You aspire to teach students with unique support needs in a K-12 setting.

This education specialist credential prepares you to work with a wide range of students by creating, developing, and implementing individualized supports, adaptations, and accommodations to facilitate access to core curriculum in a variety of environments. We offer both a fully online curriculum throughout the state of California and an in-person curriculum at our Southern California campuses in San Diego and Bakersfield. 

The program’s coursework focuses on state and federal regulations, including but not limited to: 

• Co-teaching
• Developing high leverage practices
• Determining appropriate assessments
• Creating Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Learning how to develop specialized curricula
• Designing safe learning environments
• Building positive behavior support systems
• Planning for transition strategies
• Use of current and assistive technologies
• Enhance your skills working as a collaborator in educational settings
• And more!

Establish Your Credibility

Gain the skills and the credential you need to live out your calling to teach. Earn a credential that establishes you as a knowledgeable, committed teaching candidate in as little as 24 months (three to four semesters depending on your start date). PLNU’s accreditations and district partnerships mean your degree will be from a university that’s well-known and respected in the community.

Be Confident in Your Calling

Learn in an environment where your goals, faith, and passion are shared and valued. At PLNU, we’re here to partner with you and give you the same holistic care you know every student deserves. Your curriculum is grounded in research and tied to critical needs and current topics facing educators.

Build a Lasting Network of Support

PLNU faculty and master teachers mentor you. Career counselors guide you. PLNU’s Education Associates alumni network keeps you connected long after graduation. And further professional development opportunities are available as you advance in your career.

Earn your education specialist preliminary credential as a standalone degree or as part of PLNU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.

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):

• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025 (In-person & Online)
• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026 (Online only)
• Summer 2026 Quad I — May 11, 2026 (In-person & Online)

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025 (In-person & Online)
• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025 (Online only)
• Summer 2026 Quad I — April 24, 2026 (In-person & Online)

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU challenges students to live a full and meaningful 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 Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential (Dual Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support) 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.

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.

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 (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’re a PLNU alum, 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, two to three 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. Basic Skills Requirement: Senate Bill 153 (Chap. 38, Stats 2024), effective June 29, 2024, makes two changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows possession of a bachelor’s (or higher) degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential or permit where the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree. 
6. Submit proof of registration for CSET exam.

Start Application

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

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. 

Pursuing an education specialist teaching credential at Point Loma Nazarene University can prepare you for a career working with students with special needs from elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Adding a preliminary education specialist credential opens job opportunities for you to work with a wider range of students. After earning this credential, you’re more employable because you’re certified to teach students with special needs. Your ability to educate a diverse range of students makes you eligible for more jobs because schools can place mild/ moderate to high-needs students in your classroom. 

For information about the courses required for the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information