Overview
The Special Education Program endeavors to select graduate students who will become leaders in the field of special education. The emphasis of the program is on preparing professionals to teach students with learning (e.g., learning disabilities and developmental disabilities) and behavioral disorders (e.g., attention-deficit, oppositional, conduct, pervasive-developmental, and emotional disorders). Grounded in the belief that caring, competent, and qualified teachers should teach every child, the Special Education program is designed to prepare special educators to work effectively with all K-12 students with a broad range of specialized learning needs. The program prepares candidates with expertise in a range of critical special education areas, including assessment, research-based instruction, data-based educational decisions, collaborating with other professionals and families The program is closely tied to the Literacy in Special Needs program, therefore providing students courses in literacy instruction, assessment and evaluation.. Programs of study include a master’s degree (48 credits), educational specialist (45 credits) and the special education endorsement (15-24 credits).
There are many benefits to enrolling in the Special Education program:
- Flexible course options for working educators
- Expertise of faculty from other disciplines
- High demand for special education in K-12 schools
For more information, please take a look at our Special Education brochure.