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Attallah College of Educational Studies

» Special Education

Chapman University’s Master of Arts in Special Education and Education Specialist (Special Education) program develops highly compassionate and collaborative professionals, giving graduates the tools to build inclusive communities of families and colleagues. Students learn to be effective communicators, informed decision-makers, advocates for students, mediators, leaders and change agents.

Chapman University has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to offer special education credential programs (i.e., Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Programs) in the areas of Mild Moderate Support Needs (formerly Mild/Moderate) and Extensive Support Needs (formerly Moderate/Severe) teaching credentials. The Special Education program at Chapman prepares candidates to serve as special education teachers in Pre-K through 12th grade public schools in inclusive learning centers, and when necessary, special day class settings.

Why Attallah College?

  • Enjoy the benefits of low student-to-faculty ratios due to our small class sizes
  • Comprehensive financial aid opportunities, including tuition assistance and scholarships available 
  • Designed for working professionals, with classes offered once a week at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m.
  • Tailored support and personalized instruction for individual learning needs
  • Experiential, community-based learning that integrates coursework with student teaching experience
  • Combined teaching credential and master's degree programs in elementary, secondary, special education and music education

Our Students and Alumni

Chapman University Special Education graduates are employed all across Southern California, including in these school districts:

  • Orange Unified School District
  • Santa Ana Unified School District 
  • Tustin Unified School District
  • Corona-Norco Unified School District
  • Irvine Unified School District 
  • Los Angeles Unified School District

Our Research 

Alumni Highlight
Chrystee Lopez, MA '20
“Chapman professors consider your goals and what kind of career you want. They get to know you in the beginning of the process so they’re teaching you content that’s relevant to your career needs and desires. I love the cohort-style system. You’re surrounded by like-minded people with similar goals. You’re set up to succeed from the beginning.”

Learn More


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Contact Us


Dr. Trisha Sugita 
Director of Teacher Education Programs
teachereducation@chapman.edu

Questions?


Credentials
credentials@chapman.edu

Graduate Financial Aid
gradfinaid@chapman.edu
(714) 628-2730

Application Deadlines


Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Regular Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

Please note: To be considered for fellowship opportunities, prospective students must submit their application by the priority deadline date.