Receive your master's in special education fully online in the state of California. Our program is built to support schedules as unique as our students. When you join PLNU’s master's in special education program, you’ll challenge yourself to be more effective in serving students with special needs. 

You don’t work in special education because it’s easy — you do it because it matters. You want to be an educator who makes a difference in your students’ lives. That’s what we want, too.

Everyone you encounter here will share that goal with you, from your admissions counselor to your professors. Rest assured, PLNU’s School of Education will take a personal interest in you and care about your concerns, experience, beliefs, and goals.

At PLNU, we’re here for the same reasons as you: We truly believe in the power of education, and we care deeply about individuals — including you. Like you, we believe all students, no matter their challenges or needs, have value and promise. We believe the right teacher can make every student’s life better.

Relevant Topics

District partnerships ensure our curriculum addresses current needs and topics facing educators, and our added authorizations increase depth in areas important to you. As a Christian institution, PLNU equips you for the spiritual, emotional, and personal benefits and challenges of special education practice.

Customizable and Convenient

Complete courses and study material when it works best for your lifestyle. Our fully online program is offered through the state of California to allow our students the flexibility to create their own schedule. We understand your scholastic goals are unique to you and your lifestyle — and we’re here to support you through each step of the way.

Customize your experience based on your future goals. PLNU’s master’s in special education offers two tracks to choose from:

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education  
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education

The M.A. includes an action research project and has a shorter completion time; this track can be completed in as little as 12 months. This program is meant for you if you seek to continue working in a classroom after graduation and not pursue further education — such as a doctorate.

In the M.S. track, you’ll complete a thesis that prepares you for entry into a doctorate-level program. Both options require the same number of units to complete.  

Both tracks include the following embedded in the program:

• Reading and literacy authorization 
• One additional authorization 
• Google teacher certification level 1 

Lasting Network of Support

PLNU’s Education Associates alumni network keeps you connected long after graduation. Faculty members have a reputation for staying in touch and continuing to mentor students. Career counseling and additional professional development opportunities are always available to you.

Spotlight

Deborah Erickson

Dr. Deborah Erickson, dean of PLNU’s School of Education, has been on faculty since 2013, after serving 11 years in faculty and leadership positions at California Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Education.

Read More

PLNU's Master of Arts in Special Education builds on the foundation of the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Professional Standards. In this program, you’ll develop advanced-level knowledge, skills, and dispositions aligned with professional standards, and you’ll directly apply research-based theory and “best practices” as you teach students with special needs in your own classroom.

The following added authorizations can be taken on their own or as part of the Master of Arts in Special Education:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Emotional Disturbance
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Adapted Physical Education
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Reading and Literacy 

*The curriculum includes one embedded program in addition to Reading and Literacy Added Authorization. If you’re a credentialed teacher, the 12-unit Reading and Literacy Added Authorization will give you specialized certification to teach reading in the pre-K-12 setting.

Accreditation - WSCUC

Candidates who complete the Master of Arts in Special Education program will be prepared to:

Equip

• Promote the success of all students by being a servant leader who serves collaboratively and effectively with professional excellence, honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.

Transform

• Engage in ways of thinking and being to embrace the positive power of diversity and advocacy for universal social justice within classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.
• Apply faith-based influences and beliefs within educational organizations.

Empower

• Reflect and engage in ongoing scholarly, professional, and spiritual growth.
• Serve as research-based transformational leaders within their classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad I — May 12, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
• Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026

If you have additional prerequisites you need to complete for the program, you may start other quads. Speak with your enrollment counselor to find out more information. 

Application Deadline(s): 

• Summer 2025 Quad I — April 25, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad II — February 27, 2026

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's master's in special education program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Requirements 

Applicants must hold an Education Specialist Teaching Credential to be accepted.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts (which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU) and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced.
4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
5. Provide proof of a valid education specialist California teaching credential.

Start Application

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

PLNU's master's in special education will allow you to advance your practice or further specialize. The program is designed for current education specialists.

For information about the courses required for the master's in special education, view the PLNU Catalog. 

M.A. Course Information M.S. Course Information