Masters Degrees in Special Needs Education, USA

With small class sizes, your professors get to know you—an advantage when it’s time to ask for a letter of reference. You’ll also gain more from class discussions in a small-classroom setting.

If your goal is to make the most out of your degree in special education, the MEd in Special Education and Special Education certificate is perfect for you. In addition to learning how to create curricula to meet individual needs of students with disabilities, IUP enables you to pursue your Special Education certificate at the same time. This leads to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certification in Special Education-all while you earn your MEd in Exceptional Persons.

In addition to offering this track in a flexible, hybrid format, both in-class and online, IUP also offers two other tracks: the MEd in Special Education, or the Special Education Certification Only track.

AS A STUDENT YOU WILL

-Learn from a mix of classes and teaching field experiences designated by Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
-Choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.
-Select your electives working in conjunction with your advisor.
-Complete a comprehensive examination as your terminal experience in the course.

If you currently hold teaching certification and are seeking additional certification in special education, you will develop a program of study based upon your past coursework. You will be required to demonstrate competency in teaching methods, child development, and any other area of deficiency noted by the graduate program faculty.

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• A letter of intent written by the applicant, discussing why you wish to develop your knowledge and skills in the field of special education, in addition to the personal attributes you possess that will help you meet the challenges of the graduate program.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, using the required recommendation form.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Submission of a teaching certificate, indicating preparation in general education curriculum at the level of the program for which application is being made.
• Certain coursework may be required as a component to individual admission, as determined at the time of application.

E-mail: [email protected] • Phone: 315-267-2165

Visit http://www.potsdam.edu/graduate to view the full application checklist and online application.

The Master of Science in Education in Special Education is recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and accredited by NCATE. All programs are registered with the New York State Education Department and lead to initial certification in one of the following three areas: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood (Grade 1-6), or Adolescent (Grade 7-12). Please note that students may also receive certification at both the Early Childhood and Childhood levels. Program start date: Fall.

Required Program Courses
Minimum of 36 credit hours

SPED 601, Characteristics of Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
SPED 607, Educational Research: Critical Issues in Special Education
SPED 609, Field Experience I
SPED 612, Technology in Special Education
SPED 637, Diagnosis and Assessment of Educational Disabilities
SPED 638, Teaching Reading for Students with Special Needs
SPED 640, Behavior Management for the Special Educator
SPED 649, Field Experience II
SPED 650, Collaborative Consultation with Professionals and Parents
SPED 669, Practicum
SPED 670, Culminating Experience

Program Specific Course Requirements: 6 credit hours

Early Childhood (Birth – Grade 2):
SPED 648, Strategies for Early Childhood Special Education
Elective Course selected with advisor approval

Childhood (Grades 1–6):
SPED 646, Strategies for Teaching Elementary Students with Disabilities
Elective Course selected with advisor approval

Adolescent (Grades 7–12):
SPED 646, Strategies for Teaching Elementary Students with Learning / Behavioral Disabilities
SPED 647, Strategies for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities

The GRE Exam (or equivalent) is required for all teacher preparation program candidates who are seeking certification (for applicants seeking admission for Fall 2015 forward). All other graduate programs, including non-certification options, do not require this exam. More information on the GRE exam can be found by visiting http://www.gre.org. SUNY Potsdam’s code for sending score reports is 2545.

Uniqueness of Program

Students enrolled in this selective program complete their course- work with the same peer cohort, affording them a unique opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with fellow students throughout the program. Small class sizes and a dedicated faculty fosters positive relationships. Students also have the opportunity to gain direct hands-on field experiences with students with disabilities under the mentorship of the classroom teacher and college supervisor. Part-time study is available.

Testimonials

“The thing I valued the most about the program was how the faculty treated us all like individuals. They knew us on a per- sonal level and worked to assist us all in gaining the knowledge and skills we need to work with the population of students we intended to teach. I felt that my opinions were respected. My personal experiences were valued and welcomed by the faculty to help our diverse group truly understand that we all had very different backgrounds and could learn so much from each other.”

“My favorite thing about the program was the small classes and the personal attention that I got in regards to my academics. Whenever I needed help, there was always someone there willing to help. I also really enjoyed how much technology is stressed in the program.”

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Whether you want to become an administrator or special education educator, the IUP Special Education master's program will suit your needs. The program will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of working in special education services from implementing curricula to meet individual needs of students with disabilities to assessing those individual student strengths.

In addition to offering this track in a flexible hybrid format, both in-class and online, IUP also offers two other tracks: the MEd in Special Education with a Special Education certificate, or the Special Education Certification Only track.

AS A STUDENT YOU WILL

-Prepare to work in advanced studies in the field of special education.
-Take core classes in vocational preparation, assessment, research, advanced instruction, professional collaboration, and family perspectives.
-Select your electives working in conjunction with your advisor.
-Choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.
-Take full advantage of your practicum and internship.

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In 2005, several faculty members of West Chester University of PA met to discuss the need for and probability of offering a certificate in autism studies. Since that first meeting, faculty members from the departments of Early Childhood & Special Education, Communicative Disorders, Psychology, and Kinesiology have collaborated in the development of an interdisciplinary, empirically-based certificate in autism studies. The university is now proud to offer the Certificate of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program is geared towards community members who currently work with, or will work with, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The 18-credit certificate provides students with the skill sets necessary to build and work within an interdisciplinary approach to effective and empirically-based treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Students learn strategies for implementing the interdisciplinary approach, as well as methods to assess the effectiveness of the approach, i.e. the effect of education/treatment on the person's quality of life. The program is be provided from the view point of several disciplines including psychology, special education, communicative disorders, and kinesiology.

