Special Education

Overview

Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change, or preparation for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or education) to be successful in the master's degree, however, should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

• The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.

• The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students  work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.

• The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.

• The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.

• The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities

• The Transition to Work concentration focuses on needs of students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Special Education program from Kent State University will be able to:

• Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.

• Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.

• Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.

• Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.

• Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., transition-to work, mild/moderate, deaf education).