Master of Arts in Education: Special Education
and Mild/Moderate Disabilities Specialist Internship Credential (K-12) Preliminary Level I, Track B

The current shortage of special education teachers creates a growing demand for educators with this credential. APU now offers a fifth-year credential in special education for the teaching of mild/moderate disabled students (K-12). APU candidates prepare to work in schools as teachers and they must know and demonstrate the content, pedagogical and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn. Therefore, the Department of Teacher Education assesses candidates from admission through recommendation of credentials in these credential standards. As a result, APU candidates are highly sought after.

The program is offered in two distinct tracks to accommodate educators from various points of entry. The Level I Credential offers Track A for those without a full-time teaching contract; Track B is for the currently contracted teacher. Students must see an advisor for proper placement in tracks with this credential program. Course content is application oriented, enabling students to take what they learn in the evening and use it in their classroom the next day.

Track A is designed for the noncontracted student who is meeting the requirements of the program as a continuation of the bachelor’s degree.

Track B is designed for the contracted teacher intern who is seeking a Special Education Credential or adding the special education component to a current credential.