Make a Difference in Students with Disabilities

This CTC-accredited Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential prepares you to work with students who have moderate to severe disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, or other serious impairments. You’ll start with coursework to lay your SPED teaching foundation, progressing to creating individualized education plans based on assessment and evaluation of student needs. After your first four courses, you’ll be intern eligible, enabling you to start teaching, earning a salary while completing your credential in as little as 10 to 12 months.

  • Working with Students and Families: In core courses, you’ll learn different assessment and evaluation procedures used in special education, and how to interpret results and share them with family members.
  • Work with Students of Various Ages: This Extensive Support Needs Special Education Credential prepares you to work in California school systems with K-12 students and adults up to the age of 22.
  • Curriculum Design, Classroom Management: You’ll use California content standards to learn to design developmentally appropriate special education lessons, to understand and differentiate instruction for varying needs, and to assess student progress.

At a Glance

Online
48 Credits
$730/Credit
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Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

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Free Credential Test Prep

Receive complimentary test prep throughout your coursework for Ed Specialist CA Teaching Performance Assessment (EdSp CalTPA).

California Teaching

Preparing California’s Teachers

UMass Global is California’s second largest provider of teaching credentials; our history of support for education goes back to our founding in 1958.

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Intern Eligible in Just 4 Classes

Our Intern Pathway Campaign means you can start teaching while finishing your credential work.

Career Outlook for Teaching Credential - SPED (Extensive Support Needs)

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 511

Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling

3 Credits
EDUU 516

Introduction to Planning and Assessment

3 Credits
EDMU 520

Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms I

3 Credits
EDUU 602

Positive Behavior Supports

3 Credits
EDUU 655

Individualized Education Plan Development and Special Education Law

3 Credits
EDUU 662

Collaboration and Co-Teaching

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

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Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

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Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the teaching credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts showing a conferred Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

California Only

Successful completion of this program leads to state licensure, which is limited to the state of California, and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Letter of Good Standing

Applicants transferring from another institution's teaching credential program must supply a letter from that institution's Education Department attesting to the applicant's good standing in the program. The letter should be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or someone in a similar position.

Subject Matter Verification

Subject matter competencies must be fulfilled to qualify for enrollment in student teaching or internship. Candidates must sign an intent to satisfy the subject matter competency requirement through one of the following: CSET exam, subject matter preparation program, approved coursework aligned with subject matter domains, or approved academic degree.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Calculate Time and Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with extensive support needs, including those with moderate to severe disabilities, in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who require more intensive support and specialized instruction.

Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in general and inclusive classrooms, focusing on behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who can participate in a general classroom environment but need accommodations to be able to keep pace with the class.

The Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential is distinct from other special education credentials primarily due to its specialized focus on students with moderate to severe disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, or other serious impairments. This credential authorizes the holder to teach students in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California and prepares educators to work in specialized and inclusive settings, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills.

Other California special education credentials include Early Childhood Special Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Standards Visual Impairments.

To earn this extensive support needs SPED credential, you will need to complete 36 credit hours of coursework — 18 introductory block credits (four courses) and 18 content area block credits (six courses), along with 10 credit hours of student teaching or 12 credit hours of interning.

This SPED credential can be earned as quickly as 18 to 24 months. This timeframe assumes you take two courses per eight-week session, and it may vary depending upon the session in which you start.

Remember, should you choose the UMass Global Internship Pathway, you can begin intern teaching as the teacher of record in a classroom after only four courses. That way you can start earning a salary while finishing your credential coursework.

Obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs offers numerous benefits for educators and their students:

  1. Specialized Training: This credential provides educators with specialized training to effectively teach and support students with moderate to severe disabilities. This includes strategies for behavior management, communication, and adaptive skills.
  2. Career Opportunities: Educators with this credential are highly sought after due to the specialized nature of the role. There is a growing demand for teachers who are qualified to work with students who have extensive support needs. While this credential is specifically for teaching SPED in California, it lays the groundwork for a teacher to also work in other states with some additional coursework or testing.
  3. Making a Difference: Educators can make a significant difference in the lives of students with extensive support needs, helping them achieve their fullest potential in academic, social, and personal development.
  4. Advocacy and Leadership: Teachers with this credential often become advocates for students with disabilities, influencing policy and promoting inclusive education practices within their schools and communities.
  5. Collaboration Skills: Working with students with extensive support needs requires collaboration with families, therapists, and other educational professionals, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
  6. Personal Fulfillment: Many educators find personal fulfillment and a strong sense of purpose in helping students with significant challenges overcome barriers and succeed in their educational journey.

Earning a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Extensive Support Needs Credential equips educators with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality education to students with significant disabilities, while also offering a rewarding and impactful career path.

There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:

  • They are active listeners
  • They have strong social perception skills
  • They understand how to support different learning styles
  • They’re adept at complex problem solving
  • They are service oriented

Testimonials

My journey at UMass Global has been transformative. The university not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success but also instills a sense of purpose and a passion for lifelong learning. If you are considering applying to UMass Global, be prepared to embark on a fulfilling educational adventure that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Julia R.
Teaching, MA with Extensive Support Needs Credential
SDC Teacher, Palmdale School District
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Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself.

Leonard W.
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, MA
Amy J.

I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education. I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.

Amy J.
Special Education, MA
North Orange County ROP, Career Technical Education Teacher in the Education Pathway

 

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