Master of Education - Special Education
Program Overview
Master of Education - Special Education
The Master of Education in Special Education program is designed to meet the needs of persons who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to earn a master's degree in special education or early childhood education, with or without licensure. Students are expected to develop a plan of study that is most relevant to their educational purposes.
About
The M.Ed. program in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education is designed to meet the needs of persons who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to earn a master's degree in special education or early childhood education, with or without licensure. Students are expected to develop a plan of study that is most relevant to their educational purposes. Students seeking a license to teach should be aware that certification or endorsement requirements might limit their choices. A number of specific focus areas are available and can lead to the following Nevada Department of Education endorsements: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, Early Childhood Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Generalist-Mild Disabilities, Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or other professional areas.
Available Options
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Track
- Autism Track
- Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Track
- Generalist Mild Disabilities Track
- Gifted and Talented Track
- Intellectual Disabilities Track
- Learning Disabilities Track
- Other Professional Areas Track
- Early Childhood Special Education Infant Track
- Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please refer to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Articulate the pros and cons of current issues and trends in Special Education and the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Identify and differentiate between science-based and non-science based treatment and instruction for students/individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Describe and define general developmental, academic, social, career, and functional characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they relate to levels of support needed.
- Identify and differentiate between different placement alternatives for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including home-based and school-based programs.
- Assist students, with the support of parents and other professionals, in planning for transition to adulthood including employment and community and daily life, with maximum opportunities for full participation in community and decision making.
Career Possibilities
- Licensed teacher
- Private consultant
- Education specialist
- Non-profit organization director or employee
- State Education Department director or employee
Requirements
Plan Description
The Master of Education in Special Education program is designed to meet the needs of persons who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to earn a master's degree in special education or early childhood education special education, with or without licensure. A number of specific focus areas are available and can lead to the following Nevada Department of Education endorsements: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, Early Childhood Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Generalist-Mild Disabilities, Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or other professional areas. The Master of Education Special Education program requires 36 credits of graduate-level coursework.
Plan Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Applications are available on the UNLV Graduate College website. All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
Graduate College Admission Requirements
- Completed application in the Grad Rebel Gateway and non-refundable application fee.
- Bachelor's Degree You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
- Grade Point Average You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits).
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts are required upon admission.
- Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.
Department Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate College, applicants must also meet the requirements established by the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. They are:
- A minimum grade point average of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a 3.00 grade point average for the last two years of undergraduate work. Admission to a master's degree program in special education requires that students with a GPA of less than 2.75 be admitted to the graduate program with provisional status; and
- A 350-400 word letter of application/intent that discusses (a) the special education area(s) of concentration you are interested in, (b) your professional and academic goals, and (c) a discussion of your experience relevant to your area of interest.
Subplan Requirements
Subplan 1: Applied Behavioral Analysis
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 9
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
Applied Behavior Analysis Required Courses - Credits: 6
- ESP 716 - ABA Instructional Strategies for Students with Developmental Disabilities
- ESP 798 - Professional Paper in Special Education
Applied Behavior Analysis Courses Credits: 21
Complete 21 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 712 - Applied Behavior Analysis
- ESP 713 - Foundations of ABA Concepts and Principles
- ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
- ESP 751 - Advanced Techniques in Applied Behavior Analysis
- ESP 753 - Administration and Supervision of Special Education Programs
- ESP 762 - Ethical Evaluation of Programs for Persons with Exceptionalities/Special Needs
- ESP 787 - Philosophical Perspectives in Special Education
Subplan 2: Autism
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 9
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
Autism Courses Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
- ESP 729 - Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ESP 739 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ESP 740 - Speech and Hearing Therapy for Classroom Teachers
- Choose one of the following:
- ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
- ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
Special Education Elective Courses - Credits: 12
Complete 12 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
- ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
- ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
Fieldwork Courses Credits: 10-13 (Optional)
Fieldwork is optional for the completion of the Master of Education in Special Education - Autism degree, however, may be required for licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss fieldwork options aligned to licensure requirements. If students register for fieldwork, then they must register for 8 credits of fieldwork (ESP 720) AND 2 credits of seminar (ESP 692; 10 credits total).
