2014-2015

Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education with Certification, Master of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

College of Education

This plan is appropriate for candidates who are certified or eligible for certification in early childhood, elementary, or special education and desire specialized coursework in early childhood special education. Candidates in this program of studies are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and professional knowledge to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements. Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in specific classes.

This program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children. 

This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.

Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, and professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):

Minimum Units for Completion 33
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Arizona Certification/Endorsement

Prepares student for Arizona Certification and/or Endorsement.
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required.
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • A letter of recommendation
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • ENG 101 and 102, or ENG 105 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of "B". Math (College Algebra) with a minimum grade of "C". Laboratory Science with a minimum grade of "C".
    • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
    • Privacy forms
    • Teaching Certificate - if the applicant has one
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 33 units:

    Please Note: 
    • Candidates must also pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (professional knowledge and Special Education focus area), and meet State requirements on Federal and State Constitutional knowledge for Arizona Teacher Certification.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.