Program Overview

Special Education (MEd) Program Overview

The Special Education (MEd) program at Xavier University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in special education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support students with diverse learning needs. The program is built on a firm theoretical foundation and provides practical training, supporting professional development and career growth.

Admission Criteria

To apply to the MEd in Special Education program, students must submit:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Successful applicants should hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university The Admissions Committee reviews applications immediately upon receiving all necessary materials, considering prior grades, test scores, and evidence of potential for success in graduate study.

Curriculum

The program's curriculum is designed to create inclusive learning environments, equipping students with the understanding and skills necessary to support students with diverse learning needs. The program includes:

• Core courses (nine credit hours):
  • EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of American Education
  • EDFD 505: Organization of Educational Systems in the United States
  • EDFD 507: Educational Research
  • EDFD 508: Educational Research Paper
• Special Education Electives (seven electives, 21 semester hours):
  • EDSP 500: Identification and Issues in Special Education
  • EDSP 501: Introduction to Emotionally Disturbed Children
  • EDSP 503: Special Education Communication and Collaboration
  • EDSP 505: Foundations in Early Childhood Special Education
  • EDFD 510: Advanced Human Development and Learning
  • EDSP 556: Resources in Transition Education and Services
  • EDSP 560: Mild/Moderate Characteristics and Strategies
  • EDSP 563: Special Education Assessment and Evaluation
  • EDSP 564: Special Education DAP Instructional Materials
  • EDSP 567: Social Skills and Behavior Management
  • EDSP 570: Moderate Intensive Characteristics
  • EDSP 572: Communication Strategies and Techniques
  • EDSP 573: Special Education Assessment and Evaluation MI
  • EDSP 581: Play and its Role in Development and Learning
  • EDSP 580: Classroom Management
  • EDSP 583: Resource Materials and Techniques: Gifted/Talented
  • EDSP 615: Special Education Law
  • EDSP 616: Philosophy and Cultural Diversity
  • EDSP 617: Administrative Partnerships in Special Education

Licenses and Endorsements

During the program, students can pursue optional licenses and endorsements to expand their academic focus and build their résumé. These include:

• Intervention specialist licensure in:
  • Mild/Moderate
  • Moderate/Intensive
  • P-5 Primary Intervention Specialist
• Endorsement in:
  • Pre-K Special Needs Licensure or endorsement concentrations are optional but require additional coursework.

Tuition and Fees

The program's tuition and fees are as follows:

• Tuition:
  • MEd, MA, and Non-degree Licensure/Endorsement and Certificates: $660
  • Catholic School Rate: $393
  • Tier I Partner Rate: $495
  • Tier II Partner Rate: $561
• Fees:
  • Student ID Fee: $12.50
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 (per semester)

Program Benefits

The Special Education (MEd) program at Xavier University offers several benefits, including:

• Flexibility for working professionals, with the option to attend on a full-time or part-time basis
• One-on-one attention from faculty in small class sizes
• Gain valuable teaching experience through 15 weeks of student teaching in a supervised classroom
• Top-quality accreditation from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
• Rooted in Jesuit principles, focusing on care for the whole person

Career Outlook

The career outlook for individuals with a Master of Education in Special Education is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating over 33,000 special education teacher positions to open each year through 2032. The annual mean salary for special education teachers is around $74,000, with a range of $38,680 to $121,850 depending on factors such as state of employment, school district, and level of education and experience.