Subplan 3: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 9
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Courses Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 705 - Psychological and Sociological Problems of Students with Emotional Disabilities
- ESP 706 - Advanced Educational Strategies for Students with Emotional Disabilities
- ESP 717B - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 727 - Technology in Special Education
- ESP 735 - Advanced Behavior Management
Elective Courses Credits: 12
Complete 12 credits of advisor-approved elective courses.
Subplan 4: Generalist - Mild Disabilities
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 12
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- EPY 708 - Human Learning and Development
Generalist Courses Credits: 24
Complete 24 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
- ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
- ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
- ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
- ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
- ESP 764 - Characteristics & Inclusive Strategies for Students with LD, ED, & MID
Fieldwork Courses Credits: 10-13 (Optional)
For students in an Alternative Route to Licensure program, three credits of ESP 737i may be required to seek initial licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor prior to the beginning of their first semester of coursework to determine if this class will be required for certification.
Subplan 5: Gifted and Talented
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 6
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
Special Education Course Credits: 3
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
Technology Course Credits: 3
- CIT 601 - Technology Fundamentals for Computer Science Education: Elementary
- ESP 727 - Technology in Special Education
Assessment Course Credits: 3
- ESP 710 - Data-Based Individualization using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Gifted Education Courses Credits: 12
Complete 12 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 717G - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 741 - Introduction to Gifted Education
- ESP 742 - Dimensions of Giftedness
- ESP 743 - Teaching Models in Gifted Education
- ESP 745 - Experiential Learning in Gifted Education
- ESP 746 - Creativity in Gifted Education
- ESP 747 - Contemporary Considerations Gifted Education
Elective Courses Credits: 9
Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved courses.
Fieldwork Courses Credits: 10 (Optional)
Fieldwork is optional for the completion of the Master of Education in Special Education - Gifted Education degree, however, may be required for licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss fieldwork options aligned to licensure requirements. If students register for fieldwork, then they must register for 8 credits of fieldwork (ESP 720) AND 2 credits of seminar (ESP 692; 10 credits total).
Subplan 6: Intellectual Disabilities
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 12
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- EPY 708 - Human Learning and Development
Intellectual Disabilities Courses - Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 702 - Psychological and Social Problems in Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 704 - Adaptive Curricular Programming for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 715 - Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities
- ESP 718 - Assessment of Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 755 A - Medically Related Aspects of Disabilities
Special Education Elective Courses Credits: 9
Complete 9 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 719A - Advanced Oral and Written Language Instruction for Students with Disabilities
- ESP 724 - Math Methods in Special Education
- ESP 730 - Parent Involvement in Special and General Education
- ESP 733 - Management and Modification of Students with Special Needs
- ESP 734 - Vocational and Career Education for Persons with Disabilities in Transition
Fieldwork Courses Credits: 10-13 (Optional)
For students in an Alternative Route to Licensure program, three credits of ESP 737i may be required to seek initial licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor prior to the beginning of their first semester of coursework to determine if this class will be required for certification.
Subplan 7: Learning Disabilities
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses - Credits: 9
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
Learning Disabilities Courses Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits from the following list of courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
- ESP 701 - Introduction to Special Education and Legal Issues
- ESP 707 - Theories of Learning Disabilities
- ESP 708 - Advanced Education Strategies for Students with Disabilities
- ESP 709 - Diagnostic and Prescriptive Assessment for Diverse Learners
- ESP 717C - Seminar in Advanced Curriculum Development
- ESP 727 - Technology in Special Education
Elective Courses Credits: 12
Complete 12 credits of advisor-approved courses.
Subplan 8: Other Professional Areas
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 6
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
Special Education Courses Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits of advisor-approved course work in special education.
Elective Courses Credits: 15
Complete 15 credits of advisor-approved course work.
Subplan 9: Early Childhood Special Education Infant
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 9
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- EPY 708 - Human Learning and Development
Early Childhood Special Education Courses Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits from the following list of courses:
- ESP 771 - Perspectives on Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 772 - Family Education in Early Childhood
- ESP 773 - Assessment for Young Children with Disabilities
- ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 775 - Strategies for Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 779 - Early Intervention Service Coordination
Elective Course Credits: 3-9
Complete 3-9 credits of elective coursework from the following list or other advisor-approved coursework.
