M.Ed. Degree in Special Education
(K-6 & 5-ADULT)
*Note: The program requires 36 credit hours for licensed candidates and one additional course for non-licensed candidates (39 hours).
Program Overview
The Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism program at Fairmont State prepares teachers to address the needs of learners with mild to moderate disabilities. 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. This graduate emphasis is designed to meet the needs of two groups of candidates:
- Candidates who hold a valid teaching license at the time of admissions and are seeking to add certification and obtain a M.Ed. in Multi- Categorical Special Education and Autism.
- Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree but who do not hold a valid teaching license at the time of admissions and are seeking a M.Ed. and certification in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism.
Professional Opportunities:
There is a need for teachers who are fully certified in multi-categorical special education in a majority of counties in the state of West Virginia, as well as many states throughout the country. Education job forecasters predict that this need is likely to continue. Having this certification not only enhances your marketability, veteran special educators will tell you that while the work of a special education teacher is very demanding, it is also very rewarding.
Program Objectives:
- 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.
Program Outcomes
In addition to 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.
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