If you currently work with or desire to work with young children with special needs, earning your added authorization in early childhood special education can help you advance your practice and your career.
You can earn your added authorization on its own or as part of a Master of Arts in Special Education.
Applicants for the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization must have a valid Education Specialist Credential.
Our School of Education is one of the top producers of education candidates not only within San Diego, but the state of California. Read more about the work being done at PLNU.
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.
Note: It is typically best to start the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization in Summer Quad I. Check with your enrollment counselor for program start dates.
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 education program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.
If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.
*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.
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.
State authorization is a formal determination by a state that Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online (distance education) courses and/or offer internships within that state. Student location is based on where a student is physically located while taking courses. Students taking face-to-face courses are located in California, regardless of their home state at the time of application.
If a student moves to another state after admission to a program and/or enrollment in an online course, continuation within the program and/or course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state. If a student wishes to conduct an internship outside California, they must select a state where it is permitted. It is the student's responsibility to notify PLNU of any change in their physical location, other than incidental travel. Refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online (distance education) and/or internships outside California.
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.
This authorization is designed for special education teachers.
How we heal the world one child at a time by recognizing our longing to be seen, feel cared about, and be provided with physical and emotional safety.
We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.
With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.
For information about the courses required for the Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization program, view the PLNU Catalog.
