This master’s program prepares highly effective practitioners in Special Education whose work is grounded in current research, theory and evidence-based practice. Candidates develop professional skills and dispositions to effect positive change for students with specialized learning needs. Candidates will earn K-12 teacher licensure in Special Education.
This program meets the new State Board of Education policy, which reads: Applicants for a professional educator certificate who are first certified in Connecticut after July 1, 2016, shall complete a minimum of 15 graduate credits of content or content pedagogy, either as part of or in addition to a master’s degree.
Program outcomes
The student will:
- Be a critical thinker and effective problem solver who is concerned with the social, emotional and intellectual issues of all children and adolescents in contemporary educational settings
- Apply advanced pedagogy in curriculum, instruction and assessment to engage all students in reaching their potential as people and as learners
- Develop the capacity to influence and advance positive change for students, professionals and the profession in a complex global society
Acceptance requirements
- Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
- A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.67
- Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families, accompanied by the Graduate School’s cover form on the University website
Note: Recommendations must be from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the USJ School of Education
- Immunization record using the Graduate School form on the University website
- A planned program of study developed by the candidate and the faculty advisor, approved by the department chair
Continuation requirements
Students must earn a grade of B or better in their first attempt in their first two classes to remain in the program. They must earn a B or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program.
Exit requirements
Eligible candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching -Special Education degree must complete the edTPA portfolio during their student teaching placement. the edTPA portfolio is a requirement for licensure that was announced by the State of Connecticut in 2017-18. Candidates seeking licensure beginning in the 2018-19 academic year must complete this assessment. Beginning in academic year 2019-20, candidates must pass this assessment to be eligible for licensure. The program is facilitated by Pearson Publishing and is scored by national scorers. The cost to candidates is $300.00.
Comprehensive exam
Before taking the comprehensive exam, you must complete 100% of your planned program, including all courses in Autism Spectrum Disorders specialization plus at least two additional Special Education courses.
