Multicultural Special Education (MCSE)

Master's Degree

The specialization in Multicultural Special Education (MCSE) is designed to prepare educators to work with individuals with disabilities and their families from diverse socio-cultural and linguistic communities. Students develop competencies needed to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate educational services, engage in field-based practicum activities and receive the mentoring needed to apply new learning concepts in schools, clinics, and other service delivery settings.

Master's Degree Options

The master’s specialization in Multicultural Special Education can be pursued through one of three options, each involving a minimum of 36 semester hours. Option 1 involves completion of 12 courses leading to the M.Ed. degree and can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Option 2 students will complete 33 hours of coursework and complete a Master’s Report for the M.Ed. Students who select Option 3 will pursue a research-based Master of Arts degree including courses, practical experiences, and a research thesis.

The Master of Arts Thesis

Students pursing the M.A. Thesis will replace two Special Education/Rehabilitation Counseling Electives with six hours of thesis credits (SED 698A and B). During Thesis A and B, you will participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of an applied research study. The goal is to provide you with experience in conducting research that will have real benefits to the participants and at the same time contribute important new information to the professional knowledge base. To assist you in this process, you will work in close collaboration with your thesis supervisor.

Comparison of the Master's Degree Requirements

Core Areas of Study	Option 1 M.Ed.	Option 2 M.Ed. (Report)	Option 3 M.A. (Thesis)
Department Core Cultural and Lingustic Diversity in SED/RC Applied Research in SED/RC	6 hours	6 hours	6 hours
Specialization Core consists of 6 (MA) or 7 (MEd) courses in the MCSE Area: Language Acquisition and Assessment in Multicultural Special Education Cross Cultural Interactions in Multicultural Special Education Educational Planning in MCSE Practicum in Multicultural Special Education	12 hours	12 hours	12 hours
Special Education/Rehabilitation Counseling Electives must be a cluster of 6-9 hours from one of the following specializations: Autism & Developmental Disabilities Early Childhood Special Education Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders Rehabilitation Counselor Education	9-12 hours 3 SED electives	9-12 hours Report + 3 SED electives	9-12 hours SED 698A&B Thesis + 2 SED electives
Supporting Coursework consists of two courses taken outside the Department of Special Education. Courses related to Bilingual Education or English as a second language certification. Other electives in multilingual or cultural studies.	6-9 hours	6-9 hours	6-9 hours
TOTAL:	36 hours		36 hours

Program Components

The master’s program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of study and can be completed in 12-18 months of full-time study, depending on the degree plan selected. Students complete requirements in each of the following core areas:

• The Department Core complements each student’s specialist education in the areas of cultural and linguistic diversity as well as application of research to practice. Students explore issues, trends, and emerging practices related to services for individuals with disabilities from diverse socio-cultural, linguistic, racial and ethnic backgrounds; and develop a framework for culturally and linguistically responsive practice. They also acquire the knowledge and skills required to read, understand, evaluate, and use research to improve professional practice.
• The Specialization Core provides students with specialist expertise through advanced coursework and collaboration with faculty in their chosen area of study.
• Special Education/Rehabilitation Counseling Electives consist of coursework in another specialization within the Department of Special Education that complements the major areas of study and match students’ interests and professional goals. These electives may also include courses related to the thesis or report.
• Supporting Coursework consists of elective coursework in a related discipline outside the Department of Special Education, that complements the major areas of study and matches students’ interests and professional goals.

Core Courses

Cross Cultural Interactions in Multicultural Special Education (Fall)
This course provides an overview of essential concepts related to interpersonal and inter-group communication in culturally diverse settings, and explores the role of culture and language in our ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural society. Implications will be drawn for general and special education programs and services that are responsive to, and appropriate for children, youth and adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Topics for discussion will include local, state, and national policy implications, procedures for identification of students with disabilities as well as those with gifts/talents, interactions with culturally diverse families and communities, and implications for personnel preparation and research.

Language Acquisition and Assessment in Multicultural Special Education (Spring)
This course focuses on language acquisition and assessment among CLD learners within the context of a school setting. Major topics include: (a) the acquisition of Standard English as a second language/dialect; (b) current practices in identification, assessment and diagnosis of language disorders; (c) assessment of oral language skills of CLD students with language related disabilities; and (d) acquisition and assessment of reading and writing skills of CLD students with language related disabilities. Guidelines for distinguishing language disorders from language differences and for linking assessment to instruction will be presented.

Educational Planning for Multicultural Special Education (Spring, Summer)
The focus of this course is on the development of knowledge and skills needed to appropriately address the unique learning needs of CLD students, including those with disabilities. Theory, research and practical suggestions for oral language development, literacy instruction, content area teaching, and collaboration with families and other service providers will be explored. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to design academic intervention plans, which accommodate the linguistic, cultural, and instructional needs of students and their families.

Practicum in Multicultural Special Education (Spring, Summer)
Students will engage in a field experience that requires them to design, implement, and evaluate instruction for CLD students with a variety of instructional needs. Emphasis will be given to the development and implementation of comprehensive, individualized education programs. Practicum placements may vary based upon student interests and career goals.

Special Education/Rehabilitation Counseling Electives
In consultation with your adviser, you will select 3-4 courses from those offered by the Department of Special Education that match your interests and professional goals. All three electives should be from one specialization area. If the Master of Arts option is chosen, you will take Thesis A and B, and 2 Special Education/Rehabilitation Counseling electives.

Supporting Coursework (Out-of-Department Electives)
In consultation with your adviser, you will elect 2-3 courses outside the Department of Special Education that match your interests and professional goals related to language and cultural studies. You are encouraged to complete requirements for certification in bilingual education or English as a second language.

Area Faculty

Alba A. Ortiz, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Professor
President's Chair for Education Academic Excellence

Shernaz B. Garcìa, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Associate Professor
Fellow in the L.D. Haskew Centennial Professorship in Public School Administration

Phyllis Robertson, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Clinical Associate Professor

Audrey McCray Sorrells, Ph.D., (University of Florida)
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Adviser
Department Minority Liaison Officer
Ford Fellow
Lee Hage Jamail Regents Chair in Education

Cheryl Wilkinson, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Assistant Professor