Special Education: Adapted Curriculum

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree for Professional Development or Added Endorsement is offered for practicing teachers who already possess initial licensure and is designed to provide opportunities for continuing professional development, master’s level licensure for teachers and other school personnel, or endorsements in teaching or administration. Students in these programs must possess a collegiate professional or postgraduate professional Virginia license.

This program is designed for individuals who hold a Virginia teaching license who want to pursue a degree and added licensure in Special Education.

Admission Requirements

Three years of experience as a licensed teacher;
Submit a completed application for admission;
Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work;
Have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university;
Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher on undergraduate course work and 3.0 or higher on graduate course work;
Provide a résumé outlining work experience and education;
Provide verification of the collegiate professional or postgraduate professional license;
Submit two essays.

An interview, initiated by the Admissions Committee, may be required as part of the admission process

Program Course Sequence

Required Graduate Courses:

EDCI 580 Introduction to Research (3 credits)
EDCI 590 Individual Research (3 credits)
INDT 531 Emerging and Assistive Technology (3 credits)
EDSE 531 Survey of Special Education: Characteristics and Legal Issues (3 credits)*
EDSE 533 Positive Approaches to Behavior Management (3 credits)*
EDSE 534 Assessment, Evaluation, and Instructional Planning (3 credits)*
EDSE 535 Collaborative Consultation and Transition Planning (3 credits)*
EDSE 537 Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
EDSE 538 Methods for Teaching & Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
EDSE 539 Characteristics of Students Accessing an Adapted Curriculum (3 credits)*
EDSE 541 Goals and Practices for Students Accessing an Adapted Curriculum (3 credits)*
EDCI 551 Internship for Added Teaching Endorsement (3 credits) – May be waived with appropriate experience.*

*Required courses for the graduate endorsement pathway in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum offered for candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree and a valid Virginia collegiate professional or a postgraduate professional license, and who wish to only pursue the endorsement. A minimum of 21 credits are required, as the courses are part of an endorsement program that has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education. EDCI 507 Early Literacy and Language Development is also required but will be waived for elementary teachers as an equivalent course was part of their initial endorsement program.

Documents, Deadlines & Policies

Graduate Admissions

Checksheet

Program Policies: Graduate Program Catalog

Questions about the program, contact:

Dr. April Brecht
Director of Advising Center Services
Phone: (540) 286-8032
Email: abrecht@umw.edu

Special Education