All students must meet the Requirements for the Master of Education Degree
Overview
There are 2 primary areas of emphasis within the M.ED.: Special Education K-age 21 and Early Childhood Special Education. Within those 2 tracks there are different special education licensure pathways as well as a non-licensure option.
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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 general elementary, middle or high school classrooms. Within this track are varied licensure options.
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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.
Additional information on the above tracks and/or about the different licensure options should be requested from the program coordinator.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Education
Candidates for the degree of Master of Education in Special Education must have a bachelor's degree and a GPA of at least a 3.00 in the bachelor's degree. Preference is given to candidates with 2 years of teaching and/or related experience working with people with disabilities.
Minimum Degree Requirements
Specific courses are required for each area (K-age 21 and Early Childhood Special Education). Students seeking licensure must meet additional requirements, and specific programs plans will be developed in adherence to a student’s desired licensure.
Specific requirements for the K-Age 21Special Education Track include:
| EDSP 5100 | Foundations of Special Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 5130 | Severe Disabil Char&Intervent | 3 |
| EDSP 5110 | Meeting Inst Needs/All Stdnts | 3 |
| EDSP 5120 | Assessment in Special Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 6140 | Curr & Tech Spec Ed: Literacy (Literacy) | 3 |
| EDSP 6150 | Curr & Tech Spec Ed: Math (Numeracy) | 3 |
| EDSP 6180 | Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 6991 | Internship: Student Teaching | 9-12 |
| EDSP 6130 | Collaborative Consultation | 3 |
Specific requirements for the Early Childhood Special Education Track include:
| EDSP 5100 | Foundations of Special Ed | 3 |
| ECSP 5110 | EI for Infants and Toddlers-GR | 3 |
| EDSP 5130 | Severe Disabil Char&Intervent | 3 |
| ECSP 6100 | Curriculum in ECSP | 3 |
| ECSP 6120 | Assessment in EI/ECSE | 3 |
| EDSP 6180 | Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 6130 | Collaborative Consultation | 3 |
| ECSP 6190 | Seminar in EI/ECSE | 3 |
| ECSP 6991 | Internship: EI/ECSE | 9-12 |
Specific requirements for the Non-Licensure Track include:
| EDSP 5100 | Foundations of Special Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 5130 | Severe Disabil Char&Intervent | 3 |
| EDSP 6180 | Behavior Analysis in Spec Ed | 3 |
| EDSP 6130 | Collaborative Consultation | 3 |
| 3 additional courses in either EDSP or ECSP chosen in consultation with the advisor | 9 | |
| 3 elective courses chosen in consultation with the advisor | 9 | |
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.