Offered by Department of Teacher Education:

Special Education
Master of Arts in Education Degree

GR MAE 2816

Go directly to:

• Gifted
• Advanced Practitioner
• Mild/Moderate

MAE in Special Education = 36 hours

• Department Core Courses (12 hours required)
  • Research Course (3 hours)
    • Take 1 course from:
      • TE 800, Educational Research - 3 hours
      • TE 801, Teachers in Classroom Research - 3 hours
      • TE 802, Techniques of Research - 3 hours*
  • Democracy (3 hours)
    • TE 803, Philosophy of Education - 3 hours
  • Diversity (3 hours)
    • TE 804, Curriculum Development in Multicultural Education - 3 hours
  • Technology (3 hours)
    • TE 805, Overview of Assistive Technology - 3 hours
• Emphasis Areas
  Choose from one of the following:
  • Gifted - NON-THESIS = 24 hours
    • Take the following:
      • CSP 800, Advanced Educational Psychology - 3 hours
      • TESE 816C, Practicum in Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 822P, The Psychology and Education of Gifted and Talented Learners - 3 hours
      • TESE 823P, Guiding the Social and Emotional Development of Gifted/Talented Learners - 3 hours
      • TESE 824, Identification, Assessment, and Evaluation for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 825, Curriculum Design and Development for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 826, Program Design for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • Electives - 3 hours
  • Gifted - THESIS = 24 hours
    • Take the following:
      • TE 896, Thesis - 6 hours*
      • TESE 816C, Practicum in Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 822P, The Psychology and Education of Gifted and Talented Learners - 3 hours
      • TESE 823P, Guiding the Social and Emotional Development of Gifted/Talented Learners - 3 hours
      • TESE 824, Identification, Assessment, and Evaluation for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 825, Curriculum Design and Development for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
      • TESE 826, Program Design for Gifted/Talented Education - 3 hours
    • *Thesis option (6 hours)
      Students always have the option of completing a thesis. Students will register for TE 896 for six hours based on the recommendation of their advisor. These six hours will be in lieu of the elective and CSP 800. Students must take TE 802 prior to enrolling in TE 896.
  • Prerequisite
    Introduction to Exceptionalities or equivalent completed at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Advanced Practitioner = 24 hours
    This program is for students who possess a teaching certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.
    • Special Education Core (18 hours required)
      • Take the following:
        • TESE 816D, Practicum in Special Education - 6 hours (Practicum will concentrate in the area of emphasis chosen for electives.)
        • TESE 832, Research-based Instructional Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities - 3 hours
        • TESE 833, Applied Behavior Analysis - 3 hours
        • TESE 834, Characteristics and Identification of Behavior and Learning Disabilities - 3 hours
        • TESE 835, Applications of Assistive Technology Across Environments - 3 hours
    • Electives (6 hours required)
      Students must complete six hours of electives from any of courses listed below. Endorsements are available in learning disabilities, behavior disorders, or mild/moderate 7-12. Additional courses may be required for endorsement. Students seeking endorsement need to speak to an advisor.
      • Take 6 hours from:
        • CDIS 840P, Augmentative Alternative Communication - 3 hours
        • CSP 905, Behavioral Problem Solving Assessment - 3 hours
        • PSY 865, Psychopharmacology - 3 hours
        • TE 846, Diagnosis/Correction of Reading Difficulties - 3 hours
        • TE 848, Assessment and Remediation in Elementary School Mathematics - 3 hours
        • TE 853C, Improvement of Instruction in Elementary School Language Arts - 3 hours
        • TE 882, Teacher Development Training in Instructional Technology - 3 hours
        • TE 898, Independent Study - 1-3 hours (Research-based course in area of endorsement.)
        • TESE 836P, Transitional Issues for Individuals with Disabilities - 5 hours
  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities = 24 hours
    • Take the following:
      • TESE 816D, Practicum in Special Education - 6 hours
      • TESE 830, Consultation and Collaboration with Families and Agencies Serving Individuals with Disabilities - 3 hours
      • TESE 831, Formal and Informal Assessment in Special Education - 4 hours
      • TESE 832, Research-based Instructional Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities - 3 hours
      • TESE 833, Applied Behavior Analysis - 3 hours
      • TESE 837P, Medical Aspects of Individuals with Disabilities - 3 hours
      • TESE 838P, Legal Issues in Special Education - 2 hours
    • The Mild/Moderate Disabilities option does not result in initial teacher certification. The process of gaining Mild/Moderate Certification also involves meeting additional requirements; working closely with an academic advisor is critical.

See Teacher Education Program Information and Admission Requirements for more information about the program.