The graduate programs in special education include a choice of emphasis in the areas of mental retardation, behavior disorders (emotional disturbance), learning disabilities, severe disabilities and for early childhood developmental risk. The early childhood/developmental risk program results in licensure and endorsement for special education (birth-age 5) and elementary education (PreK-3).
Students completing specially approved programs may obtain licensure in more than one area of emphasis (e.g., learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior disorders, and severe disabilities and early childhood education). All programs include a component on the inclusion of learners with special needs in general education programs. Students in the M.T. initial licensure program must select two endorsements from LD, MR or ED.
Graduate study at the master’s level provides a program for those persons whose professional aspirations are oriented toward the instruction of exceptional children. It also provides preparation for students wanting to pursue a post-master’s program at the education specialist or doctoral levels. All students in the master’s program participate in practicum experiences selected according to their needs and interests.
The purpose of the doctoral program is to provide experiences that require the highest order of scholarship, research ability, creativity, and initiative. It is designed to prepare leadership personnel to function as highly professional special educators in more than one of the following roles: university or college instructors, researchers, administrators, and supervisors of programs for children with disabilities.
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