Overview

The mission of this program is to provide professionals, parents, and other members of the community access to empirically validated educational approaches for teaching persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), strategies for implementing these approaches, as well as methods to assess the effectiveness of these approaches, i.e. the effect of education/treatment on the person's quality of life.

The autism certificate program is based on the following assumptions:

-People with ASD and their families have a wide range of disability-specific strengths and needs
-Assessment and intervention must be based on evidence-based practices
-Professionals who specialize in the treatment of individuals with ASD must understand the ASD profile, its history, and the challenges faced by families of individuals with ASD
-Professional who support individuals with ASD must collaborate with each other
-Specialization in autism requires course work, guided observation, and supervised clinical practicum

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The master of science degree in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing prepares students to meet the national need for teachers of secondary students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program prepares teachers not only as effective and ethical practitioners but also as scholars and leaders in the profession.

Faculty members are international leaders in research and are highly skilled in the education of deaf people. A carefully designed system of faculty advisement is a prominent feature of the program. On-campus facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and a well-established system of educational access services combine to make this a vital program for both deaf and hearing students who desire careers as professional educators of deaf students.

Plan of study

Course work requires a minimum of four semesters. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 must be maintained. Before graduation, students are expected to have at least intermediate-level signing skills as determined by a Sign Language Proficiency Interview.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university,

- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher,

- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,

- Have a basic knowledge of American Sign Language as measured by a departmental skill assessment, or willingness to take American Sign Language I (or its equivalent) at NTID or another college prior to beginning the program,

- Have a level of writing proficiency appropriate to graduate study as indicated by a review of undergraduate writing-intensive courses and an expository essay,

- Submit letters of reference and an expository essay that indicates evidence of professional commitment and potential for success in the program,

- Submit scores from Graduate Record Exam (GRE),

- Participate in an individual interview, and

- Complete a graduate application.

- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (Internet-based) are required.

Additionally, 30 semester credit hours in a content area are required by the New York State Education Department for initial certification to teach a secondary (grades 7–12) content area. Students who do not have the required number of hours must complete the additional credits before applying for New York State certification. Secondary academic subjects include American Sign Language, English, mathematics, social studies, or science. Please note: The social studies content area includes economics and government, and at least 21 semester hours in the history and geography of the United States and the world.

Additional information

- Financial Aid

NTID graduate tuition rates are less than one-half of RIT’s tuition. Approximately 70 percent of students enrolled in the MS program in secondary education receive some type of financial assistance each year. Students complete only the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, federal loan programs may be available.

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The College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) offers several advanced certification programs that culminate in a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree in Special Education. Four program options are available, corresponding with the age/grade level of the applicant's initial certificate:

-Early Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 2 (requires initial certification in early childhood education)

-Early Childhood and Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 6 (requires initial certification in early childhood and childhood education)

-Childhood Special Education - Grades 1 to 6 (requires initial certification in childhood education)

-Adolescence Special Education - Grades 7 to 12 (requires initial certification in a subject area)

This program is designed to prepare teachers to operationalize “least restrictive environment” philosophies for children and youth with disabilities. Core themes include collaboration with families and other professionals and pedagogy that respects and responds to individual differences. For teachers with initial certification, this program provides knowledge and skills to fulfill various special education teacher roles in today's schools. Sufficient flexibility exists for individuals from undergraduate programs in special education to either deepen their skills in the field or link their special education foundation with the larger context of general education. Similarly, graduates of early childhood, childhood or adolescence education programs may extend their knowledge and skills with students needing special education.

Professional Development

In addition to graduate courses suited to the degree you choose to pursue, fieldwork and student teaching are important components to the program. The program boasts strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty background. Faculty advisors and office staff are eager to assist students in tailoring their course of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with field visits and placement. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity where student teaching opportunities are available.

After You Graduate

The completion of this degree and other requirements leads to a New York State certification as a special education teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Teaching certification for in-service applicants

- Any program-specific materials (please see the CCPA Admissions website for details)

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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West Chester University's Special Education Department offers a fully online program leading to the Master of Education in Special Education. The program is open to anyone with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year degree granting institution with a final GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Overview

The prime mission of the master of education program in Special Education is to prepare teachers advanced-level teachers who can synthesize and apply self-awareness and general knowledge of:
-Foundations of the study of disability,
-The learner with disabilities,
-Appropriate content for the learner with disabilities, and
-Effective classroom pedagogy.

We believe this synthesis encourages reflection on the art of teaching and results in a professional who is able to make sound, ethical educational decisions regarding curriculum and instructional strategies for students with disabilities. In addition, high standards of scholarship and the application of research, as well as professionalism, collaboration, and knowledge of current trends in the field, are essential for all teachers of special education.

Highlights

-West Chester University's long standing quality and expertise in the field of special education
-Interdisciplinary program includes Special Education, Secondary and Professional Education, and Communicative Disorders
-National Accreditation
-Courses may be applied to PA teaching certification
-Cohort model designed to increase student-to-student collaboration and provide social support for online learners
-Action research enables students to apply what they have learned to a current research problem in the field

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The Post-Baccalaureate certification in Special Education is open to any student with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an expressed interest in working with children with disabilities.

See the website for further details: https://wcupa.edu/education-socialWork/specialEducation/postBacCertification.aspx

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