Special Education, Guided Studies, Individualized Concentration, M.Ed.

Guided Studies, Individualized Concentration

Program Description

The Guided Study Program, Individualized Concentration, is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are not seeking a teaching license or already hold standard or professional licensure in special education, and who are interested in further development of their individual interests and skills. Students in this concentration work with an advisor to identify and receive approval for three goal areas that they wish to address through curriculum offerings. The advisor will work with the student to develop a plan of study to meet the identified goals.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Special Education, Guided Studies, Individualized Concentration M.Ed. program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admission section, as well as:

• Official transcripts of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Personal Statement
• Note: MAT/GRE exams are not required

Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:

1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.

• Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
• What did you do in that particular situation?
• How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
• How do you feel about the situation now?
• What would you change, if anything?

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates completing a Master of Education in Special Education Individualized Concentration (Hybrid), upon graduation are expected to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in three special education individualized goal areas (e.g., technology, reading, autism, severe disabilities). 
• demonstrate understanding of and ability to critically analyze current issues in education from various stakeholder perspectives.
• develop pedagogical skills to plan effective instruction based on knowledge of student diversity, equity, other societal issues, curriculum standards, and current research.
• critically examine and analyze research in education and apply results to improve current practice.
• complete a capstone project that integrates theory and best practice, and contributes to ongoing problem solving in education.  

Required Courses

• EDUC 9300 - Educational Research
• SPED 9005 - Dynamic Perspectives in Education
• SPED 9200 - Consultation and Collaboration Strategies
• 9 courses in 3 goal areas (27 credits)
• EDUC 9510 - Capstone: Implementation of Best Practices

Total for Degree: 39 credits