Special Education, Non-Licensure Track, M.Ed.

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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

Non-Licensure Candidates

Candidates in this track DO NOT possess an initial teaching license and wish to obtain a Master’s degree in special education K-12. This candidate must possess a baccalaureate degree or international equivalent. International candidates must have presented credentials required for graduate admission by International Student Services and the Graduate School, which includes WES-articulated transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75, TOEFL scores of 79 or better IBT or 6.5 IELTS. The candidate must possess an equivalent minimum GPA of 2.75 or greater. Transcripts must show a background in education.

U.S. candidates also must have GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study. Candidates may be admitted having been enrolled in an accredited graduate program with a minimum of 12 credits and a GPA of 3.0. The program may require completion of deficiency course work (e.g., educational psychology) so that students can built fundamental knowledge and skills to be successful in your program.

Exit requirements will include key performance assessments for the MED and a 3.0 overall GPA. Candidates electing this track must sign an acknowledgement form that they were advised the Master’s in Special Education does not result in licensure in Special Education.

Conditional Admission

Non-Licensed Candidates

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or WES-articulated baccalaureate; a GPA of 2.70-2.74. Candidates must take three introductory courses (nine hours) and a make cumulative GPA of 3.0 for full admission.