Special Education M.Ed.—with Concentration in Exceptional Learning Needs

Admission Requirements

1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
3. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all undergraduate course work.
4. Three Candidate Reference Forms accompanied by three letters of recommendation.
5. A Performance-Based Evaluation.
6. An essay describing the candidate’s commitment to special education, cultural awareness, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
7. An M.Ed. in Special Education in Exceptional Learning Needs requires Rhode Island certification in Special Education.
8. An interview may be required.

Course Requirements

Program Elective

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
	ONE COURSE in multicultural perspectives, chosen with advisor’s consent	3

Professional Education Component

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 458	STEM for Diverse Learners: Intensive Intervention	4	Fall, Spring.
SPED 503	Positive Behavior Interventions: Students with Disabilities	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 505	Oral and Written Language: Classroom Intervention	3	Spring (as needed).
SPED 518	Literacy Instruction: Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities	4	Spring.
SPED 534	Involvement of Parents and Families Who Have Children with Disabilities	3	Fall, Spring.
SPED 648	Interpreting and Developing Research in Special Education	3	Fall.

CHOOSE A or B below

A. Autism Education

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 561	Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 563	Curriculum and Methodology: Students with Autism	3	Spring (as needed).
SPED 564	Building Social and Communication Skills	3	Spring (as needed).

B. Specialized Study in Special Education

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
	THREE COURSES approved by program advisor.	8-9

Comprehensive Assessment

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
CA	Comprehensive Assessment	0

Total Credit Hours: 31-32