Special Education, Ed.S.

Degree Requirements

The program has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to obtain advanced training in Special Education.

Applicants with a Master’s degree in special education must:

1. Provide proof of a Master’s degree in special education from an accredited institution.
2. Present a cumulative 3.5 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all graduate work.
3. Present a current teaching certificate in special education.
4. Document 2 or more years of successful experience as a special education teacher.

Applicants without a Master’s degree in special education must:

1. Provide proof of a Master’s degree in education from an accredited institution.
2. Present a cumulative 3.5 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all graduate work.
3. Present a current teaching certificate in special education.
4. Document 2 or more years of successful experience as a special education teacher.
5. Submit a personal statement of purpose, not to exceed 300 words, that identifies the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study.
6. Complete the following prerequisite courses: SPED 6715 , SPED 6721 , SPED 6766 , SPED 7721  

The courses and experiences of the Ed.S. program require a minimum of 27 semester hours. See Area of Special Education advisors for specific program sheets and development of a program of study.

Program Areas and Requirements

Content Specialization (15 semester hours)

• SPED 7701 - Program Planning and Evaluation 3 Credit Hours
• SPED 7704 - Leadership and Administration of Special Education Programs 3 Credit Hours
• SPED 7729 - Special Education Law 3 Credit Hours
• SPED 8704 - Multicultural Issues in Education 3 Credit Hours
• SPED 8771 - Curriculum Design and Implementation 3 Credit Hours

Research (12 semester hours)

• SPED 7782 - Directed Research Readings in Special Education 4 Credit Hours
• SPED 8783 - Readings in Research 4 Credit Hours
• SPED 8784 - Research Seminar 4 Credit Hours

Comprehensive Exam (0 credit hours)

• SPED 8795 - Comprehensive Exam for the Specialist of Education: Special Education 0 Credit Hours

Total Credits: 27 hours