Pathway Options
The Master of Arts in Special Education provides certified teachers with a pathway to initial special education teacher licensure with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities (SM) with the option to pursue additional endorsements in the areas of Emotional Impairment (SE) and Cognitive Impairment (SA). The program provides three pathways. The typical timeframe to complete the program is 12-18 months, depending on the pathway selected. The program is fully online and designed for teachers employed by a school district.
Core classes required for all pathways (15 credits):
- EDC 701 Exceptional Learners (3 credits)
- EDC 703 Inclusive Teaching (3 credits)
- EDC 704 Assessment and Evaluation (3 credits)
- EDC 707 Special Education Leadership (3 credits)
- EDC 709 Transition to Adulthood (3 credits)
In addition to the core classes, students will complete the requirements of one pathway:
Pathway 1
Learning Disabilities Endorsement
Students must complete the Special Education Core, Pathway 1 with the capstone requirements, and pass the MTTC 114. Students can complete their clinical experiences in their own classroom with the oversite of an approved and licensed special education teacher.
The 15 credits include:
- EDC 702 Understanding Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 706 Teaching Students with Learning Differences (3 credits)
- EDC 708 Special Education Internship (7 credits)
- EDC 705 Special Education Clinical I (1 credit)
- EDC 710 Special Education Clinical II (1 credit)
Pathway 2
Learning Disabilities, Emotional Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment Endorsements
Students must complete the Special Education Core, Pathway 2 with the capstone requirements, and pass the MTTC 114, 115, and 116. Passing the respective MTTC will earn that endorsement. Students can complete their clinical experiences in their own classroom with the oversite of a licensed special education teacher.
The 25 credits include:
- EDC 702 Understanding Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 706 Teaching Students with Learning Differences (3 credits)
- EDC 711 Understanding Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 712 Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 705 Special Education ˜Clinical I (1 credit)
- EDC 713 Special Education Clinical-EI (1 credit)
- EDC 714 Special Education Clinical-CI (1 credit)
- EDC 715 Special Education Internship IV- LD (3 credits) (6 weeks LD)
- EDC 716 Special Education Internship V (7 credits) (8 week in area of CI and 6 weeks EI)
Pathway 3
Emotional Impairment and Cognitive Impairment Endorsements (For Teachers with a Learning Disabilities Endorsement)
The 15 credits include:
- EDC 711 Understanding Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 712 Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
- EDC 713 Special Education Clinical-EI (1 credit)
- EDC 714 Special Education Clinical-CI (1 credit)
- EDC 716 Special Education Internship V (7 credits) (8 week in area of CI and 6 weeks EI)
Students must complete the Special Education Core, Pathway 3 with the capstone requirements, and pass the 115 and 116. Passing the respective MTTC will earn that endorsement. Students can complete their clinical experiences in their own classroom with the oversite of an approved and licensed special education teacher.