Master of Science in Special Education:  Specialization for Special Education Teachers (30 credits)

Program Rationale:

This program is designed for students who already hold a certification in special education. In this specialization students take course work designed to broaden and/or deepen their knowledge of the field. The curriculum for this program is aligned with the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students in the program are expected to:

Students will demonstrate knowledge of historical foundations, classic studies, major contributors, and current issues related to special education. Students will demonstrate knowledge of laws and policies that affect individuals with disabilities, their families and their educational programming. Students will promote practices that reduce the over-representation of culturally/linguistically diverse students in programs for individuals with disabilities. Students will broaden and/or deepen their knowledge of individual learning differences, instructional strategies and collaboration in special education. Students will implement action research processes to contribute to improved special education services to individuals with disabilities. Students will promote professional and ethical practices in the field of special education.

Professional Education (6 credits):

SPED 532 Contemporary Issues in Special Education 3
SPED 566 Legal and Administrative Issues in Special Education 3

Electives (15 credits)

Students take 15 credits of advanced-level course work in special education. Up to 6 credits of related course work from other departments may be included at the advisor's discretion.

Research and Capstone Requirements (9 credits):

SPED 598 Research in Special Education 3
SPED 596 Designing Action Research in Special Education (Plan E) 3
SPED 597 Implementing and Documenting Action Research in Special Education
(Plan E) 3

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work. Teacher Certification Required.

The admissions application, application fee, and official transcripts from each college and university attended (except Central Connecticut State University) must be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.