2023-2024 Catalog

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Special Education M.Ed.—with Concentration in Exceptional Learning Needs

Admission Requirements

  1. Completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
  2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
  3. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all professional course work.
  4. An M.Ed. in Exceptional Learning Needs requires that applicants have a Rhode Island certification in Special Education.
  5. Three Candidate Reference Forms accompanied by three letters of recommendation that documents the candidate’s education and/or experience with individuals with exceptionalities.
  6. A Performance-Based Evaluation that documents the candidate’s education and/or experience with individuals with exceptionalities.
  7. An essay describing the candidate’s commitment to the field of Elementary or Secondary special education, cultural awareness, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
  8. An interview may be required.

Course Requirements

Program Elective

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ONE COURSE in multicultural perspectives, chosen with advisor’s consent

3

Professional Education Component

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SPED 458STEM for Diverse Learners: Intensive Intervention

4

 Fall, Spring.
DIS 451Introduction to Transition to Adult Life

3

Fall.
SPED 503Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports

3

 Fall (as needed).
SPED 518Literacy for Diverse Learners: Intensive Intervention

4

 Spring.
SPED 534Involvement of Families in Special Education

3

 Fall, Spring.
SPED 648Interpreting and Developing Research in Special Education

3

Fall.

CHOOSE A or B or C below

A. Autism Education
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SPED 561/SPED 461Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

3

 Fall (as needed).
SPED 563Curriculum and Methodology: Students with Autism

3

 Spring (as needed).
SPED 564Building Social and Communication Skills

3

 Spring (as needed).

B. Transition for Youth with Exceptionalities
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
DIS 551Starting the Transition Journey

4

Spring.
DIS 552Transition in the Middle Years

4

Fall.
DIS 553Completing the Transition Journey

4

Spring.
C. Specialized Study in Special Education
CourseTitleCreditsOffered
THREE COURSES chosen with advisor's consent

9

Comprehensive Assessment

The Professional Impact Project completed in SPED 648 serves as the Comprehensive Assessment for this program. 

Total Credit Hours: 32-35