About our Graduate Program

The Department of Special Education's mission is to advance society’s knowledge about disabilities and to enhance the capacity of society to accommodate and fully include persons with individual differences by preparing outstanding teachers, educators, counselors, educational leaders, rehabilitation professionals, and researchers. We are committed to preparing all our graduates to provide leadership in an increasingly multicultural and technological society.

Programs

The Department offers graduate degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. Advanced graduate study in special education and rehabilitation counselor education prepares graduates for a variety of roles in fields that serve children, youth and adults with exceptionalities. Our master’s graduates emerge prepared to assume leadership roles in educational and clinical settings. Study at the doctoral level prepares candidates for a variety of roles including professor, researcher, teacher educator, administrator and policy maker at the local, state and national/international levels.

Master's Degrees in Special Education

The master’s degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, and is offered in five areas of specialization. Two degree programs are available: the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). Though both programs prepare students for a variety of career options they vary in their primary area of emphasis.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) is a research-oriented degree, and includes completion of a master’s thesis.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of educational and related settings. Two options are available under the M.Ed. program: M.Ed. with Report, or M.Ed. with coursework only.

Doctoral Degrees in Special Education

Doctoral programs generally require three to four years of full-time study or the equivalent of 72-75 credit hours (minimum) beyond the master's degree. Two doctoral degree programs are available: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Both prepare students for a variety of career options but vary in their primary area of emphasis as follows:

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research degree, structured to provide students both academic and practical experiences in conducting research in university and other research settings.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) reflects an applied research emphasis, and is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of educational settings at the local, state, and national levels.

Certification

In addition to completing degree requirements, students may also take coursework toward a special education endorsement, certification as a behavior analyst, or certification in public school leadership (e.g., the principalship). Although there is considerable overlap between degree and certification requirements, additional courses beyond the degree plan are usually necessary.