- ECE 740 - Early Language and Learning
- ESP 778 - Behavior Management for Early Childhood
Fieldwork Courses Credits: 10-13 (Optional)
Fieldwork is optional for the completion of the Master of Education in Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education Infancy degree, however, may be required for licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss fieldwork options aligned to licensure requirements. If students register for fieldwork, then they must register for 8 credits of fieldwork (ESP 780) AND 2 credits of seminar (ECE 692; 10 credits total).
Subplan 10: Early Childhood Special Education Preschool
Total Credits Required: 36
Course Requirements
Required Courses Credits: 9
- EPY 702 - Research Methods
- EPY 708 - Human Learning and Development
- ESP 722 - Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education Courses Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits from the following list of courses:
- ESP 771 - Perspectives on Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 772 - Family Education in Early Childhood
- ESP 773 - Assessment for Young Children with Disabilities
- ESP 774 - Seminar in Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 775 - Strategies for Early Childhood Special Education
- ESP 778 - Behavior Management for Early Childhood
Elective Course Credits: 3-9
Complete 3-9 credits of elective coursework from the following list or other advisor-approved coursework.
- ECE 740 - Early Language and Learning
- ESP 779 - Early Intervention Service Coordination
Fieldwork Course Credits: 10-13 (Optional)
Fieldwork is optional for the completion of the Master of Education in Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education Preschool degree, however, may be required for licensure in the state of Nevada. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss fieldwork options aligned to licensure requirements. If students register for fieldwork, then they must register for 8 credits of fieldwork (ESP 781) AND 2 credits of seminar (ECE 692; 10 credits total).
Plan Degree Requirements
Previous course work included in submitted graduate plans of study must have a grade of B or better. Only two subsequent grades of less than B- (one with an ESP or ECE prefix and one with any other prefix) will be permitted in a submitted plan of study. Under no circumstances will a Grade Point Average (GPA) of less than 3.00 be allowed on a finished plan of study. Failure to meet these standards will result in suspension from the degree program.
For licensure in the state of Nevada:
- Students must complete a total of 8-10 credits of student teaching or fieldwork, depending on their licensure area, plus a 2 credit fieldwork seminar; any additional credits will not count towards the degree program. Students should speak with their advisor to determine fieldwork courses that may be required for licensure.
- In order to be endorsed in English Language Acquisition and Development the following 12 credits must be completed in addition to the courses required as part of the degree program:
- TESL 751 Theory and Practice for Academic English Language Development
- TESL 752 TESL Methods and Curriculum for Teaching ELs
- TESL 754 TESL Assessment and Evaluation of ELs
- TESL 757 - Policies, Critial Issues, and Best Practices for Pre-K, Elementary, and Secondary ELs Practicum
- TESL 759 - Critical Issues and Best Practices for Pre-K/Elementary or Secondary Seminar.
To complete their Master's degree, students must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is taken during the student's last semester of coursework or in the semester immediately following completion of coursework listed on the student's Plan of Study. If students opt to take the comprehensive exam the semester after completion of the coursework listed on their Program of Studies, they must enroll in ESP 766 or another graduate course. Per Graduate College Guidelines, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of coursework the semester they graduate.
Students must apply to take comprehensive examinations. Specific application deadlines are available in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. If a student does not pass their comprehensive examination on the first attempt, students enrolled in the ABA, Autism, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Generalist, Gifted, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Other Professional Areas subplans can retake their exam one time during the same semester of the initial test. If they fail a second time, they will be recommended for probation with the Graduate College and must apply to retake the exam in the subsequent semester. A third score of fail on the exam will result in separation from the program.
For students in the Early Childhood Special Education subplan, students who earn a mark of fail on their comprehensive exams will be recommended for probation with the Graduate College and must apply to take the exam in the subsequent semester. A second score of fail on the exam will result in separation from the program.
Master's degrees must be completed within a six-year period and continuous enrollment must be maintained throughout the six years, unless a formal request for a leave of absence is approved by the department and Graduate College.
Plan Graduation Requirements
Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.