Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education Program

The Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education program is offered as a hybrid-course delivery, requiring in-person class meetings at the university's main campus. This program is part of Project CENTRAL, an innovative federally funded project from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. The project aims to collaboratively prepare professionals to work with children with high-intensity needs.

Program Purpose

The primary objective of this project is to prepare scholars to work within interdisciplinary teams of special education teachers and school psychologists. This teamwork is designed to provide intensive interventions and specialized services to school-age children with high-intensity needs, ultimately improving college and career-ready outcomes.

Program of Study

The program of study focuses on several key areas, including:

• Evidence-based knowledge, skills, and resources for students with high-intensity needs
• Mastery of professional competencies from the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association of School Psychologists
• National and state instruction and intervention frameworks of multi-tiered system of supports
• National and state educational policies

Benefits of Participation

Scholars who participate in this program gain numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced education and training through interdisciplinary teaming from coursework in both exceptional student education and school psychology
• Interdisciplinary professional teaming experience by working alongside special education teachers and school psychologists
• Application-based opportunities to enhance and refine skills and knowledge
• Additional credentialing through a graduate certificate to become a collaborative intervention specialist
• Assistance with tuition and fees up to 36 credit hours, with an Office of Special Education Programs Service Obligation required
• Opportunities to attend state or national conferences, as funding permits

Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Intervention Specialist

The graduate certificate emphasizes interdisciplinary preparation of special education teachers and school psychologists to support students with high-intensity needs. This certificate is awarded to scholars who participate in the project, providing them with specialized training and recognition in collaborative intervention.