Program Overview

Special Education - M.Ed.

Overview

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, they should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• SPED 63201: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (3 credits)
• SPED 63204: LEGAL AND POLICY FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (3 credits)
• SPED 63300: RESEARCH APPLICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION (3 credits)
• Multidisciplinary Elective, choose from the following: (3 credits)
  • CES 67712: ORIENTATION AND ETHICS: CLINICAL REHABILITATION COUNSELING
  • CULT 69522: ETHICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
  • RMS 65510: STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
  • RMS 68807: PROGRAM EVALUATION
  • SPED 53309: INTRODUCTION TO DEAF STUDIES 1
  • SPED 63030: PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
  • SPED 63956: FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
  • SPSY 67973: CONSULTATION IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS
  • Any other graduate-level courses agreed upon by faculty advisor

Concentrations

• Choose from the following: (18-24 credits)
  • Deaf Education
  • Early Child Interventional Specialist
  • General Special Education
  • Mild/Moderate Educational Needs
  • Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs
  • Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000
• Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
• Students in the Deaf Education concentration must also pass the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the intermediate level for graduation.
• Students seeking a Reading Endorsement must see their advisor before beginning ANY coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
2. Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
3. Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
4. Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
5. Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., mild/moderate, deaf education).

Why Kent State University

• Badar-Kauffman Conference: Attend, learn, and share vital information during this annual Special Education Conference.
• Flexible Master's Program: Discover all the concentrations available in the Special Education master's program.
• Special Education: Hear why our students and alumni love the Special Education program!