Master of Education in Special Education
Admission to the ME in Special Education
In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the master's program requires the following:
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A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution
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A well-written statement of purpose describing your background and goals as well as the importance of this degree in achieving those goals
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One letter of recommendation regarding your potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about your ability to engage in graduate work in this degree program
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An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work is preferred
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A content area grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for coursework for the selected licensure area is preferred
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Undergraduate content area and literacy-related coursework for the selected licensure area
The master's program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.
What to Submit with Your Application
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Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
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Statement of purpose
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Resume
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One letter of recommendation
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Course Review Worksheet
Requirements for the ME in Special Education
For the Master of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:
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A minimum of 36 semester hours of approved graduate course work
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An area of specialization in teacher education that includes practicum and internship experiences in PK-12 schools
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Supporting coursework with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor
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A master's culminating experience
For the Ohio licensure, students must complete additional requirements to fulfill the credential requirements as well as the degree requirements.
No more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (5990 or 6990) may be included in the degree program.
All coursework and requirements of the master's degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.
Master's Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization in Teacher Education | ||
| SPED 5000 | Issues In Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 5150 | Advanced Practicum For Teaching Students With Moderate Educational Needs | 1 |
| SPED 5160 | Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Moderate Educational Needs | 3 |
| SPED 5250 | Teaching Career And Vocational Skills to Youth With Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 5260 | Family And Professional Relations In Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 5340 | Advanced Behavior Management | 3 |
| SPED 6330 | Internship/Student Teaching for Intervention Specialist | 4 |
| CI 6410 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| CI 6190 | Ambitious Teaching in PK-12 Classrooms | 3 |
| Select ONE of the following sets: | 4, 7 | |
Mild/Moderate | ||
| Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Mild Educational Needs | ||
| Advanced Field Practicum For Students With Mild Educational Needs | ||
Moderate/Intensive | ||
| Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Intensive Educational Needs | ||
| Advanced Practicum For Students With Intensive Needs | ||
| Augmentative and Alternative Communication | ||
| Supporting Coursework | ||
| EDP 5340 | Classroom Engagement and Behavioral Supports | 3 |
| Master's Culminating Experience | ||
| Select ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Master's Research Project In Special Education | ||
| Seminars In Special Education | ||
| Master Research Thesis In Special Education | ||
| Total Hours | 36-39 | |
Additional Requirements
Students should consult with their faculty advisor for detailed information.
Prior to Beginning Classroom Experiences
- Criminal background check
- All undergraduate content area and literacy-related courses
Prior to Applying for Ohio Teaching License
- Acceptable scores on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Content Assessment(s) for the licensure area
- Acceptable scores on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Pedagogy Assessment for the licensure area
- Acceptable scores on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Assessment for the licensure area
GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING A PLAN OF STUDY
Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Education. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements.
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select the following: | ||
| EDP 5340 | Classroom Engagement and Behavioral Supports | 3 |
| SPED 5150 | Advanced Practicum For Teaching Students With Moderate Educational Needs | 1 |
| SPED 5160 | Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Moderate Educational Needs | 3 |
| SPED 5260 | Family And Professional Relations In Special Education | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Term | ||
| Select the following: | ||
| CI 6410 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| SPED 5340 | Advanced Behavior Management | 3 |
| Select ONE of the following sets: | 4 | |
| Mild/Moderate | ||
| Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Mild Educational Needs | ||
| Advanced Field Practicum For Students With Mild Educational Needs | ||
| Moderate/Intensive | ||
| Advanced Instructional Methods For Teaching Students With Intensive Educational Needs | ||
| Advanced Practicum For Students With Intensive Needs | ||
| Hours | 10 | |
| Third Term | ||
| Select the following: | ||
| SPED 5000 | Issues In Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 5250 | Teaching Career And Vocational Skills to Youth With Disabilities | 3 |
Moderate/Intensive Only | ||
| SPED 5210 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| Select the following: | ||
| CI 6190 | Ambitious Teaching in PK-12 Classrooms | 3 |
| SPED 6930 | Seminars In Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 6330 | Internship/Student Teaching for Intervention Specialist | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
- PLO 1. Special education professionals understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities.
- PLO 2. Special education professionals create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
- PLO 3. Special education professionals use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
- PLO 4. Special education professionals use multiple methods of assessment and data-sources in making educational decisions.
- PLO 5. Special education professionals select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities leading to a high quality of life.
- PLO 6. Special education professionals use foundational knowledge of the field and the their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
- PLO 7. Special education professionals collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences.