Special Education

The Special Education programs at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are guided by the philosophy that all individuals in our society have the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment that fulfills their individual needs. Special education aims to help all children become productive and participating members of society by developing their optimal potential, regardless of disability.  

At CSUB, our primary mission is to prepare future special education teachers who can work effectively with students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN). Our students develop the instructional, interpersonal and management skills that are critical to success in this field. Graduates become effective teachers and caring, reflective, decision-making professionals.

The Special Education Program at California State University, Bakersfield offers the following programs at our Bakersfield and Antelope Valley Campuses:

• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program
• Adding a Disability to a SPED Credential
• Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Education, specializing in Special Education

All programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).