Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education (MS & SPED/MM)

Sample Early Childhood Education Courses

ED 305: Social, Political, and Economic Foundations of Education

ED 305 will provide the teacher candidate with the theory, philosophy, and examples of the social, political, and economic foundations of education. The emphasis will be on historical, legal and ethical, philosophical and political issues that will occur in both general education and special education settings. In addition, ED 305 explains the teacher certification process in California and will focus on broad educational issues of structures, policies, equity, and what it will mean to be a teacher in a public school. Specifically, candidates will investigate the following general and special education topics: federal, state, and local structures, governance and demographics, education finance, standardized testing, teacher associations, California laws, school reform trends, and professional development.

SPED 331: The Student with Special Needs

This special education course, SPED 331 will provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the atypical human development conditions associated with various disabilities and risk conditions. The course will explore the impact of various disabilities on development and learning and how different cultural settings may impact both exceptional groups of learners and students with disabilities. An introduction to the process of understanding and developing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) will also be discussed, explored, and applied including the role of a Case Manager. Furthermore, candidates will learn about principles of IDEA. To best serve children in public or private schools, teachers must learn to integrate constructivist approaches, standards-based instruction, and technology within a challenging and interesting curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• Admission to the B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education degree program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.0 will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents (see below). Applicants with college level studies will be expected to demonstrate an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. It is required that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received to support the application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy).Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:
  • Completed application and $55 application fee
  • Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
  • Personal statement
  • Applicants must submit a resume showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferable credits from a regionally accredited

  Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral of high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester credits at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Proof of qualifying academic history must be provided in one of the following ways:

  • Official high school transcript recognized by the S. Department of Education showing an earned high school diploma, 2.0 GPA or higher, and date of graduation. A copy of a high school diploma, if transcripts are not immediately available, can be submitted with a contingency that original transcripts will be on file prior to day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
  • Official college transcript with 24 credits of transferable credits with a grade of C or
  • Official Associate degree transcript from a regionally­ accredited institution showing degree earned and date conferred
  • Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution that contains the high school name and date of graduation
  • Official NACES, ACREVS or AICE evaluation of an international diploma that contains the high school name and date of graduation
  • High school equivalency completed through homeschooling as defined by state law
  • Official General Educational Development (GED) A copy of the student’s GED Certificate, or unofficial GED score issued by the state, can be submitted with a contingency that the Official GED document will be on file prior to day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
  • Official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) document
  • Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
  • Official documentation showing a passing score on a state-authorized exam that the state recognizes as equivalent to high school graduation

  Applicants with a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA below 2.0, applicants without three years of significant professional or life experience, or with less than 24 transferable college credits are required to submit additional documentation:

  • One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
  • An additional essay three pages, double-spaced typed (approximately 500-750 words). In your essay, please answer the following question:
    • What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom focused on application of experience to course
    • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility and respect for every individual (refer to the Mission and Vision statement of Pacific Oaks College).

  Additional Requirements for students interested in pursuing Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentrations: For students entering with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission:

  • Successfully meet the Basic Skills Requirement. Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to learn about tests and classes that qualify to pass this requirement, including the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
  • Proof of Registration for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): Multiple Subjects exams

  For students entering with fewer than 40 transfer credits at the time of admission: Please note: Prior coursework will be evaluated as part of the Admissions process.