The M.Ed. in special education offers a program of study for individuals who already hold a professional teaching license or those wishing to work with individuals with exceptionalities in areas other than teaching. Candidates will be prepared for advanced positions in Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities, such as school-based department chair, program specialist, RTI specialist, behavior specialist or instructional coach. Candidates may choose to pursue a certificate in autism or an endorsement in gifted education.
The M.Ed. is a minimum 30-credit hour program. The M.Ed. includes field experiences integrated into courses, which may occur as a formal placement by the university or as a result of supervised employment. All candidates complete a final portfolio or an action research project, which serves as their comprehensive assessment.
Although the program is not designed to meet Virginia requirements for teacher licensure or endorsement, the M.Ed. can lead to an additional endorsement in gifted education provided the individual already holds a valid Virginia teaching license. Candidates can also earn a certificate in autism. The final portfolio option has been designed to support candidates who wish to apply for National Board Certification for teaching.
