Exceptional Student Education (MEd)

The MEd in Exceptional Student Education program prepares exceptional education teachers to enhance their knowledge in programs serving Pre-K-12 students with disabilities. The program is designed for teachers already certified in exceptional student education (or other certification in special education) to augment their knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Program Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Exceptional Education requires 33 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including a 3-credit-hour research course, 24 credit hours of specialization courses, and 6 credit hours of either a thesis or electives approved by an adviser. A Comprehensive Examination is also required and serves as the culminating experience in the program.

Total Credit Hours Required

• 33 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Program Details

• The Exceptional Student Education (MEd) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online.
• Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
• International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, with only 3 of the 9 credit hours taken in a completely online format.

Program Prerequisites

• Current Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Exceptional Student Education or completion of all requirements for that Professional Teaching Certificate must be completed prior to graduation.

Degree Requirements

Required Course

• Complete at least one of the following:
  • EDF6481 - Fundamentals of Graduate Research in Education (3)
  • EDF6472 - Data-Driven Decision-Making for Instruction (3)

Specialization Courses

• Complete all of the following:
  • EEX6061 - Instructional Strategies Pre-K-6 (3)
  • EEX6065 - Programming for Students with Disabilities at the Secondary Level (3)
  • EEX6107 - Teaching Spoken and Written Language (3)
  • EEX6295 - Assessment and Curriculum Prescriptions for the Exceptional Population (3)
  • EEX6342 - Seminar-Critical Issues in Special Education (3)
  • EEX6524 - Organization and Collaboration in Special Ed (3)
  • EEX6612 - Methods of Behavioral Management (3)
• Earn at least 3 credits from elective courses approved by an adviser.

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

• Complete one of the following:
  • Thesis Option: Earn at least 6 credits from EEX 6971 - Thesis.
  • Nonthesis Option:
    • Earn at least 6 credits from EEX6909 - Research Report (1 - 99).
    • Earn at least 6 credits from two additional electives approved by an adviser for a total of 33 credit hours.

Comprehensive Examination

• The culminating Comprehensive Examination must be successfully completed to demonstrate mastery of research, skills, knowledge, and dispositions of standards from accrediting educational agencies prior to graduation.

Grand Total Credits

• 33

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) The program prepares exceptional education teachers to work in programs serving Pre-K-12 students with disabilities.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Enhance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of certified exceptional education teachers.
• Prepare graduates to effectively work with Pre-K-12 students with disabilities.

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Program Description:

• The program requires 33 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.
• It includes a 3-credit-hour research course, 24 credit hours of specialization courses, and 6 credit hours of either a thesis or electives approved by an advisor.
• A Comprehensive Examination is required as the culminating experience in the program.
• Individual Learning Projects, including research skills and action research in authentic settings, are embedded in the specialization courses.

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Assessment:

• Comprehensive Examination: This serves as the culminating experience in the program and must be successfully completed to demonstrate mastery of research, skills, knowledge, and dispositions of standards from accrediting educational agencies prior to graduation.

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Careers:

• The program prepares graduates to work as exceptional education teachers in Pre-K-12 programs serving students with disabilities.

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Other:

• The program may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online.
• Newly admitted students choosing to complete the program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
• International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format.

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Overview:

University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university located in Orlando, Florida. It is recognized as the most innovative university in Florida by U.S. News & World Reports. UCF is known for its commitment to research, industry partnerships, and technology-driven innovation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Innovation:

UCF is a leader in innovation, with a focus on research and technology.

Faculty Expertise:

The university boasts world-renowned faculty who are actively involved in solving global challenges.

In-Demand Degrees:

UCF offers a wide range of degree programs that prepare students for successful careers in various fields.

Industry Partnerships:

UCF has strong partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with valuable real-world experience.

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Academic Programs:

UCF offers over 220 degree programs across 13 colleges, including: *

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Bachelor's Degrees:

Aerospace Engineering, Digital Media, Data Science, Health Informatics and Information Management *

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Master's Degrees:

Computer Science, Interactive Entertainment, Nursing, Optics & Photonics *

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Graduate Certificates:

Applied Photonics, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Smart Cities, Hospitality and Tourism Technologies *

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Online Degrees:

FinTech, Health Services Administration, Systems Engineering, Travel Technology and Analytics

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Other:

UCF is committed to positively impacting the world through its research and education. The university is home to a diverse student body and offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed.