Program Description
The master of education with specialization in special education is designed to allow students to pursue graduate-level study and earn an endorsement in special education. Certified teachers (P-12) who wish to add to their repertoire of strategies for diverse learners in their settings and wish to earn an endorsement to add to their teaching certificate would benefit from this program.
Students will complete the prescribed program course of study for 45 credits. The prescribed course of study must be completed and approved by a program advisor or committee chair upon completion of 15 credits. The program is delivered online, with the core courses offered in conjunction with the master of education: literacy.
Admission Requirements
Submission of a copy of a valid teaching certificate with application materials.
High-speed internet access and webcam are necessary requirements for online learning.
Minimum of one year of contracted teaching or permission of special education faculty.
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Potential graduate students will need to identify their current knowledge, skills, and philosophy related to working with students with disabilities in their admission letter.
Graduation Requirements
Completion of 45 credits within program.
GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Satisfactorily complete a culminating experience.
Program Requirements
Must maintain a gpa of 3.0 or higher throughout program.
Must enroll to take the WEST E or equivalent NES or state required test for special education endorsement prior to graduation.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of special education: development and processes, while considering the research, historical, contemporary, and cultural perspectives in the field
- Describe understanding of the assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation process as it relates to current position. Candidates will share how this knowledge is used in monitoring and reporting of assessment data to interested parties.
- Demonstrate understanding of special education; considering the characteristics of students, the modeling and teaching of strategies, the selection of materials, and collegial support.
- Describe the environment of the classroom that utilizes differentiated instruction, with space, time, materials, and student considerations in this description.
- Share goals for own professional development and how those goals will influence teaching, work with colleagues, and leadership skills.
- Describe their own process in teaching inclusive and differentiated strategies, materials, and assessments that inform and set direction for teaching