Special Education, M.Ed. (Advanced Studies in Special Education Concentration)

General Program Information

John J. Wheeler, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
510 Warf-Pickel Hall
Box 70547
(423) 439-4196
e-mail: wheelerjj@etsu.edu

Sara Beth Hitt, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
423 Warf-Pickel Hall
Box 70547
(423) 439-7838
e-mail: hittsb@etsu.edu

Dawn Rowe, Ph.D., Interim Department Chair
423 Warf-Pickel Hall
PO Box 70547
Phone: (423) 439-7171
email: roweda@etsu.edu

Faculty: Cynthia Chambers; Jennifer Cook; James Fox; Cathy Galyon; Sara Beth Hitt; Lori Marks; Pamela Mims; Arnold Nyarambi; Dawn Rowe; John Wheeler.

The area of Special Education (SPED) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree for the advanced preparation of personnel to serve children, youth, and adults who have disabilities. The program offers four (4) concentrations.

High Incidence Concentration

This area of emphasis prepares individuals to teach students with high incidence disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and emotional behavior disorder. Emphasis is placed on implementing evidence-based instructional practices within the context of the least restrictive environment, collaborating with general education teachers to incorporate differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and accommodations that enable students to successfully access rigorous core content, and providing intensive intervention that addresses deficits in specific skill areas, such as reading, writing, mathematics, learning strategies and study skills, and behavior/social interactions. The high incidence concentration prepares candidates for Tennessee teaching license in K-8 and 6-12 Interventionist. 

Low Incidence Concentration

This area of emphasis prepares individuals to teach students with low incidence disabilities, including autism, moderate intellectual disability, and Down Syndrome.  Emphasis is placed on teaching students with a variety of needs within the context of the least restrictive environment, developing collaboration and consultation skills, incorporating assistive technology and using curriculum based assessment methods. The low incidence concentration prepares candidates for Tennessee teaching license in comprehensive special education.

Early Childhood Special Education Concentration

This area of emphasis is designed to prepare individuals to teach young children (birth - 8 years) with disabilities and to work effectively with their families. This concentration prepares candidates for Tennessee licensure in early childhood special education.

Advanced Studies in Special Education Concentration

This area of emphasis is designed for individuals interested in obtaining an advanced degree in special education. Coursework in this concentration is based upon the interests and needs of each student.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission Standards-Applicants who meet the following criteria may be admitted unconditionally. Those who do not meet the criteria may be admitted unconditionally with provisions with deficiencies to be met as stipulated by the program faculty.

1. Completion of all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
2. GRE Score
   1. May be waived if a valid teaching license is provided
   2. May be waived for an International applicant if an official letter of professional teaching experience is provided from the institution of record
3. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Submission of a 2-page essay outlining past experience with individuals with disabilities and goals for acquiring an advanced degree in Special Education.

Articulation Agreements

A student who applies and is accepted into the master’s program in Special Education with a concentration in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Advanced Studies in Special Education, may apply up to eighteen (18) credits from the Special Education: Early Childhood Special Education Certificate Program as the certificate program’s coursework aligns with the master’s degree program.

A student who applies and is accepted into the master’s program in Special Education with a concentration in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Advanced Studies in Special Education, may apply up to eighteen (18) credits from the Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities Certificate Program as the certificate program’s coursework aligns with the master’s degree program.

A student who applies and is accepted into the master’s program in Special Education with a concentration in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Advanced Studies in Special Education, may apply up to eighteen (18) credits from the Special Education: Low Incidence Disabilities Certificate Program as the certificate program’s coursework aligns with the master’s degree program. Up to nine credits may be transferred from the Low Incidence Disabilities Certificate Program to another Special Education certificate program where applicable.

Special Education, M.Ed. Degree Requirements: 30-33 credits

Thesis Option: 30 credits required. This includes 6 credits of advisor approved electives.

Non-Thesis Option: 33 credits required. This includes 12 credits of advisor approved electives.

Special Education Core Requirements: 9 credits

• EDFN 5950 - Methods of Research (3 credits)
• SPED 5401 - Research and Practice in Positive Behavioral Supports (3 credits)
• SPED 5445 - Advanced Applications of Assistive Technology and Medical Aspects (3 credits)

Advanced Studies in Special Education Concentration: 9 credits

• SPED 5701 - Research in Special Education and Related Fields (3 credits)
• SPED 5755 - Assessment and Programming for Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
• SPED 5767 - Advanced Strategies for Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)

Field Related Hours: 3 credits

• SPED 5560 - Advanced Practicum in Special Education (3 credits)

Thesis Option: 9 credits

• SPED 5960 - Thesis in Special Education (1-6 credits)  
• Advisor Approved Electives (6 credits) from a single area of emphasis below

Non-Thesis Option: 12 credits

• Advisor Approved Electives (12 credits) from a single area of emphasis below

Choose 1 Area of Emphasis