Education Specialist Credential — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico
College of Communication and Education

Education Specialist Credential

Students, industry professionals and educators hold a tabling event to provide information about possible fields of study for future educators.
  • Program Type

    Credential

  • Delivery Type

    Hybrid

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Prepare for a rewarding career teaching and supporting children, youth, and adults with special learning or emotional needs with an Education Specialist Credential. As one of the most in-demand and critical resources in classrooms today, you'll be trained by dedicated faculty and equipped to provide calm, focused instruction and services, making an impact on the lives of learners who need championing.

Dedicated faculty and mentors will help you master the California Teaching Performance Expectations and Education Specialist Competencies. With unlimited career prospects in classrooms across public and private schools, special day classes, and alternative settings, your ability to make an impact as an educator or consultant is limitless.

Two teachers talking to a group of young students in a classroom.

Become an Education Champion

Diverse course offerings will immerse you in everything from laws and regulations to assistive technology and literacy development to strategies for supporting students with challenging behaviors, bilingual needs, and neurodiversity. Fulfill your field experience requirements through supervised teaching in diverse classroom settings.

Choose Your Path

You can opt to focus on one of two authorizations:

  • Mild to Moderate Support Needs

    This pathway is designed to support students with mild to moderate needs, which includes autism, other specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, or orthopedic or other health impairments, among others. You’ll be authorized to serve in grades K–12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22.

  • Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

    The ESN pathway teaches you to support students with more significant needs, including those with deafness or blindness, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. You'll be authorized to serve in grades K–12, transitional kindergarten, and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22.

Shaping Futures Through Special Education

With an Education Specialist Credential, you'll enter one of the most impactful and high-demand fields in education—helping students with diverse learning needs thrive. Whether in public or private schools, special day classes, or alternative settings, you'll create inclusive learning environments that support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Special education teachers are highly sought after, with opportunities to work as classroom educators, intervention specialists, instructional coordinators, or consultants.

Your expertise in mild to moderate or extensive support needs will prepare you to tailor instruction, advocate for students, and collaborate with families and fellow educators. As a dedicated specialist, you'll not only teach but also empower students to build confidence, independence, and lifelong learning skills—making a lasting impact on their futures.

Fast Facts

35,900

Job Openings

For special education teachers every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

120

School Districts

Attend our Education Hiring Fair every spring

600

Hours

Teaching experience with highly qualified mentor teachers and university supervisors

An instructor presenting a lecture to the class.

Real-world Teaching Placements

There is no better place to develop and hone your skills than a real-world classroom. With more than 50 North State school districts as partners for your placement, you can complete your experience hours in a diverse array of school settings.

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    Application Information

    All prospective students must complete two different applications for our Teaching Credential Programs, through Cal State Apply and our Teaching Credential Application.

    Application Periods

    • Fall: December–March 1
    • Spring: July–October 1

    Supplemental Materials

    Admission into programs leading to a credential does not guarantee that students will obtain a credential. Credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet credentialing requirements.

    Our credential analysts are here to help! For questions about the credential programs, please reach out by phone at 530-898-6455 or email credentials@csuchico.edu.

    The Education Specialist Credential program is designed as a two-semester (one year) program where you will complete required coursework and internship credits. Students who need to complete prerequisite courses may need additional time to complete the program.

    Yes! Please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for information on state and federal grants and loans, as well as scholarships specific to Chico State.

    Specific information regarding these financial aid opportunities may be found on the website, or by scheduling an appointment with an advisor.