What is Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education?

This dual-credential program equips you to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, in grades K–12, while also preparing you for general education classrooms in PreK-8 or grades 6-12. You will balance coursework with hands-on field experiences, learning to design and adapt instruction, create positive behavior support plans, and conduct assessments. 

Why a Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education at Redlands? 

University of Redlands provides small class sizes and one-on-one interaction with faculty, fostering the development of interpersonal skills and overall academic success. School of Education professors care deeply about their students, supporting each individual in reaching their potential.

Students learn in a well-mentored cohort group and receive classroom training and field experiences that accentuate coursework and case studies. This close-knit community setting builds confidence and tactical teaching skills to be compassionate, effective special education teachers.

Credential courses are offered in the evenings and online increasing access to this transformative program for students of all backgrounds.

At Redlands, coursework and fieldwork experiences are taken concurrently from the beginning and require you to think critically and reflectively about the theory-to-practice continuum. The curriculum will prepare you to support individuals with the following disabilities: 

• Autism 

• Deafblind 

• Emotional Disturbance 

• Intellectual Disability 

• Multiple Disabilities 

• Other Health Impairment 

• Orthopedic Impairment 

• Specific Learning Disability 

• Traumatic Brain Injury 

The program at Redlands culminates in an intensive student teaching experience in special education, alongside a portfolio presentation that meets California’s Teacher Performance Expectations. Completing the program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher qualifies you for credential recommendation. 

Classes you'll take

To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.

Program pathway

The coursework and field experience segments of the program are delivered in a prescribed sequence. Pathways are recommended for timely program completion. Learn more by viewing this pathway resource.