The Master of Science in Special Education is designed to prepare candidates in the development of knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to impact services and supports to students with special needs. The program offers a broad range of opportunities for candidates to learn about special education litigation and legislation, medical conditions, assessment, behavior guidance, instructional strategies, and best practices in serving persons with disabilities and their families.
18 hours of the MSE meets the requirements for a graduate certificate in special education (P-4 or 4-12). Upon successful completion of the Praxis II, candidates will be eligible for an Arkansas license endorsement in Special Education Instructional Specialist, P-4 or 4-12.
With the exception of practicum, all courses are offered online.
Accreditations/Achievements: The master’s degree program in special education is designed to meet the performance standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the National Board for Professional Teaching (NBPTS).
Program Tracks: This single performance-based program contains two tracks designed in accordance with the January 2002 Arkansas Instructional Specialist licensure requirements: Collaborative Instructional Specialist Ages 0-8 Years and Collaborative Instructional Specialist Grades 4-12.
On-campus visit(s) required.
Program Requirements:
Admission into both the Ages 0-8 track and the Grades 4-12 track of the program will be selective and competitive. Contact the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education for specific application deadlines and course rotations.
1. In addition to the general application and GPA requirements of the UCA Graduate School, applicants must submit a valid standard Arkansas educator license. For Individuals who have an out-of-state educator license, contact the department at (501)450-3172.
2. With approval, a maximum of six hours may be transferred from another institution of higher education. These six hours must be approved by the department chair.
3. The Program of Study must be filed prior to completing 18 hours.
4. Students must complete Praxis II testing and submit documentation of score prior to completing 18 hours.
5. Participation in the Comprehensive Examination can only take place during the final semester of study.
6. Programs in the COE that lead to licensure relating to P-12 schools require a passing score on the appropriate Praxis exam(s) and satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the program area. Candidates cannot complete their program unless both of these criteria have been met.
*For more program details and additional admission requirements please request information below.
Program Contact:
B. Keith Lenz, PhD
Graduate Program Coordinator
(501) 450-5462
blenz1@uca.edu
CONTACT UCA ONLINE
ucaonline@uca.edu
(501) 852-UCAO (8226)