Degree Title and Name:  Master of Education in Special Education/Non-Certification

Program Name and Number(s): Special Education/Non Certification – ME6249

Department/Unit(s):  Teacher Education/Special Education

Delivery Mode:  Athens Campus

Program Mission:  Our mission is to prepare knowledgeable and effective education professionals who are lifelong learners and strong advocates, able to serve individuals with a variety of abilities and needs, especially in low-resource settings. We provide programs and experience that value and celebrate differences, steeped in interdisciplinary collaboration, co-teaching, and P-12 student-focused problem solving.

The Master’s degree in Special Education non-certification is intended for those who have limited knowledge and experience related to working with individuals with disabilities and wish to study special education, but who do not wish to obtain a teaching license in the United States. The program’s focus provides a strong research base upon which application is provided to the individual’s context and centers on the delivery of quality services within limited resource environments. This program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Normative time to completion is one year for individuals who complete the program on a full-time basis. Individuals completing the program on a part-time basis typically require two years to complete the program.

Program Learning Outcomes:                 

• By the completion of the program students will model high professional expectations and ethical practice and create supportive environments that safeguard legal rights and improve outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and their families. (Professionalism)
• By the completion of the program, students will engage in the design and implementation of research and inquiry. (Research methods and analysis)
• By the completion of the program, students will produce written and oral quality communications directed to students, parents/guardians and other professionals. (Scholarly Communications)

Opportunities for Graduates:  This program prepares graduate students with knowledge and skills for careers in leadership positions in schools outside of the United States, within governmental agencies, or within other organizations that address the needs of individuals with special needs.

Link to Program:  https://www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed/masters

Graduation Requirements:  This program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit.

• Teacher Education Core Coursework:
  • EDSP 5700 - Nature and Needs of Persons with Exceptionalities (3 credits)
  • EDTE 5600 - Advanced Studies of Children and Adolescents (3 credits)
  • EDTE 6940 - Master’s Research Project (3 credits)
  • EDRE 5010 - Introduction to Research Methods (4 credits) or EDTE 6670 – Teacher as Action Researcher (3 credits)

• Special Education Core Coursework:
  • EDSP 5730 - Assessment of Learners with Special Needs (3 credits)
  • EDSP 5740 - Behavioral Management for Learners with Special Needs (3 credits)
  • EDSP 5760 - Current Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
  • EDSP 5720 - Career Development and Transition Planning for Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDSP 5750 - Collaboration, Curriculum Consultation, Teaming and Co-Teaching in Special Education (3 credits)
  • EDSP 6700 - Technological Applications in Special Education (3 credits)
  • EDSP 6720 - Advanced Differentiated/Instructional Adaptations (3 credits)

Culminating Experience:  Individuals complete a Master’s Research Project as their culminating experience that they plan during their research course and implement/complete during the Master’s Research Project course.

Admission Requirements:

1. A TOEFL score of 80+ for non-native English speakers.
2. Certified Transcripts - From all institutions of higher learning showing the award of a Bachelor’s degree.
3. Three letters of recommendation – Two of the recommendations should be from college professors and one from an employer or professional colleague. The recommendations should be submitted in English; or, if the recommendations are in the native language, the original should be accompanied by a certified translation.
4. Autobiography – This is not to exceed two typewritten pages. The autobiography should be submitted in English; or, if the autobiography is written in the native language, the original should be accompanied by a certified translation. This autobiography, as a minimum, should include the following information: educational experiences; professional work experiences; career goals; future expectations; major influencing factors in your life; professional organizations; why you are selecting Ohio University and the particular program you are applying to. You may include other information that you feel is relevant.
5. Academic writing sample – This is a formal typewritten paper that you have already written for another purpose in your professional career. Examples may include a published paper, paper submitted for a course, or master’s project thesis
6. Proof of Financial Responsibility –This form must be received by the Graduate College, R-Tech Building, before the I-20 visa.

International Students:  This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.