All candidates must be enrolled first with SDCOE Added Authorizations Program prior to registering for credit validation with USD. Please visit the SDCOE AASE website for program enrollment information.
The San Diego County Office of Education’s Emotional Disturbance (ED) added authorization (AA) program provides opportunities for candidates to be able to identify the unique characteristics of students with ED, and to demonstrate unique knowledge of the core challenges associated with causes, characteristics, and definitions of ED from multiple points of view and conceptual orientations for program planning and service delivery. The expected student outcome is demonstration of knowledge and awareness regarding major issues related to ED. This course focuses on a wide variety of topics and issues related to supporting students with Emotional Disturbance in the school setting. Course content focuses on a variety of topics to include; causes, characteristics and definitions of emotional disturbance; assessment, curriculum design and interventions for academic and social needs of students with emotional disturbance; and parent and inter-agency collaboration to meet the multidimensional needs of students with emotional disturbance. The expected student outcome is demonstration of knowledge regarding major issues related to emotional disturbance and best practices in the identification and service of students with emotional disturbance in the school setting.
Number of Units: 9.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for San Diego County Office of Education Added Authorization Candidates.
University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.
Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.
Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
1. Enroll in this course:
2. Complete all course work with SDCOE.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Prerequisites:
All participants must:
Audience: K–12 educators across California (SDCOE affiliation not required), specifically teachers who hold a Preliminary or Clear Education Specialist Credential and are seeking to add an authorization to that credential.
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.
Enrollment Open: February 2, 2026 – May 29, 2026 (11:59pm PST)
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The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
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