The faculty in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction Special Education Program offer graduate programs leading to the M.A. and Master of Education degrees. M.Ed. degree concentrations are available in the education of gifted, mildly handicapped, the multicultural exceptional, and severely/multiply handicapped.

At the Ph.D. level, a concentration in special education is offered through the interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree program in Curriculum and Instruction. See “Curriculum and Instruction” for more information on the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet all Graduate College requirements. The applicant for master’s degree program admission is required to provide the following:

1. Graduate Record Examination test scores or Miller Analogies Test scores, or a 3.00 or higher junior/senior GPA;
2. three letters of recommendation;
3. a summary of professional experiences; and
4. evidence of certification in special education for applicants to the M.Ed. program. (The M.Ed. Initial Teacher Certification sequence must be pursued concurrently with the M.Ed. degree by applicants not meeting this requirement.)

MASTER OF ARTS

The M.A. program in Special Education requires at least 36 hours of course work. A thesis is required for the M.A. degree. Candidates are required to take an oral examination in defense of the thesis. For students in the M.Ed. or M.A. program lacking prerequisite courses, additional course work is required.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

The M.Ed. degree in Special Education requires a minimum of 36 hours of course work and a written comprehensive examination paper. The program structure includes a 12-hour methods core, a 12-hour knowledge core, and a 12-hour elective block which includes four content/theme areas: learning and instruction, diversity, foundations and values, and research and technology.

M.Ed. Initial Teacher Certification sequences leading to standard certificates by the state of Arizona in mental retardation, learning and emotional disabilities, as well as endorsement in gifted education, are available.

Concurrent admission to the M.Ed. initial certification sequence and the M.Ed. degree is required. Students seeking initial certification by the state of Arizona in Special Education who have already completed a master’s degree in another area may enroll for the M.Ed. initial certification sequence without enrolling in a second master’s degree program. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information about specific admission requirements for the initial certification option. Further information is available in the Special Education Program Office.

RESEARCH ACTIVITY

Faculty and student research and development activities focus on (1) improving instructional opportunities for exceptional individuals and those at risk for school failure and (2) increasing the effectiveness of teachers of exceptional and at-risk individuals. Recent research has included the following: academic precocity; instructional alternatives for preschool children; the cognitive development, linguistic proficiency, and academic achievement of minority students. Research focused on improving the preparation of teachers has included projects on field-based instruction, violence prevention, academic and behavioral interventions for students with disabilities and those at risk of school failure, and evaluation of alternative forms of technology integration. Program research efforts receive support from federal, state, and private sources.

Omnibus Graduate Courses: See omnibus graduate courses that may be offered.

1998–99 Graduate Catalog Table of Contents

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