Apr 24, 2024  
2010-2011 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
2010-2011 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education (SED) MS


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School-Based Program with Certification

The graduate program in special education offers candidates the opportunity to join the ranks of professionals who are committed to ensuring that all children and adolescents, including those with identified disabilities, receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. The program emphasizes a strength-based perspective and is founded on the standards on the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of accomplished special educators.

McDaniel College offers a 38-credit hour Master of Science degree in Special Education. Master’s degree candidates may also elect to pursue initial certification in special education at the elementary (grades 1-8) and secondary (grades 6-12) levels. Candidates complete a capstone portfolio for the program; master’s only students may elect to complete a thesis in lieu of the portfolio. Candidates interested in certification should meet with the Program Coordinator to review certification and field-based requirements.

The Special Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE.) Pennsylvania State Department of Education guidelines are addressed during the advisement process for students seeking employment and/or licensure in Pennsylvania.

Admission and Full-Acceptance


Initial Admission


Students must:

  • Complete and submit the Application for Graduate Study with nonrefundable fee;
  • Submit transcripts verifying completion of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)*;
  • Submit three professional letters of reference;
  • Submit Praxis I test scores that meet MSDE minimum score requirements;
  • Develop an initial 9-credit preliminary plan in consultation with the Program Coordinator.

*Students not meeting this criterion may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Full acceptance status will be reviewed after the student has completed 9 credits in the program.

Full Acceptance


Students must:

  • Meet all requirements for initial admission;
  • Successfully complete nine graduate credits at McDaniel College with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (at least one course must be in Special Education);
  • Review full acceptance documentation and develop a Program Plan for remaining coursework with the Program Coordinator.

Courses


Candidates complete coursework in Foundation Knowledge and Special Education, as well as meeting state certification and fieldwork requirements as appropriate.

Certification Sequence


Coursework is chosen in consultation with the Program Coordinator and is determined by the candidate;s orior experience and certification level sought. Relevant coursework includes:

Fieldwork and Capstone Sequence


All content coursework must be completed before students may enter fieldwork and capstone experiences.  In addition, students must submit passing Praxis II scores before entering fieldwork.

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