Best Special Education colleges in California

Best Special Education colleges in California for 2026

Cal State LA was established in 1947 and serves about 26,400 students. In the Division of Special Education and Counseling, undergraduate Cal State LA students can earn a BS in Rehabilitation Services or a BA in Urban Learning with an Education Specialist/Special Education credential. The graduate program features an MA with 11 available concentrations and a Ph.D. in Special Education program. Notable alumni include politicians Rosario Marin and Maxine Waters.

National University
San Diego, CA

National University offers 10 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 1,132 Special Education students graduated with students earning 1,132 Master's degrees.

The Chicago School at Los Angeles offers 5 Special Education degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 218 Special Education students graduated with students earning 101 Certificates, 71 Master's degrees, and 46 Doctoral degrees.

San Diego State University offers 8 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 187 Special Education students graduated with students earning 139 Bachelor's degrees, 36 Master's degrees, 11 Certificates, and 1 Doctoral degree.

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California State University-Northridge offers 11 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 327 Special Education students graduated with students earning 157 Master's degrees, 112 Bachelor's degrees, and 58 Certificates.

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

Established in 1899, SFSU’s Department of Special Education features an undergraduate minor, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. programs in Special Education. Learners can also pursue post-baccalaureate credential programs, graduate certificates, or temporary intern credential programs in Special Education. Standout alumni include journalist Melba Pattillo Beals and author Anne Rice.

Fresno State is a public school founded in 1911 with nearly 25,400 students. Special education teaching students can pursue multiple-subject and single-subject credential paths. There is also an Education Specialist credential offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels and an MA in Special Education. Undergraduate and graduate tuition is generally $1,177/credit and $690/credit, respectively, with some special education courses costing as low as $340/credit.

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California State University-Fullerton offers 4 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 217 Special Education students graduated with students earning 146 Bachelor's degrees, 70 Master's degrees, and 1 Certificate.

California State University-Sacramento offers 4 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 202 Special Education students graduated with students earning 108 Bachelor's degrees, and 94 Master's degrees.

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California State University-Long Beach offers 6 Special Education degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 144 Special Education students graduated with students earning 72 Master's degrees, 61 Bachelor's degrees, and 11 Certificates.

List of all Special Education colleges in California

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
California State University-Los Angeles Logo California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
2/5
37 : 1 23,163
San Diego State University Logo San Diego State University San Diego, CA
3/5
39 : 1 41,137
National University Logo National University San Diego, CA
3/5
64 : 1 22,115
The Chicago School at Los Angeles Logo The Chicago School at Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
4/5
115 : 1 3,344
California State University-Northridge Logo California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA
2/5
43 : 1 38,313