Preliminary Credential in Extensive Support Needs Special Education

How to Apply

Coming Soon!! Spring 2025 Admissions
SDSU will be offering an admissions cycle during late summer 2024 with a program start date in spring of 2025 for our preliminary credential programs. Please continue to check back for more information regarding the exact application dates.

Preliminary Credentials: In California this is the FIRST credential you can earn. If you want to be a teacher and do not hold a credential, then apply to a preliminary program. The Extensive Support Needs Special Education credential allows you to work with disabled children and adults requiring extensive support needs from age 5 through 22.

Important Dates for Fall 2024

Admission to the credential program is for fall semester only. There is no spring admission cycle.
Item Deadline
1. Cal State Apply application
(opens October 1 each year)		 February 1, 2024
2. Official transcripts due February 15, 2024

Steps to Apply

1. Submit Cal State Apply Application

Get help and tips on how to complete the Cal State Apply application.

Cal State Apply - Opens Oct. 1

 

2. Submit Program Materials Through Interfolio

Program Materials Needed for Interfolio

The credential items below will be asked about by questions and/or uploads in Interfolio.  Please start preparing to apply by getting these materials ready.

START EARLY: Most of our applicants tell us they spend approximately 3 months or more on the following 4 requirements.

Important Information About Credential Requirements:

  • These items need to be completed prior to admission to SDSU's Credential program. Some items can be in progress when you are applying (like pre-reqs and your degree), but all exams and the Clearance must be complete before admission.
  • Please maintain all your original documents as you may need to submit these again to districts for student teaching and/or employment.

Go to Program Application

3. Wait to Request Official Transcripts

Please wait to request these official transcripts until after you have submitted the Cal State Apply application, then request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions at Submitting Your Transcripts.  If you send them in before you submit the application, they will take longer to process.

If you attended SDSU for your undergraduate degree, you can skip this step—we have this information already on file.

4. Explore Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial Aid & Scholarships has up-to-date information about external scholarships and grants specific to credential students. The College of Education maintains this list in coordination with the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Exit Requirements: Please be aware that there are additional exit requirements which you must fulfill to earn your credential. These must be completed by the time you finish the credential program.

Advising

Visit Graduate Program Advising for information about the credential program, admissions process, and who to contact.

Advising Checklists

The Advising Checklist includes the same basic information that is covered in advising sessions.

Visit the Program Homepage

Preliminary Credential in Extensive Support Needs