Program Emphasis
Two types of master’s degrees in special education are offered, the Master of Education (M.Ed.) with out a thesis and Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a thesis. These programs have differing emphases and so it is recommended that students meet with a faculty advisor in selecting the most appropriate program.
Emphasis areas include:
- mild to moderate disabilities (K-12),
- moderate to profound intellectual disabilities (K-age 22),
- advanced studies in learning and behavior disorders,
- autism and related disorders (K-12),
- advanced studies in behavioral interventions, and
- early intervention/early childhood special education.
Programs of study leading to initial licensure or advanced preparation are both available.
Students will develop an in-depth understanding of special education policy and law, student characteristics, instructional methods, assessment, behavior management, and working collaboratively with families. They will be familiar with the professional literature related foundations and research in special education related to their area of emphasis. Teacher leadership is stressed with graduates able to interpret and evaluate research findings and apply them to special education and early intervention settings.
