Special Education Teaching

2010 Updates

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Special Education Teaching

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A program leading to the Master of Science degree with a major in special education teaching is available. Two curricular emphases are offered within the degree: (1) Adaptive/Functional Special Education K-6, 6-12; and (2) Adaptive Special Education Pre K-12.

Since the requirements for state endorsement in special education may be partially met on the undergraduate level, close attention must be given to the selection of graduate courses leading to the master's degree with a major in special education. Prerequisites for admission to the program require a valid teaching certificate/license. For the Master of Science degree with a major in special education, requirements for one of the following two emphases must be met:

Special Notes

1. The requirements for a general education license must be met before any special education endorsement can be granted.
2. One practicum will be at the elementary level. The other will be completed at the secondary level.
3. Elective hours: Undergraduates completing a special education minor will have taken at least 21 hours of special education coursework including those courses required for provisional endorsement. Suggested electives to meet the 32-hour minimum requirements are to be chosen with advisement.
4. There is no provisional endorsement at the functional level.
5. Characteristics courses (738 and 852) are prerequisites for methods courses at their respective levels (779, 780, and 853).
6. Special Education Praxis exams are required at the time of application for full endorsement.
   
   *Nine of these 12 hours are required for provisional endorsement at the level of initial general education licensure (K-6, K-9) ( 6-12).

Procedural Steps for Master's degree:

1. The student must apply for and be admitted to a degree program through the Office of Continuing and Graduate Studies.
2. The student must apply for candidacy in conference with the advisor prior to enrollment in his/her 12th hour of coursework..
3. The student must petition the Graduate Office to graduate.

Admission Criteria:

     The admissions criteria for the Master’s Degree in Special Education Teaching will include the following:

1.  The student must hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education degree with requirements met for general education conditional teaching license.

2.  The student will have a GPA of at least 3.00 in the undergraduate major.

3.  International students must check with graduate website for requirements.

4.  Students can be granted probationary admission by maintaining a 3.30 grade point average during the first nine hours of coursework.

Midpoint Review:

      The student must have a least a 3.00 GPA at the midpoint (12 hours) of his or her program.

Culminating Event:

      Each candidate must complete a capstone project before the Master’s degree will be granted.  Arrangements of the capstone project will be made with each candidate’s advisor.

Special Notes

1. The requirements for a general education license must be met before any special education endorsement can be granted.
2. One practicum each will be comleted at the early childhood, elementary, and secondary level.
3. Elective hours: Undergraduates completing a special education minor will have taken at least 18 hours of special education coursework including those courses required for provisional endorsement. Suggested electives to meet the 32-hour minimum requirements are to be chosen with advisement.
4. SSLS 738 Characteristics of Students with Adaptie Learning Needs is a prerequisite for methods courses (779, 780 and 876).
5. Special education Praxis exams are required at the time of application for full endorsement.
   
   *Eight of these hours are required for provisional endorsement at the level of initial general education licensure (K-6 or 6-12).

Procedural Steps for Master's degree:

1. The student must apply for and be admitted to a degree program through the Office of Continuing and Graduate Studies.
2. The student must apply for candidacy in conference with the advisor prior to enrollment in his/her 12th hour of coursework.
3. The student must petition the Graduate Office to graduate.

Admission Criteria:

     The admissions criteria for the Master’s Degree in Special Education Teaching will include the following:

1.  The student must hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education degree with requirements met for general education conditional teaching license.

2.  The student will have a GPA of at least 3.00 in the undergraduate major.

3.  International students must check with graduate website for requirements.

4.  Students can be granted probationary admission by maintaining a 3.30 grade point average during the first nine hours of coursework.

Midpoint Review:

   The student must have a least a 3.00 GPA at the midpoint (12 hours) of his or her program.

Culminating Event:

   Each candidate must complete a capstone project before the Master’s degree will be granted.  Arrangements for the capstone project will be made with each candidate’s advisor.