Education (Mild/Moderate Disabilities), M.Ed. (30 hrs)

Location(s): 100% Online

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Program Overview

The objective of the Master of Education in Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12 is to prepare students to effectively and compassionately work with children and youth in elementary and high school through a comprehensive array of special education courses. These courses are highly recommended for teachers working with students with disabilities such as learning disabilities, developmentally delayed, visual impairments, hearing impairments, autism, mild intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, and other health impairments. Courses are pertinent to both special education teachers and general education teachers who work with students with special needs. Prospective graduates have the opportunity to master specialized teaching techniques and become more marketable in future educational endeavors.

The program consists of 30 hours and is offered online. Students completing this degree earn a Class AA license with a 7-12 endorsement in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and, depending upon the directed electives chosen, can earn an additional endorsement in Gifted Studies or Severe/Profound Disabilities. Students who want an expanded K-12 license, must complete nine hours of literacy courses and pass the Foundations of Reading exam stipulated by MDE.

Goals and Objectives

The M.Ed. in mild and moderate disabilities offers a curriculum which provides opportunities to prepare confident, caring, and reflective educators by

earning academic credentials that may allow them to advance in the chosen field of employment;
experiencing personal growth and understanding through in-depth study in the area of mild/moderate disabilities;
expanding the students’ Christian values through coursework and campus activities;
broaden their knowledge base in special education; and
becoming professional leaders in their chosen discipline and area of certification.

Graduate Outcomes

The student will demonstrate the ability to professionally critique and summarize current research.
The student will identify and evaluate the sections of an IEP.
The student will exhibit skills in analyzing client-based interventions.

Program Admission Requirements

Complete an online application for Graduate school and pay the fee
Submit all official transcripts electronically to the university
Applicants must have a GPA > 2.5 on the last 64 hours of undergraduate work or a cumulative GPA > 2.5
Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Hold or qualify to hold a Class A teacher’s license and provide a copy
Provide two recommendations from current or past supervisors

Transfer Credit

A maximum of six hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. All transfer courses must be approved prior to degree application.

Program Progression Requirements

Maintain a GPA > 3.0 with no grade less than a ‘C’ and complete all requirements within six years of program admission.
Refer to Academic Regulations in this catalog for additional program progression and graduation requirements.

Program of Study (30 hrs)

Professional Education (6 hrs)

EDU 6200 - Teacher as Researcher 3 hrs
Select 1 course.
EDU 6400 - Curriculum Planning 3 hrs
EDU 6530 - Curricula Development for the Gifted 3 hrs

Mild / Moderate Disabilities Concentration (18 hrs)

Electives (6 hrs)

Select 2 graduate courses with faculty advisor approval.

Program Requirements and Professional Licensure Disclosure

Teacher education programs at William Carey University are designed to meet the professional competency standards for licensure in Mississippi. William Carey University cannot determine whether any program leads to licensure in any state other than Mississippi. It is recommended that students who intend to seek licensure in another state verify that their program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements.

Further, the Mississippi Department of Education establishes and maintains state licensure requirements, policies, and procedures, which supersede requirements listed in this catalog. Mandatory changes to this program of study will be communicated to the student through the School of Education.

Refer to the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure (http://mdek12.org/OEL) for the most current licensure requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.