Where is Chapman University located?
Chapman University is located in the City of Orange, California, near historic Old Towne Orange. Our beautiful campus is centrally located in Orange County, a short distance from the 5, 55, 22, and 91 freeways.
When are classes held?
All classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fieldwork takes place in late afternoon during the summer or during a typical school day in fall and spring.
When is the application deadline?
Chapman admits one cohort per year to the special education teaching credential and MA in Special Education programs. See the graduate admission webpage for all Attallah College application deadlines.
What teaching programs do you offer?
Chapman offers combined master's degree and teaching credential programs in both general education (elementary and secondary) and special education. See the Teaching Credential webpage for a list of available credential programs.
Can the credential(s) I earn at Chapman be used to practice/work in any state other than California?
Chapman University offers degree programs that lead to professional licensure within the state of California, and which may also allow graduates to be eligible for licensure or certification in other states. However, other than for the state of California, Chapman has not made an independent determination as to whether its programs’ curriculum meets a particular state's educational requirements for licensure or certification. Therefore, students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state’s licensure entity where they intend to practice to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by the state(s) of their choice. Chapman is not responsible if a student is unable to qualify for state licensure or certification.
How long does the program take to complete?
Chapman's combined MA in Special Education and Preliminary Education Specialist credential program can be completed in 18 months, full time. Chapman's Education Specialist credentials are available in the areas of Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN, formerly Mild/Moderate) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN, formerly Moderate/Severe). Students may also add a second credential (MMSN or ESN) with an additional term of coursework (12 additional course credits).
Our Joint Preliminary Multiple Subject & Preliminary Education Specialist MMSN credential program is a two-year, full-time program. Teacher candidates in this program also earn an MA in Special Education.
All Chapman Special Education programs offer part-time options.
Can I enroll in a credential-only program?
No, Chapman offers combined teaching credential and master's degree programs.
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition for the 2023–2024 academic year is $1,130/credit (see the Tuition & Fees webpage for full details). All Attallah College graduate program applicants who submit all their materials by the program's priority deadline are automatically considered for tuition fellowships and scholarships.
Where can I information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and grants?
Visit these webpages for more details about the cost of Chapman Teacher Education Programs as well as available scholarships and grants:
A variety of state and federal grants are also available for future teachers, including the Golden State Teacher Grant, TEACH Grant, and Cal Grant. Download the State and Federal Financial Aid for Future Teachers guide for more details and links to additional resources.
Where can I mail my supporting documents?
Chapman University
Office of Graduate Admission
One University Dr.
Orange, CA 92866
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically through the online application. On the left-hand side of the online application you will be asked to input the name and email address of your recommenders. They will receive an email with information on submitting your letter of recommendation electronically. We do not accept written letters of recommendation directly from the student.
What if I have a question about an admission decision?
- Any applicant who wishes to inquire about or to appeal an admission decision made by the Master of Arts in Special Education and Education Specialist Subject programs at the Attallah College of Educational Studies may contact the program administrative assistant in writing at teachereducation@chapman.edu. If the student wishes to submit a formal written grievance, this must be received by teachereducation@chapman.edu within 10 days of admissions decision. Once the written grievance has been received, it will be forwarded to the program coordinator, who will review documentation with the admissions committee and respond in writing to the candidate.
- If the student wishes to further grieve the response they may do so in writing to teachereducation@chapman.edu within 10 days of grievance response. At this point, the applicant's file (including candidate’s application package and review scores) will be forwarded to the program coordinator and a meeting will be arranged with the applicant to review applicant documents and program decision.
- Should the applicant desire to file a formal grievance, a written appeal should be sent within five working days to the Associate Dean of Graduate Education or Dean. The Associate Dean or Dean will confer with the applicant and meet with the program coordinator and faculty if appropriate. Within 10 business days of meeting with the Associate Dean or Dean, the applicant will receive a formal written statement indicating the decision of the college.
How do I receive more information?
The Attallah College of Educational Studies offers monthly graduate information sessions. These sessions are great opportunities to obtain further information about the program and meet with the program coordinator.
RSVP to information sessions »
To request further information about Chapman University's Graduate Programs, please complete the form at the link below so that the Office of Graduate Admission can send you more information about life as a Panther.
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