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Academic Programs: Master of Education in Special Education
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Curriculum and Teaching

Academic Programs: Graduate
Master of Education in Special Education

Coordinator: Elaine Fine
Office: University Hall, Room 2119
Phone: (973) 655-7361
Email: finee@mail.montclair.edu

This is an advanced teacher certification program for those who already have general education teacher certification or CEAS in K-5, K-8, or Content Area who wish to obtain special education certification (Teacher of Students with Disabilities) and a master's degree. The program emphasis is on inclusive education.

Please note that all special education teachers in N.J. must have a dual certification in general education (P-3, K-5, or Content Area) and special education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities). Applicants who donot hold general education certification can obtain dual certification in P-3 or K-5 and special education. The initial certification programs for dual certification - P3 & TSD & K-5 & TSD and Literacy Education. Currently the dual certification program for Content Area and special education is not offered.

Applicants who have P-3 certification can obtain special education certification at the P-3 Level in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Education.

The M. Ed. in Special Education requires students to complete 36 credits. The program of study includes 27 credits of coursework in special education required for certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities, 6 credits of advanced courses in special education and 3 credits in research that result in the completion of a culminating project. The project extends learning by providing and experience in designing and implementing an action research project related to inclusive education.

The M. Ed. meets the needs of working professionals who typically enroll in 3-6 credits per semester. The courses are offered in the evenings and summer. A maximum of 6 graduate credits may be accepted from other institutions, provided that the courses are parallel in content and requirements to those in the program.

APPLICANTS TO THIS PROGRAM MUST ALREADY HOLD CERTIFICATION OR CEAS IN GENERAL EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY OR CONTENT AREA). Completion of a comprehensive project is a requirement for this program.

Course Requirements:

Prerequisites
Number Name Hours
READ 500 The Nature of Reading 3
OR
READ 501 Techniques for Reading Improvement in the Secondary School 3
 
Specialization Courses
SPED 508 Partnerships with Families: Early Childhood Special Education 3
OR (Determined by Advisor)
SPED 586 Transition Services for Students with Disabilities 3
 
SPED 566 Language-Based Learning Strategies for Use in Inclusive Settings 3
 
SPED 567 Instructional Planning for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings 3
OR (Determined by Advisor)
SPED 568 Instructional Planning for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings II 3
 
SPED 579 Special Education for Students with Disabilities 3
SPED 584 Assessment and Evaluation in the Inclusive Classroom 3
SPED 585 Technology for Inclusive Classrooms 3
SPED 587 Advanced Instructional Techniques for Students with Learning Problems* 3
SPED 588 Promoting Prosocial Behaviors in Inclusive Settings 3
SPED 597 Practicum and Seminar in Teaching Students with Disabilities 3
 
Electives (selected with advisor; cannot be a required course)
ECSE 506 Observation and Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities: Birth to Age 8 3
ECSE 508 Strengthening Partnerships with Families of Children with Disabilities 3
ECSE 509 Principles and Practices in Inclusive Early Childhood Education 3
READ 501 Techniques of Reading Improvement in the Secondary School 3
SPED 586 Transition Services for Students with Disabilities 3
SPED 595 Medical and Physical Bases of Disabilities 3
SPED 668 Consultation Methods in Psychoeducational Settings 3
 
Culminating Activity
SPED 690 Action Research in Inclusive Settings* 3
 
*Course is not required for the TSD Certification
 
PROGRAM TOTAL: 36 credits

Admissions

Applications will be accepted from students with the following requirements:
  • Standard certification in K-5, K-8, or content area certification
  • An overall grade point average of 2.8 in undergraduate work
  • Evidence of success in education courses leading to initial certification, showing a 3.0 average in these courses
  • Submission of Graduate Record Examination scores
  • At least two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's readiness for advanced study and abilities in working with children
  • A statement on goals for continued education
  • A program admissions interview

Deadlines

Credentials are processed as soon as they are received. This program does not have a specific deadline; however, the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services recommends that students submit their credentials as far in advance as possible from the semester they plan to begin their studies to ensure a timely review of their application.