MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION with a concentration in SPECIAL EDUCATION Application Instructions

How to apply:

Candidates will complete either a hard copy application, or an electronic application, depending upon their current enrollment status at SSU.

Hard copy application: Candidates who are currently enrolled in a Stateside MA or Credential Program at SSU should contact the SoE Credentials Office for a hard copy application. If you are currently enrolled in an MA or Credential Program, you will NOT complete Cal State Apply. 

Email for application: credentials.office@sonoma.edu

Electronic Application: Candidates who are NOT currently enrolled in a post baccalaureate program at SSU will apply to the University and to the program via Cal State Apply. Attach all required supporting documents to Cal State Apply.

Required Documents:

1. Official Transcripts: One official transcript from each college or university you have attended. Official transcripts must be submitted electronically to: admissions@sonoma.edu.  Please refer to the SSU website for additional information on submission of official transcripts. SSU: Transcript Submission.

Candidates who are currently enrolled at SSU in a School of Education Credential Program, are not required to submit official transcripts.

2. Official Letters of Recommendation: Two recent letters of reference (not more than one year old) must be submitted by your recommenders. 

Submission Requirements for Letters: Candidates that complete Cal State Apply MUST have their letters attached to this application by their recommenders. Candidates that only complete the SoE hard copy application will be provided instructions for submission of letters when they request the application from our office.

One letter should come from a college instructor with whom you have completed a course and who addresses the candidate’s potential for graduate study. At a minimum, the letters must address the following:

• How long the writer has known you and in what capacity

• Your academic potential for graduate work

• Your curiosity and passion to learn about children and education

• Your commitment to promoting the qualify of early care and education

3. Professional Goals Statement:  Please submit a two (2) page, double spaced typewritten response to the prompt.

The mission of Sonoma State University’s programs in special education is the advancement of excellence within the special education profession. Central to this mission is the crafting of preparation programs that reflect best practice, empirical support, as well as values founded in respect for the humanity, educational progress, and improved lives of learners with special needs. The core values of our program center upon educational and social success as dynamic contributors to the quality of lives for learners with special needs and their families. In all, we seek to prepare special educators who provide effective education, respect and individualization for learners with special needs and who are committed to ongoing professional growth in their careers as reflective practitioners of their craft.

Given this mission, please indicate why you are interested in applying to an advanced program in Special Education at Sonoma State University. Include in your response how you envision the program might contribute to your ongoing professional growth as a special educator. 

4. Verification of current, valid California Teaching Credential. This program requires a current Education Specialist credential. Please attach copy of current credential to the application.

International Students: Please refer to the SSU website for additional admission criteria, documents and deadlines that are required of an international student.