Special Education M.A.

The graduate programs in Special Education are designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking to enhance their teaching and to effectively meet the needs of at-risk and exceptional learners in the general education classroom.

Degree requirements

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

1. Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5
4. Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and an unofficial transcript of any prior graduate work
5. 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, one should be from an immediate supervisor
6. Immunization record using the Graduate School form on the University website
7. 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 C or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program.

Exit requirements/Comprehensive exam

Eligible candidates for the Master of Arts degree take a comprehensive exam in March or July. The application for the Comprehensive Exam is available from the Department of Education. It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain his/her faculty advisor’s signature and to submit the application to the office manager of the Department of Education by the due date. The exam is taken after 100% of the planned program is completed.

Replacement of the Comprehensive Examination: Candidates may register for  SPEC 598 - Thesis I  and complete and present a full thesis to waive the comprehensive exam.