Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
Candidates seeking licensure in special education enroll in graduate coursework that prepares the candidate for initial teaching licensure in both K-12 Modified Special Education (mild disabilities) and K-12 Comprehensive Special Education (severe disabilities) OR PreK-3 Early Childhood Special Education.
Individuals who are not seeking special education licensure, but who are interested in obtaining an advanced degree in special education may elect to earn a master's degree through the Master of Education in Special Education degree, Advanced Practitioner Concentration.
The Special Education (SPED) Program offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) for the advanced preparation of personnel to serve children, youth, and adults who have disabilities. The program offers three concentrations:
Special Education Concentration [460/461]
This area of emphasis is designed to prepare students to teach students with mild to severe disabilities, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioral disorders, and moderate to severe mental retardation. Emphasis is placed on teaching students with a variety of needs within the context of the least restrictive environment, developing collaboration and consultation skills, incorporating assistive technology, and using curriculum-based assessment methods. The Special Education concentration prepares candidates for a Tennessee teaching license in modified and comprehensive special education (460/461).
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) [465]
This area of emphasis is designed to prepare individuals to teach young children (birth-8 years old) with disabilities and to work effectively with their families. This concentration prepares candidates for a Tennessee teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education.
Advanced Practitioner Concentration
This area of emphasis is designed to give individuals advanced training who are not seeking special education licensure or who do not wish to add another teaching endorsement. Beyond the 10 hours of Core requirements the remaining coursework in this option is based on the interests and needs of each student.
Graduate Admissions Standards
Applicants who meet the following criteria may be admitted unconditionally.
- Completion of all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
- Completion of the PRAXIS 1 exams in reading, writing, and math with a passing score or a professional education license.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Unconditional admission to the School of Graduate Studies does not
guarantee admission to the College of Education. Those who do not
meet the criteria may be admitted conditionally, with deficiencies
to be met as stipulated by the program faculty.
Initial Licensure in Special Education
Applicants who do not hold existing professional education licensure or special education licensure may be admitted conditionally. Unconditional admission will be awarded after successful completion of deficiency coursework. Deficiency coursework may be taken at either the graduate or undergraduate level. Deficiency coursework may not be applied toward requirements for completion of a master’s degree.
Those persons seeking initial licensure in special education who have a baccalaureate degree, but are not currently eligible for teacher licensure will follow the program of study designed to meet the state of Tennessee’s teacher licensure requirements for special education (SPED) or early childhood special education (ECSE).