Master of Education

Program Description

The M.Ed. program in special education is designed for teachers who hold a clear renewable T-4 teaching certificate. The program provides advanced professional and pedagogical studies that develop expertise in the knowledge, skills, and habits of accomplished teachers.

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:
• Demonstrate knowledge of the philosophical, historical and legal foundations of Special Education
• Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental, behavioral, and learning needs of children with special needs
• Demonstrate effectiveness in instructional planning and assessment for children with special needs
• Demonstrate the understanding and implementation of effective teaching strategies and methods for children with special needs
• Demonstrate the establishment and management of appropriate learning environments for children with special needs
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with parents, professionals, and community agencies involved in the welfare of children with special needs
• Demonstrate the integration of technology into instructional planning for children with special needs

Additional Program Requirements

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student’s advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment

Program of Study

Area 1 Professional Core Required Hours: 7
EDUF 6115 Educational Psychology: Achievement for Diverse Learners
EDUF 6116 Educational Research Methods
SPED 6126 Special Education Law for Educators

Area 2 Information Literacy and Technology Required Hours 6
SPED 6785 Acquisition and Analysis of Special Education Information
SPED 6786 Special Educator as User and Disseminator of Information

Area 3 Concentration Required Hours: 23
SPED 6125 Managing Students with Behavioral Problems
SPED 6189 Nature and Characteristics of Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
SPED 6265 Advanced Assessment of Exceptional Child/Youth
SPED 6269 Assistive Technology for Exceptional Learners
SPED 6295 Teaching Students with Mild and Moderate Disabilities
SPED 6419 Practicum in Mild and Moderate Disabilities
SPED 6796 Trends and Issues in Special Education

Choose one of the following courses:
EDRG 6148 Psychology of Reading: Understanding Readers and the Reading Process
EDRG 6245 Assessment and Classroom Instruction

Area 4 Other Requirements Required Hours: 0
EDUF 6000 Exit Exam

Total Hours Required: 36