How to Apply

Special Education Induction Program (Clear Credential Only)

If you are applying for the Fall 2027 semester, please check back in August for updated application dates. The application opens August 1st each year for Fall start.Apply to this program if you already hold a preliminary or level 1 education specialist credential and need to clear or renew it.

Interested in applying for a Master's degree along with the Clear Credential?

Important Dates for Spring 2027

Note, information below subject to change. Please continue to monitor this website for updates. 
Item Deadline
1. Cal State Apply application
(opens July 1 each year)		 August 31, 2026
2. Official transcripts due September 15 2026

Application Instructions

Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU

SDSU uses the California State University common admission application through the Cal State Apply website. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.

 

We do NOT require a second Program Application for this credential program. Instead applicants must complete the Cal State Apply application and complete the following steps:

  1. Hold a valid California Preliminary or Level 1 Ed Specialist credential: Admissions staff will verify this with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
  2. Letter of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are only required if you did not attend SDSU for your preliminary credential. If you earned your preliminary SPED credential at a school other than SDSU, then please contact 2 individuals who you have interacted with professionally and who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Have these letters emailed to the admission staff at: [email protected]
  3. Employment verification: Employment verification is required to enroll in the Special Education Clear Credential program. You must be employed as "teacher of record" — substitute teaching and aid positions will not meet this requirement.

Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondence from SDSU.

Step 3: Monitor my.SDSU

Be sure to follow all instructions provided by SDSU, particularly those related to setting up your my.SDSU account. Once your account is active, regularly monitor your my.SDSU Application To-Do List for any items or requests issued by Graduate Admissions. Prompt attention to these items is essential to avoid delays in the processing of your application.

Get in Touch

Application Process Questions

Cal State Apply Application Help

Program Questions

SDSU Resources for Future Students

This program is offered through the

Department of Special Education