Minor in Special Education

The purpose of the Minor in Special Education is to provide undergraduate students with an overview of the field of special education. An interdisciplinary program of required and elective courses ensures that students are exposed to a variety of experiences pertaining to disability in our society. Competencies attained by students completing this minor are of both a theoretical and practical nature and stimulate student interest in occupations serving individuals with disabilities. Service learning interactions with individuals with disabilities are designed to inspire students for a career in special education.

Program Learning Objectives (PLO)

  • PLO #1: Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills related to the application of 1) special education legislation/policy and related services, atypical and typical child development; 2) inclusive school practices, diversity in education, and ways to address inequity within school systems (e.g., Universal Design for Learning, capacity building, School-Wide Transformation); and 3) best practices within the field of special education including the use of evidence-based strategies and interventions, partnerships for family and communities, and cultural respectfulness.
  • PLO #2: Understand the uniqueness of individuals with disabilities and apply the knowledge and skills related to working with those individuals by focusing on specific skill/topic/disability (e.g. American Sign Language, early intervention, positive behavior supports, autism spectrum, visual impairments, Deaf/ hard of hearing, young children at-risk and with disabilities). 

Declaring the Minor

Students can officially add the Minor in Special Education Students online: https://registrar.sfsu.edu/change_major_minor. They can also request a Declaration of Minor Form from the special education office. Students are encouraged to meet with a program advisor or Department staff member for assistance or questions.

For more information:
Email: spedminor@sfsu.edu
Website: https://sped.sfsu.edu/content/minor

Special Education Minor — 15 units

A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.

All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Required Courses (9 units)

SPED 330Introduction to Disability3
SPED 630Inclusive Education: Empowerment and Equity in Diverse Schools3
SPED 675Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities3

Elective Courses (6 units)

Select Two:

HIST 484Disability and Culture in the U.S.3
SPED 310Exploring Visual Impairments3
SPED 370Young Children Disabled or At Risk and Their Families3
SPED 620The Science of Early Intervention3
SPED 655Basic Orientation and Mobility for Learners with Visual Impairments3
SPED 662Education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children3
SPED 671Positive Behavior Support for Young Children3
SPED 672Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children3
SPED 688American Sign Language I3
SPED 689American Sign Language II3
SPED 691Autism in the Contemporary World3