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Degree Overview
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There is a vital need for special education teachers in California’s classrooms. The Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential Degree Program offered by the California School of Education (CSOE) at Alliant International University will prepare you to become a special education teacher in K-12 classrooms, as well as within other instructional settings geared for children and adults up to age 22. You will serve as a vital ally to students with mild-to-moderate disabilities and their families.
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Faculty and Admissions
Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. Browse our diverse list of faculty members, or see the latest admission requirements for your desired program.
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Degree Highlights
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CTC Accreditation
Our program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and takes you through coursework in curriculum and instruction styles—preparing you to work effectively and with diverse student groups.
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Hands-On Experience
During your time in the program, you will participate in one of two different student-teaching tracks that give you the experience you need to be a leader in the classroom from the moment you step off of our commencement stage.
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Become an Agent of Change
Heed the call to serve our children and arm yourself with the tools you need to become an agent of change, inspiration, and advocacy.
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“In my experience with Alliant it was very clear from the start that there was a commitment to education being the great equalizer—and so, I feel like I got tools through my learning at Alliant that are allowing me to become a better teacher and reach out to everyone in my classrooms.”
Evelyn Serrano
CSOE Alumna
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Degree Information
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Your Path to the Classroom
No matter who we are, we all learn a little differently. That’s why Alliant has created two routes to success in the Online Special Education Credential program. Making the most of our partnerships with schools around the area, we’ll support you in networking and finding the ideal placement for your future goals.
Student Teaching Track
During this track, you complete a 16-week, unpaid student teaching placement in at least two grade levels under the guidance of a mentor teacher. This path is optimal for studying teaching methods and preparing you for classroom application before you even start your career as a full-time teacher-of-record.
Standard Intern Teaching
Can’t go the unpaid route? No worries. The Intern Teaching Option lets you pursue your teaching certification while earning an income, meaning you assume immediate and full teaching responsibility and management of the classroom. This option works best for those coming into the program with previous classroom experience.
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The Master Plan
Often, it’s the small leaps that lead to the most growth. Take the leap by dually enrolling in our online Master of Arts in Education with Teaching Emphasis program.
How it Works: As a student in the Preliminary Online Special Education Teaching Credential program, it only takes two more courses to earn your MAE in Teaching. That’s because your Special Education coursework can be applied to your master’s. Even better, the MAE courses are all online.
Why it Works: A master’s degree helps you develop expertise in teaching and theory that you can apply in the classroom. Plus, you can create new pathways of opportunity in your career.
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Links and Downloads
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the career outlook for graduates of the Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential program?
The career prospects for those working toward becoming a special ed teacher are strong, as the nation’s population continues to rise at a relatively steady rate. Primary and secondary education enrollment in special education programs has increased slightly in the past couple of years, and demand for special education services and teachers should rise as children with disabilities are increasingly being identified earlier and enrolled into special education programs. Ultimately, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 8% growth rate from 2016 to 2026—or, slightly more than 33,000 positions—there is reason to be optimistic about the future of special education in the U.S.
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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
Graduates of our Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential program will often end up teaching at the elementary-, middle-, and high-school levels—largely dependent on exactly what age range each individual person would care to teach. Other career options include becoming a school principal, adult and secondary educator, specialized child care, special education classroom materials creator, policy maker, and a professional tutor.
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What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education. Alliant International University is pleased to be able to offer a significant number of institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional Financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
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Does completion of this program prepare me for my licensure exams?
Upon completion of this program you will have to complete two different licensure exams here in California—the CSET and the RICA. These are standard examinations that all special education teachers have to pass, regardless of the program they have graduated from. Alliant’s credential and authorization preparation programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Successful completion of the program results in a preliminary teaching credential recommendation to the CTC.
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When does the Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential program start?
The Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential is an 8-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our 8-week term academic calendar here.
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How long does it take to complete the Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential program?
The Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential is a 27-credit program and takes a minimum of 1 year to complete, over 5 terms.
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Degree Campus Locations
The Special Education Teaching Credential Program is only offered as an online program. Explore our online programs below.
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Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world. Our Vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni.
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Why CSOE
At CSOE, we believe that education is the great equalizer and are committed to preparing and empowering the next generation of educational professionals.