Master's Degree

The Department offers two Master's degree options,Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.), in five areas ofspecialization within the field of Special Education. Advanced graduatestudy in special education and rehabilitation counselor educationprepare graduates for leadership roles in fields that serve children,youths, and adults with exceptionalities. Cultural and linguisticdiversity and life span needs are emphasized in all program areas.

Thegraduate faculty encourage the holistic development of students'knowledge and skills in a variety of areas including teaching,consulting, counseling, research, assessment, and administration.Graduates emerge prepared for a variety of positions in public,private, and state schools; clinics; educational centers; governmentalagencies; private industry, and college teaching and research.

• Autism and Developmental Disabilities provides advanced training in the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based services to individuals with autism and related developmental and physical disabilities, and their families.
• Early Childhood Special Education focuses on early intervention programs for children from birth through six years of age, reflecting a family-centered philosophy and application of the most recent theoretical concepts in natural and inclusive settings.
• Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders provides advanced coursework in learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, instructional design, and assistive technology, and field-based experiences to prepare graduates for leadership roles.
• Multicultural Special Education focuses on critical issues, knowledge, and skills related to the complex relationships among culture, race and ethnicity, language, and disability. Students are prepared for leadership roles in the provision of culturally and linguistically responsive educational services for exceptional children and youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Rehabilitation Counselor Education is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and prepares individuals to counsel youth and adults with disabilities who are experiencing difficulties related to personal and vocational adjustment.

 

Master's Deadlines

	Fall	Spring	Summer
Priority Deadline	February 1	October 1	February 1
Final Deadline	July 1	November 1	April 15