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),
- intellectual disabilities: moderate to intense needs,
- applied behavior analysis in special education,
- autism and related disorders (K-12),
- advanced studies in behavior analytic intervention, 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.