Special Education, M.Ed. (Low Incidence Concentration)

General Program Information

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John J. Wheeler, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, Interim Department Chair
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

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

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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 stipulated by the program faculty and approved by the Associate Dean of Educator Preparation.

1. Completion of all requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 from a completed baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree program or a GPA of 3.0 in the most recent sixty credit hours earn at a regionally accredited institution.
4. Submission of a 2-page essay outlining past experience with individuals with disabilities and goals for acquiring an advanced degree in Special Education.