If you are interested in working with exceptional students, whether in a general education setting, as a support specialist or as a student advocate, earning an advanced degree in special education will provide the knowledge and skills you will need to succeed.
Youngstown State University offers two online master’s degrees in special education — Intervention Specialist Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Autism and Related Disabilities. Both programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meet the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Each course in these programs focuses on the needs of individuals with exceptionalities as they navigate life through the school system and into adulthood. They are taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus classes. Upon completion, you will be well-versed in the issues and trends in special education, allowing you to effectively teach and advocate for exceptional individuals.
Master of Science in Education – Special Education – Intervention Specialist Mild/Moderate Disabilities
At YSU, one special education track is the Master of Science in Education – Special Education – Intervention Specialist Mild/Moderate Disabilities. In this program, you will study the characteristics and behaviors of exceptional individuals, incorporating strategies best suited to reach their potential in grades K-12 and transition successfully from school to adult life. Coursework topics include assessing learners to evaluate progress; customizing learning, curriculum, communication and social needs to students’ unique abilities; and developing classroom management strategies that help educators work efficiently and productively. You will also learn how to write, monitor and adjust IEP goals to guide and track academic and behavior-related goals.
In addition, the program examines the rigorous standards essential to the development of compelling curriculum that can meet the needs of all learners and thoroughly explores the ethical, legal and professional guidelines of educational models. Career opportunities that open up for graduates of this program include intervention specialist, resource teacher, or special education support administrator. No teaching license is required to enter this program. Students can complete this program in as few as 12 months with 30 credit hours at a cost of $12,450 for total tuition.
Master of Science in Education – Special Education – Autism and Related Disabilities
If you would like to become a strong advocate for students affected by autism and related disabilities, the Master of Science in Education – Special Education – Autism and Related Disabilities online program from YSU will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to be a dynamic teacher, leader and decision-maker. In this 30-credit-hour program, which can be completed in as few as 14 months, students learn evidence-based methods and practices that help individuals with exceptionalities to be successful in academic settings while meeting their social-emotional behavior needs.
Techniques you will study during the program include learning to analyze learners using the principles and theories of human development, as well as developing your assessment skills and using them to customize approaches to learning. You will develop skills in technology adaptations, classroom management strategies, action research, and how to write, monitor and adjust IEP goals to inform academic and behavior-related goals. This clear focus on current trends and best practices in special education will prepare you to assume a position as intervention specialist, special education teacher, learning support teacher, or exceptional student education teacher (ESE Teacher). Your professional expertise regarding legal issues and federal requirements will give you clear parameters in partnering with parents and other educators to help individuals transition to adulthood and navigate the demands of community and work life.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s Master of Science in Education – Special Education programs.
Sources:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
