Special Education AMP

All students must meet the Requirements for the Accelerated Master's Degree Pathways

Overview

The Accelerated Master’s Degree Entry Pathway (AMP) in Special Education is designed for UVM undergraduates to complete up to 9 credits towards their graduate degree while earning their undergraduate degree. Students in this pathway receive the same M.Ed.  as the traditional state-approved Special Education M.Ed., but they complete the degree one year after earning their undergraduate degree. Students must apply and be admitted to the M.Ed. while still an undergraduate and before taking  any credits that will apply to the M.Ed. The M.Ed. is a secondary curriculum that becomes their primary curriculum when they have completed the bachelor's degree. There are two pathways in the AMP in Special Education: Early Childhood Special Education and K- age 21 Special Education.

  1. K-age 21 Special Education: Students are prepared to collaborate with families, educators and other professionals in the design, implementation and evaluation of instruction for learners with disabilities in inclusive regular elementary, middle or high school classrooms. Students typically apply to the M.Ed. during the fall of their junior year. Upon acceptance, students meet with advisors to determine their course sequence. During the last 3 semesters of their undergraduate degree, students enroll in 2 or 3 required classes (6 or 9 credits) that count towards their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additional information can be requested from the program coordinator. A non-licensure option is also available and the program plan can be tailored to students’ interests.

  2. Early Childhood Special Education: Students are prepared to provide individualized, family-centered special education services to young children with disabilities and their families through both direct and collaborative delivery systems coordinated with social service agencies in integrated home, preschool and community settings. Students typically apply to the M.Ed. in the fall semester of their Junior year or Senior year and usually take ECSP 6100, EDSP 5130, and EDSP 5100 during the spring of their junior or senior year. All 9 credits count towards the B.S. and Master’s degrees. The remaining 24 graduate credits are completed during 1 post-baccalaureate year.

Specific Requirements

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the AMP in Special education

Candidates for the Accelerated Master's Entry Pathway in Special Education must be UVM undergraduates. Students typically apply during their Junior or Senior year. Applicants are evaluated based on their GPA (must be least a 3.00), 3 letters of recommendation, essay, official copy of undergraduate transcript, interview, and UVM Accelerated Master's Pathway permission form available from the Graduate College or CESS Student Services.

Minimum Degree Requirements

Specific courses are required for each area (K- age 21 Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education).

Specific requirements for the Special Education K-Age 21 Track include:

EDSP 5100Foundations of Special Ed3
EDSP 5130Severe Disabil Char&Intervent3
EDSP 5110Meeting Inst Needs/All Stdnts3
EDSP 5120Assessment in Special Ed3
EDSP 6140Curr & Tech Spec Ed: Literacy3
EDSP 6150Curr & Tech Spec Ed: Math3
EDSP 6180Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed3
EDSP 6991Internship: Student Teaching6-12
EDSP 6130Collaborative Consultation3

Specific requirements for the Early Childhood Special Education Track include:

EDSP 5100Foundations of Special Ed3
ECSP 5110EI for Infants and Toddlers-GR3
EDSP 5130Severe Disabil Char&Intervent3
ECSP 6100Curriculum in ECSP3-4
ECSP 6120Assessment in EI/ECSE3
EDSP 6180Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed3
EDSP 6130Collaborative Consultation3
ECSP 6190Seminar in EI/ECSE3
ECSP 6991Internship: EI/ECSE9-12

Specific Requirements for the Non-Licensure Track include:

EDSP 5100Foundations of Special Ed3
EDSP 5130Severe Disabil Char&Intervent3
EDSP 6180Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed3
EDSP 6130Collaborative Consultation3
3 additional courses in either EDSP or ECSP chosen in consultation with the advisor9
3 elective courses chosen in consultation with the advisor9

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination for both pathways is an oral examination taken in the last semester of study. Students meet with faculty to present their knowledge and application of key learning related to program requirements.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of master of education

Successful completion of any prerequisite courses, and at least 15 graded graduate credits with a 3.00 GPA or better, including all core courses. Program requires 30-36 credits depending on licensure requirements.