The Liberal Studies and Special Education Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to earn their Liberal Studies, Preparation for Teaching, BA  and Education Specialist Credential (Mild/Moderate  Support Needs or Extensive  Support Needs) and Special Education, MA  degrees simultaneously, completing both degrees in five years, rather than the usual six years when completing them individually.The SAGE Scholars Program Coordinator works closely with the students to ensure a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate status, without students having to file a formal application for admission to the graduate program. Graduates of this program develop the knowledge and skills necessary to creatively meet the learning needs of students from Kindergarten through age 22 who have disabilities requiring mild, moderate, or extensive support. They most often work in school and/or residential settings.

Total SAGE Program Units (BA + Credential + MA) 152

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator​: Dr. Erica Colmenares.

Admissions Requirements

Most native and transfer students will become eligible to apply for the SAGE Scholars program in the Fall semester of Year 3 and enter the pathway during the Spring semester of Year 3. To be eligible: 

• Students must have successfully completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate degree applicable units and not more than 120 undergraduate degree applicable units at the time of program admission;
• Students must have completed the undergraduate Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) prior to admission into the program;
• Students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA at time of admission. GPA is calculated by the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units taken or a student’s cumulative GPA, whichever is higher. Note that this is a higher GPA standard than other SAGE Scholars programs; and,
• Students must meet all Special Education, MA and Education Specialist Credential admissions requirements.

Students who have reached up to their first semester as classified seniors will remain eligible for entry into the SAGE program. Second semester, senior-level students enrolled in the term they expect to graduate from their baccalaureate degree are not eligible to enter into the SAGE program as these students will not gain the accelerated graduate-level benefit offered through the SAGE blended program option.

Graduate Standing Requirements

Continuation requirements: SAGE Scholars must meet the same requirements to remain in the undergraduate and graduate programs as students in traditional pathways. Requirements for program continuation and advancement to candidacy in the graduate program, include:

• Complete successfully 9 units of graduate coursework in the Special Education program;
• Maintain GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Demonstrate aptitude for advanced work in professional education as measured by instructor appraisals, evaluation of previous academic work, recommendation by qualified professionals, or other assessments;
• Meet with a graduate advisor to plan a formal course of study. The MA degree-approved programs are individually designed to meet specific student objectives;
• To enter student teaching, students must have completed the Elementary Subject Matter requirements (CSETs or ESM waiver requirements);
• To convert to graduate status, students must have completed their 45 hours of pre-professional service;
• To convert to graduate status, students must have completed all lower-division (including lower-division general education courses and American Institutions courses) and GE UD Areas requirements; and,
• The proposed graduate program must be approved by the graduate coordinator before the student may be considered a candidate for the MA degree.
• Students are converted to graduate status when they have completed 120 SAGE program-applicable units. The following University Requirements are satisfied with required courses in the major: American Institutions and GE Areas 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5 and GE UD Areas (2/5, 3 and 4). Alternate courses that may satisfy these requirements are not counted in the calculation of the 120 SAGE program-applicable units.

Graduation Requirements: SAGE Scholars must meet the same undergraduate graduation requirements as all Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation majors, including University and GE requirements, to be conferred the BA. As graduate students, SAGE Scholars students must meet all current graduate program requirements. Upon completion of the credential requirements, students must have achieved an SJSU cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in their graduate work order to be recommended for a credential.

Culminating Experience

Plan A (Thesis)
Students selecting the Plan A option will write a master’s thesis. The thesis will include original research on a topic approved by the thesis committee, and must meet university requirements as stipulated in this catalog and in the SJSU Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines. Thesis proposals must be approved by the graduate committee made up of two department faculty and a third faculty member from outside the department. Students enroll in EDSE 299 . 
 

Plan B (Project)
Students selecting the Plan B option will complete a master’s project or research paper. This a significant undertaking that evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. The final paper includes the significance, objectives, methodology and a conclusion or recommendation. Students enroll in EDSE 220 .