Special Education M.Ed.

The primary objective of the advanced programs in Special Education is for candidates to develop skills that facilitate their action as change agents in educational settings serving individuals with disabilities. Through sequenced coursework and assessments, candidates will gain skills and knowledge in designing and implementing research-based programs in field-based settings. Graduates of the program will possess the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their schools and to positively impact school and system practices.

The primary strength of our programs lies in the wide impact of the programs in advancing evidence-based practices in special education. Several leadership roles have been earned by candidates and graduates of the programs are a direct result of the knowledge and skills gained in designing and implementing evidence based programs

Our programs are broadly focused on special education (i.e., the issues related to the education of learners with disabilities) while providing extensive opportunities for each student to concentrate on and conduct research within their specific area of interest.

Program Admissions Requirements

• Submission of official transcripts from all colleges/university attended
• A bachelor’s degree with 2.75 GPA or higher from an accredited college/university
• A Georgia Professional Certificate, level four (4)
• Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format
• Verification of Immunization (pdf)

Program of Study

The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work in professional education, the certification area, and program requirements or electives. The degree program must be completed within six years beginning with the initial date of course work. Students may be required to take more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in initial certification programs. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the appropriate departmental chairperson prior to enrollment. Up to nine (9)- graduate credit hours may be transferred with the approval of the advisor prior to course enrollment. The appropriate form and documentation must be submitted with your request. Grades below a C do not fulfill degree requirements.

Total Credit Hours: 36

Advisement

The Program Coordinator, in cooperation with the admission committees and the Department Chair, assigns each admitted student to an Advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with the assigned Advisor to develop an individualized program of study that meets the course work requirements. A signed program of study must be filed with the Advisor in order to be fully admitted.

Graduate Assistantships

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/sites/files/page-assets/node-512/attachments/application_form_pdf.pdf

Dismissal Policy

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA during the program.  If a student's GPA falls below a 3.0, he/she may petition to stay in the program for one semester on academic probation.  If at the end of the semester on probation the student's GPA is still below a 3.0, he/she will be dismissed from the program.  Any student who plagiarizes work will fail that course (receive an F) and be referred to the Judicial Council for a violation of Georgia College's Honor Code.