Academic Catalog

Special Education (M.Ed.) - Advanced Certification Programs

Special Education (PK-8) or Special Education (7-12)

Administered by the Department of Exceptionality Programs

Effective Fall 2012

Applicants must have an initial teacher certification to add on the special education certification.

Admission. Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program must satisfy the general admission requirements for the School of Graduate Studies. The following criteria are also required:

A one-page, handwritten letter of intent stating professional background, experience and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the department
Two letters of recommendation
A resume
An interview with the chair or program coordinator
An undergraduate cumulative QPA of 2.8. If average is below 2.8, the student may be admitted provisionally. No Cs may be earned during a probationary period.

Retention. Students must complete the criteria listed in the Teacher Education - Special Education Initial Program packet prior to the completion of 21 graduate credits. Required GPA, child abuse, FBI and criminal clearances, TB results, and liability insurance coverage is described within the packet. Some requirements must be completed before course work can be initiated (e.g., clearances).

Certification and Graduation Requirements. Students may complete certification course work to access teacher certification prior to completion of the M.Ed. Some pre-requisite courses or their equivalents are required. The complete requirements are listed below.

Pre-certification Requirements

Completion of the following undergraduate courses OR their equivalents is required.

SPECED.101 Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities

SPECED.202 Technology for Individuals with Disabilities (certification only)/Education Technology Equivalent (M.Ed.)

PROFSTUD.494/594 English Language Learners Strategies/Methods OR

AUDSLP.432/532 Communication/Education English Language Learners

Core Course Requirements for M. Ed. (15 credits)

SPECED.502 Principles of Special Education Law

SPECED.547 Technology Applications for Individuals with Disabilities

SPECED.565 Special Education Research Methods I

SPECED.567 Special Education Research Methods II

SPECED.575 Seminar in Current Issues in Special Education

Special Education PK-8 Certification Course Requirements

(27 Credits; equivalent courses may be considered)

SPECED.506 Introduction to Early Intervention

SPECED.517 Foundations of Behavior Intervention and Support

SPECED.530 Effective Instruction Practices for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities

SPECED.533 Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities

SPECED.544 Academic Assessment for Instruction

SPECED.550 Effective Instructional Practices for Students with Mild Disabilities PK-8

SPECED.557 Linking Assessment and Instruction

SPECED.558 Methods of Instruction

SPECED.591 Practicum in Special Education

Special Education 7-12 Certification Course Requirements