Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism is a 39-credit hour, online program that prepares teachers to address the needs of learners with mild to moderate disabilities. This graduate track is designed to meet the needs of candidates who do not hold a valid teaching license at the time of admission and are seeking a M.Ed. and certification in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism. Students who successfully complete program requirements and state requirements for certification will receive endorsements at both the K-6 and 5-Adult levels in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Autism.

For more information, visit the program website.

Program Outcomes

• To prepare candidates to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavior disorder, and autism,
• To deliver a program that stresses the interactive nature between the learning and behavior problems that students experience,
• To make a significant impact on bringing area special education teachers to full-qualification,
• To deliver the curriculum through a fully on-line program,
• To provide pragmatic clinical experiences that stress positive impact on learning and behavior problems,
• To prepare candidates to pass the necessary certification tests, and
• To provide mentoring and follow-up activities for graduates.

The general outcomes for Graduate Studies at Fairmont State, Special Education candidates are prepared to meet learning outcomes based upon the National Council for Exceptional Children Professional Standards and the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards.

Program Delivery

The curriculum is 100% online through asynchronous delivery. READ 6310  , SPED 6324  , SPED 6330  , and SPED 6390   include clinical hours. These hours can be completed in the students’ local schools. Students register for lab sections of these courses for communication with the clinical office for placement and clinical evaluations.

(K-6 & 5-ADULT)