Special Education, Licensed Track, M.Ed.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Master of Education in Special Education

This is an existing program but is not accepting new students at this time due to changes in the degree.

The Master of Education in Special Education (SPED) is an advanced preparation program in special education. All candidates will be exposed to the legal and social tenets of delivering services in special instructional settings. Candidates will learn to deliver and interpret assessment data for the purposes of eligibility determination. The program also includes developing competencies in instructional design and program evaluation. Special education continues to be reported by the state department of education as a shortage area for teachers. Additionally, private school personnel as well as international candidates may require preparation to meet exceptional students’ needs; they may access the program of study but do not require nor desire licensure in the state.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the degree include a minimum of 33 credit hours plus a portfolio of scholarship. Candidates in the M.Ed. in Special Education program are also required to pass state-required Praxis II assessments.

Special Education Core Courses (24 hours)

SPED 5303 - Assistive Technology
SPED 5312 - Medical Problems in Child Development
SPED 7301 - Foundations of Special Education
SPED 7305 - Managing the Learning Environment
SPED 7309 - Seminar in Special Education
SPED 7343 - Disability Law
AUSP 7367 - Infant-Toddler Communication: Development and Assessment
EDFN 7303 - Introduction to Educational Research

Specialist K-12 Professional Course Work (9 hours)

SPED 7352 - Assessment and Instructional Design II
SPED 7353 - Transition and Life Adjustment
SPED 7395 - Assessment and Instructional Design II Practicum

Graduation Requirements

Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on an approved program of study as outlined above
Preparation and presentation of a proficient or above exit portfolio of scholarship
Passing Praxis II exam 20354

Admissions Requirements

Regular Admission

Licensed Candidates

Candidates who possess a standard or initial license in education and a minimum GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 in the last 60 hours may be admitted; these candidates want to obtain a master’s degree in Special Education K-12 WITH licensure. Candidates electing this track will be prepared to deliver direct services in K-12 instructional settings.

Candidates may also be admitted based on their enrollment in an accredited graduate program with a minimum of 12 credits and a GPA of 3.0. A transfer candidate may transfer up to 15 credits with a GPA of 3.0.

Undergraduate candidates within 15 hours of completing their undergraduate program may begin the graduate certificate program and take up to 6 hours of the program with the approval of the graduate coordinator and instructor.

Candidates will exit the program with an advanced license in special education and a master’s degree (M.Ed.).

Conditional Admission

Licensed Candidates

Candidates must possess an initial license in education; a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; a GPA of 2.7-2.74. Candidates must take three introductory courses (9 hours) and make a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for full admission, or
A provisional license and completion of at least 9 credits in another UALR graduate program or graduate program at another regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0