Preliminary Teaching Credential: Education Specialist

Preliminary Teaching Credential, Education Specialist

Our Education Specialist Credential program is a rigorous and specialized credential program that will prepare you to teach mild to moderate special education students. It emphasizes personal interaction integrated within the theoretical framework of social and educational justice.

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.

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
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

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, Rancho Cucamonga, and Temecula 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