Overview to the Master's Program in Early Childhood Special Education
The Department of Special Education offers a M.Ed. and M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). Both degree options include combinations of coursework, both in and out of the Department of Special Education, and practical experiences working with children with special needs and families in the field. The M.A. degree requires six credit hours of thesis work and is research-oriented. All degree plans require a minimum of 36 hours of coursework. The M.Ed. includes coursework and focuses on the application of Early Childhood Special Education. Students develop their own individualized program of study in consultation with their Academic Advisor and the Graduate Advisor. Both programs of study include work in core areas including a department core, specialization core, special education electives, and two courses outside of the department.