Special Needs (Master of Education)

Overview: 

The program in Special Needs prepares professionals to work with children with moderate disabilities at the PreK-8 and 5-12 levels who participate in integrated or self-contained classrooms. These programs lead to Initial or Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12). The Moderate Disabilities programs (PreK-8 and 5-12) are designed in two different tracks: 1) a 27-credit post-baccalaureate program that leads to Initial Licensure and an optional 9 additional credit program to obtain a Master’s degree in Special Needs, and 2) a 36-credit appropriate Master’s Degree program for a Professional License. 

The distinction between the different grade level licensures (i.e., PreK-8 and 5-12) lies in: 
• The entrance requirements (e.g., prior course work);
• The number of clock hours and the grade level for the practicum experience (300 hours for PreK-8 and 150 hours for 5-12); and 
• Assignments within courses that address the grade level at which the student is pursuing licensure. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will: 
• Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equity and meeting professional standards
• Demonstrate ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data
• Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to subject matter
• Demonstrate knowledge of typical child development and exceptionalities