Master of Education in Special Education
(Online)
The program is offered by the College of Education and Health Professions and is administered by the Global Campus.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education coursework can be completed entirely online or can include courses from the on campus program. Coursework from both settings is accepted in the M.Ed. program. The M.Ed. in Special Education can have one of four foci. The first is a graduate program in special education for persons seeking advanced learning in special education without pursuing an additional license or a specialty certificate. The second is a graduate program in special education designed to meet the coursework requirements of an additional license program in Special Education Instructional Specialist (Grades 4-12). The third focus is a graduate program in special education designed to meet the coursework requirements of a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The fourth focus is on Fayetteville campus program only and prepares teachers to meet the needs of students who are gifted and talented. The coursework of the programs preparing teachers to work with students with disabilities is delivered on the Internet, allowing for the opportunity to pursue educational goals at a time and place that fits individual schedules. The on campus coursework is offered in the summer and in the evenings during the fall and spring semesters. The practicum course takes place in the public schools.
Nationally recognized faculty provides the instruction for the program. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and received national recognition from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the organization that accredits teacher education programs in Special Education. The program prepares the teacher as Instructional Specialist in Special Education for grades 4-12. The program is offered as a graduate program in the College of Education and Health Professions and is administered by the School of Continuing Education & Academic Outreach.