioral challenges.
Administer and interpret a wide variety of assessment instruments for referral and progress monitoring of struggling students and students with mild to moderate disabilities.

The combined coursework and fieldwork experiences require candidates to think critically and reflectively about the theory-to-practice continuum.

Program Highlights

Student teaching consists of public-school placements for a total of 14 weeks; student teaching placements are supervised by both a cooperating teacher at the school site and the University of Redlands faculty.
The School of Education offers a 14-week, supervised internship program to qualified candidates employed in traditional Pre-K-12 school classrooms.
Students learn in a well-mentored cohort program.
The program offers classroom training, case study work, and field experience.

Capstone Experience

The capstone experience in this program consists of an intensive student teaching experience in a special education classroom or setting, plus the presentation of a summative portfolio of assignments and case studies to address the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE) required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

Program Delivery

Education Specialist Credential

The program consists of 30–33 units.
The Education Specialist program can generally be completed in 11 months.
Students take two evening courses per week.

Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching, Education Specialist

The program consists of 36–39 units.
The MALT program can generally be completed in 16 months.
Students take two evening courses per week or complete the coursework portion of the program entirely online.

1. Completed application
2. Evidence of a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution
3. One (1) official transcript issued by the Registrar of each institution attended, sent directly to the Office of Graduate and Professional Enrollment.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who know your work. 
5. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
6. Certificate of Clearance, for CCTC issue, to be cleared through the DOJ and FBI
7. Evidence of negative TB test results within the last two years or chest x-ray within the last five years
8. Evidence of 50 hours of observation or work with children, preferably in a public school setting or equivalent.
9. Completion of Child Development or Human Growth and Development course, CLEP exam, workshop, or equivalent (workshops available through the University).
10. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement

In line with CTC and State policy, The University of Redlands will consider the admission of applicants who have not yet passed the CBEST if they are registered to take the test on a date before or during their first semester of School of Education classes.*

*CBEST deferral is not available for applicants who have previously attempted all three subsets of the CBEST but been unsuccessful in passing on or more of those subsets.

Individuals may satisfy the basic skills requirement by one of the following methods:

- Pass the CBEST
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination.
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
- Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State

11. Evidence of subject matter competency by passage of the CSET or registration for the CSET, with the understanding that students cannot student teach or intern until all sections of the CSET are passed. See more from CTC on Education Specialist subject-matter competence.

The School of Education's innovative teacher preparation programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Credential courses are offered in the evenings, with access for individuals of different backgrounds.

The student-teaching requirement is a 14-week, full-time (5 days a week) commitment. Student Teaching consists of an approved public school placement.

Students are supervised by both a master teacher at the school site and University of Redlands’ supervisor.

The School of Education also offers an 18-week, supervised internship program to qualified candidates employed in the traditional public school settings. A separate, mid-program, qualifying application process is required for internship.

Institutional Report Card

Click here to view the most recent Title II Annual Institutional Report Card and passage rates for the various programs offered in the state of California.

EDSP courses are offered at the Redlands campus only. EDUC courses in the pathway are offered at the Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga regional campuses.

Redlands (University Campus)

Courses meet on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Education Specialist Teaching Credential program is taught in an intimate setting, where you will learn in a well-mentored cohort group and receive classroom training, case study work and field experience in the area of special education. A rigorous and specialized program, this 11-month experience will prepare you to teach mild to moderate special education students.

Education Specialist Pathway

Learn more about earning a Master's degree with an Education Specialist credential