Special Ed Online MA Initial

The Online MA Program in Special Education: Intellectual Disabilities/Autism prepares graduates to work as teachers of students with disabilities in the full range of classroom settings (e.g., inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and specialized schools). Through coursework and practicum experiences, the program fosters the acquisition of the broad-based knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to provide effective education for students with a range of learning and behavior characteristics in a variety of educational settings.

In addition, the program provides specialized preparation in working with students with intellectual disabilities and autism. This is accomplished through required coursework in content areas as well as a special education core including coursework and a variety of fieldwork experiences.

Program Purpose

The program will prepare graduates to work with students with disabilities in the full range of classroom settings (e.g., inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and specialized schools).  

Mission & Goals

Through coursework and practicum experiences, the program fosters the acquisition of the broad-based knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to provide effective education for students with a range of learning and behavior characteristics in a variety of educational settings.

The program will:

1. Provide candidates with knowledge of the historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations of special education and a variety of supportive environments for individuals with disabilities;
2. Provide candidates with knowledge about the development, characteristics, and individual differences of individuals with disabilities across all grades and across the full range of abilities;
3. Provide candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, individualized instruction for individuals with disabilities;
4. Prepare candidates to collaborate effectively with families of individuals with disabilities and other members of their community, applying the highest ethical standards of the profession;
5. Provide a specialized focus and expertise in the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities across all grades (preschool through grade 12).