Special Education, M.Ed.

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

Concentrations

Students select one of the following concentrations and must complete all courses required

Gifted Education Concentration: 15 Credit Hours (online)

(Not currently accepting applications)

EXED 560. The Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners Credits: 3.00
EXED 565. Instructional Methods in Gifted Education Credits: 3.00
EXED 570. Practicum in Gifted Education Credits: 3.00
EXED 660. Curriculum and Instruction in Gifted Education Credits: 3.00
EXED 665. Trends and Issues in Gifted Education Credits: 3.00

Autism Concentration: 12 Credit Hours

EXED 506. Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders Credits: 3.00
EXED 602. Communication, Language and Sensory Issues of Autism and Students on Adapted Curriculum Credits: 3.00
EXED 603. Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Plans Credits: 3.00
EXED 604. Practical Experience in Autism Credits: 2.00

Instructional Specialist Concentration: 9 Credit Hours

(Not currently accepting applications)

EXED 616. Data-Based Decision Making Credits: 3.00
EXED 617. Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms Credits: 3.00
EXED 618. Evidence-Based Practices Credits: 3.00

Electives (by advisement only)

0-8 credit hours²

Total: 30 Credit Hours (minimum)

Footnotes

¹ Students in the gifted concentration will take EXED 665 in lieu of EXED 605 .

² The number of elective credits is determined based on the student’s selected concentration and professional interests. Acceptable courses are determined by the individual needs of the candidate and upon approval of the adviser.