Our Programs

The Deaf Studies and American Sign Language undergraduate minor promotes the understanding of the uniqueness and strength of the Deaf Community including its historical, cultural and linguistic context. Further, coursework addresses the systematic, societal barriers and discrimination that this community has and continues to face, and provides opportunity for students to reflect on their role as allies, advocates, and change agents. Students will gain competence in American Sign Language, both receptively as a means of expression with others.

By completing the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies: Concentration in Special Education ITEP, you will graduate with both a BA and a preliminary Education Specialist in Early Childhood Special Education Credential. The program is designed to prepare professional educators to provide quality early intervention and early childhood special education to young children birth through kindergarten.

Students in the Special Education SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's Programs pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and credential simultaneously. This program allows students to earn graduate credit while in their junior and/or senior years, reducing the number of semesters required for completion of a master’s degree.

The Department of Special Education (SPED) currently has joint SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's Programs with the Departments of Child & Adolescent Development (CAD) and Kinesiology (KIN).

The Minor in Special Education introduces you to the field of inclusive education and the experiences of students with disabilities. You’ll study developmental differences, teaching strategies, and laws that support access to learning. This program complements majors in fields like child development, psychology, liberal studies, and social work. It prepares you to work with diverse learners and gives you a foundation for careers or graduate study in education and related fields.

The Master of Arts in Special Education prepares you to advance your knowledge and practice in teaching and supporting students with disabilities. You’ll study research, assessment, and instructional strategies that promote inclusion and equity in schools and communities. The program is flexible, allowing you to focus on areas that match your career goals. It’s designed for educators and professionals who want to deepen their expertise or pursue leadership roles in special education.

The Early Childhood Special Education Credential: Special Education prepares you to lead and collaborate in early learning settings for young children with disabilities—from birth through kindergarten. You learn inclusive, equity‑centered practices grounded in cultural responsiveness. The program blends coursework with 600 hours of field experience and student teaching. You develop the knowledge and skills to support children’s learning and development in partnership with families and communities.

The Education Specialist Intern Credential: Special Education is a one‑ to two‑year licensed program. It lets you work as a teacher of record while completing coursework for the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential. You participate in this program through San Francisco State University in partnership with local employing agencies. To qualify, you must be enrolled in a Preliminary Credential program in areas like Early Childhood Special Education, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, or Visual Impairments. A one‑year extension is available by appeal.

The Extensive Support Needs Credential: Special Education prepares you to teach K–12 students with significant disabilities using research-based methods. You learn to adapt academic content and use data-driven instruction in inclusive settings. The training covers working with families, setting goals with a transdisciplinary team, and fostering participation in school, home, and community life. You complete a three-semester sequence of supervised fieldwork and student teaching (600 hours total) in urban school environments.

The Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential: Special Education trains you to teach K–12 students with learning, emotional, speech, language, sensory processing, or mild intellectual disabilities. You learn to design instruction grounded in legal knowledge, assessment, data-driven planning, behavior support, inclusive and culturally responsive teaching, and co-teaching. The program includes 600 hours of supervised fieldwork and student teaching in urban schools. You will complete coursework and practicum that prepares you for inclusive classroom teaching.

The Orientation & Mobility Credential: Special Education prepares you to teach safe and independent navigation skills to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, from birth through adulthood. You learn essential movement techniques—from using a long cane and developing spatial concepts to traveling on public transport and navigating new environments. Courses blend theory with practice. You also complete a full two‑semester sequence of supervised clinical fieldwork and student teaching in varied real‑world settings.

The Visual Impairment Credential: Special Education prepares you to teach and support blind and low‑vision students from birth to age 22 and their families. You learn to use tactile, visual, and auditory methods and to deliver instruction in general, specialized, and itinerant settings. The program links research with practice and emphasizes culturally responsive, anti‑ableist teaching. You develop skills in literacy methods—including Braille and access technology—and complete 600 hours of supervised practicum and online instruction combined with in‑person lab weekends.

Do you want to support and advocate for autistic people in ways that create real change? The Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies helps you deepen your knowledge and strengthen your practice through meaningful coursework and hands on learning. The program emphasizes inclusive, neurodiversity affirming approaches that center the voices, values and lived experiences of autistic people. You will explore current research, emerging perspectives, and real world applications that prepare you to promote belonging and equity across diverse settings. Designed for graduate students and working professionals, this certificate welcomes educators, therapists, advocates, family members and self advocates into a collaborative learning community where you can grow your skills and expand your impact.

The Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Early Childhood Practices is intended for individuals seeking expertise in supporting the learning and development of all young children, including those identified with disabilities. Required coursework is focused on culturally responsive practices and supports that promote access, learning, and participation for all young children and their families. The program is intended for individuals in education or human service fields, such as general early childhood education, nursing, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, social work, and speech and language therapy.