Master of Special Education

Program Overview

• Designed for P-12 special education teachers, or people preparing for post-secondary teaching careers.
• Aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards for Advanced Training of special educators which advocates the importance of commitment to learners and their learning, pedagogy, assessing and monitoring student learning, leadership, reflective practice, and participation in professional learning communities
• Summer coursework with academic year projects to allow for participants to live in rural Minnesota and surrounding states, and to continue full-time employment while completing their degrees.

Application deadline for Cohort Two is April 15, 2008.

Delivery Method

The cohort will meet for a period of three years. Classes will be conducted in person for one week during the first summer with project assignments connected to coursework throughout the academic year and online monthly asynchronous web discussions.

Courses

Courses are aligned with CEC Standards, and will emphasize:

• Special Education Law
• Behavior Management Practices
• Diversity, Student Learning Assessment
• Critical Pedagogy
• Research and Writing
• Educational Evaluation and Leadership

Cohort members will complete a field research project.

Technology & Computer Access Requirements

We require that members be comfortable using online resources, including email and secure online discussion boards. Members need to have access to a computer, an Internet connection, and the ability to check in regularly to access assignments, forms, and other program information. There will be formal instruction on technology at our first orientation meeting, and on-going support will be available throughout the program. We strive to make our use of the Internet accessible by meeting federal standards on Web site accessibility.

Admission Criteria

• Bachelors Degree
• 2.8 undergraduate GPA
• Current teaching license in Special Education
• 1-2 page goals statement.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Preliminary writing exercise used to assess writing skills.

Information and Application

Applications to the Master of Special Education program can be downloaded from http://www.d.umn.edu/cehsp/GradProg/masters/admission.html.

For more information please contact Joyce Strand, Special Education Coordinator, by email jstrand1@d.umn.edu or by phone 218-726-8182; or, Lynn Velander, Executive Administrative Specialist for Collegiate Graduate Programs, by email lvelande@d.umn.edu or by phone 218-726-7442.

Cost

Students admitted to this program are assessed tuition for a Departmental Masters program. In addition, students pay the University Fee, the College Equipment and Technology Fee, and the Internet/Email Access Fee. Find current rates at Tuition and Fee Rates. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Financial Aid

Apply for Financial Aid by completing the form online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students seeking eligibility for Summer 2008 should contact the UMD Student Assistance Center to speak with a financial aid counselor: 218-726-8000. University of Minnesota employees may be eligible for academic tuition waivers.