Special Education, M.Ed.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education offers several options to the student for a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in special education. This program is open only to teachers who have already obtained licensure.

Teachers who have gained special education licensure through alternative routes will be required to take a program of at least thirty-six (36) hours and may need to take additional courses to fulfill deficiencies. Licensure resulting from the master’s degree is the responsibility of the student obtaining the degree. Clarification of licensure outcomes should be confirmed prior to beginning the program.

Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study form to the Graduate School by the end of the first semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plans of Study” link.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All faculty holding regular or associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of this Bulletin for continuous enrollment.

For students who are presently certified in Mississippi at the bachelor’s degree level in special education, not by alternative route or add-on licensure: The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and appropriate professional experience with students with exceptionalities.

M.Ed. Core

Research

Choose one:

Electives:

Select 15 hours

Practicum (3 hours):

SPE 634 - Practicum in Mild/Moderate Disabilities 1-6 hrs.
SPE 644 - Practicum in Severe Disabilities 1-6 hrs.
SPE 654 - Practicum in Teaching Individuals with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 1-6 hrs.
SPE 664 - Practicum with Gifted Students 1-6 hrs.
SPE 680 - Advanced Practicum in Special Education 1-9 hrs.

Note:

Substitutions for required courses must be approved in advance and in writing by the graduate coordinator or the department chair. Transfer credit must have prior approval by the graduate coordinator or department chair. In addition to the above requirements, the individual must pass comprehensive examinations. Each student is allowed two attempts to pass comprehensive examinations. Each student should register with the department’s graduate secretary for comprehensive examinations, one to three months prior to the examination. It is the responsibility of the student to keep abreast of the dates and times of the comprehensive exams.