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.
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.
