Special Education and Certification, M.Ed.

This is a graduate program that leads to a Master of Education in Special Education. Applicants are required to present evidence of previous successful experience working with students and a commitment to teaching students with disabilities.

A maximum of 9 graduate credits in special education from an accredited institution may be accepted when non-matriculated students apply to the special education program.

Each student is required to have a program-planning sheet approved by their advisor on file. Candidates are required to obtain a minimum grade of B in each course. Courses with a grade less than B must be repeated. Students who earn an F grade will automatically be dismissed from the program.

Applicants interested in special education certification must present transcripts that demonstrate that the following courses or their equivalents have been taken at an undergraduate or graduate level:

• Introduction to Exceptionalities: (EEC273 Introduction to Exceptionalities)
• Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities : EEC 423  
• Assessing Children with Exceptionalities for Curricular Decision-Making : EEC 483  
• Teaching Reading to English Language Learners : RDG 413  

If the applicant’s transcript does not show evidence of having taken these or comparable courses, the courses will be treated as a deficiency (i.e., required background course that must be taken before receiving full admission to the program).
 

The M.Ed. in Special Education are designed to serve these groups:

1. Those who wish to add special education certification to the teaching certificate they presently hold in another field.
2. Certified Special Education teachers and others who wish to pursue advanced study in one area of their field (i.e., learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or behavior disorders).
3. Elementary and secondary classroom teachers who are interested in increasing their professional competencies for working with students with special needs in the general education classroom.
4. Those coming into the field of Special Education who seek certification or advanced study.

Note: While it is possible to complete the program as a part-time student, the practicum will require extensive work in schools during the school year.

Concentrations

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education has four concentrations. One can earn comprehensive certification in Special Education while earning the Master of Education degree. Alternatively, students can pursue work in the specialty areas of behavior disabilities, learning disabilities, or intellectual disabilities without certification. The Department offers the following graduate degree tracks in Special Education:

• M.Ed. in Special Education with Comprehensive Certification (PK-12)
• M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Behavioral Disabilities
• M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Learning Disabilities
• M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities

The Master’s degree with certification requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of course work plus 9 credit hours of student teaching.  The program of study appropriate for the individual’s professional goals will be developed during the applicant’s admission interview from the following course organizations.