Professional Level II Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Information on Advanced Credentials

Note: Frequently, students obtain an advanced credential and the M.A. degree (especially in School Administration, since school districts may require its administrators to possess both). When seeking the advanced credential in conjunction with the M.A. degree, the student is subject to the regulations described on the appropriate M.A. degree page, as well as those which follow. When seeking an advanced credential only, the student is subject to the following regulations:

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission to an advanced credential program, the applicant must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
2. Have earned at least a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 units earned.
3. Possess a valid teaching or service credential, except for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program or Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential Program.

Application Procedures

The applicant must:

1. Complete the University Admission form including required transcripts of college/university coursework of the last 60 units.
2. Submit program application and receipt for program application fee to the Department of Advanced Studies in Education Office.
3. Submit letters of recommendation to the department office. (Check with the specific advanced credential program coordinator for the exact number required.)
4. Submit test scores (e.g., CBEST, MAT), as required by the specific advanced credential program, to the department office.
5. Submit proof of valid teaching or service credential to the department office, if required.
6. Participate in an interview and/or have the program file evaluated by a credential program committee, depending on the requirements of the specific credential program.

Admission Classifications

The student applying only for a credential program will be placed in the following classifications:

1. Postbaccalaureate Standing: Unclassified — permits one to enroll in classes as specified by program.
   To be admitted, the applicant must:
   1. Complete the University Admission form.
   2. Meet CSU Stanislaus admission requirements.
2. Postbaccalaureate Standing: Classified — fully admitted to the M.A. program. (See M.A. requirements in previous section.)

General Information

1. Grade Requirements: Students seeking an advanced credential are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0 while in the program. The minimum acceptable grade for a credential course is a C. In the School Administration Program, a student earning a grade of C is considered to be on probation; on earning a second C, the candidate will be disqualified.
2. Final Requirements: To obtain the required recommendation for the advanced credential from CSU Stanislaus, the student must:
   1. Complete all of the coursework required in the advanced credential program.
   2. Demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skill areas of the program.
   3. Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for all course work required for the credential.
   4. Submit a completed application to the Credentials Processing Center (DBH 303) and make payment as directed.
   5. Be recommended for the credential by the coordinator of the appropriate advanced credential program.
3. Class Scheduling: Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to enroll in classes.

Note: Early registration is strongly recommended. Limits are placed on class size; consequently, enrollment is not guaranteed.

Requirements: Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential

(17 units or equivalent)