Master's Degree in Special Education

The Master of Science Degree Program in Special Education is a single degree program with a choice of two options with third and fourth options going through the university and state approval processes during 2003-2004.

1. High Incidence Disabilities (LD, EBD, and MR; K-12)

2. Deaf and Hard of Hearing (PreK-12)

3. Early Childhood Special Education (proposed)

4. Severe Disabilities (proposed)

Program Requirements

Prerequisites

1. Hold or be eligible for teacher licensure by the Virginia Department of Education.

2. Hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in the Arts or Sciences, or a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum
of:

a. 12 semester hours of English/Humanities

b. 9 semester hours of Math/Statistics/Computer Science

c. 6 semester hours of Arts

d. 15 semester hours of Social Sciences

e. 12 semester hours of Science

AND

3. Admission to teacher education and take the following professional
education courses:

            EDUC 309         The School and the Student
                                     (Human Growth & Devel./Educ. Psy.)                3 sem. hrs.
           EDUC 320          Education in the United States (or EDEF 607- Found. of  Ed.) 3 sem. hrs.
           EDSP 430         Teacher Assistant Program                                 4 sem. hrs.

Admission Requirements

1. Submit an admission test score: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) no later than the first semester of enrollment. This test score will be used in combination with other indicators to predict success in graduate school.

Submit a copy of your Collegiate Professional License to teach in Virginia or Praxis I scores that meet passing scores in Virginia as noted below **

2. Have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall. Work experience may be considered for those students whose grade point average does not meet this minimum grade point average.

3. Submit three letters of reference from individuals who can address your potential for academic and professional success in the field of special education.

4. Submit an essay (typed, double-spaced, limited to three pages in length), that includes the following:

a. The special education option you are considering and what past experiences and interests influenced your decision to apply for this program.

b. Your short- and long-term goals and career aspirations as they relate to this program.

5. Be available for interview, preferably in person, or by phone if at a distance.

	Praxis I Passing Score (Paper & Pencil)	Praxis I Passing Score (Computer- based)
Mathematics	178	323
Reading	178	326
Writing	176	324

English Proficiency Examination - A graduate student in special education will, prior to the completion of 12 semester hours, demonstrate proficiency in written English as evaluated by the special education faculty. Special education students will write an extemporaneous essay on a selected topic. The time allotted will be one hour; a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 600 words is required.

Practica and Internships

The master’s degree candidate has the option of adding teacher licensure by completing a supervised practicum experience. These experiences are designed collaboratively by the student and the advisor.

Comprehensive Examination

Students must complete a written comprehensive examination at least one month prior to completion of their program of studies. The examination may include an oral follow-up examination.

Retention in the Program

Students must have a 3.0 GPA after 9 semester hours in the program, and the 3.0 average must be maintained. Students not having the necessary average will be dropped from the program and will not be allowed to take additional courses in Special Education. The successful completion of the written English proficiency examination prior to the conclusion of 12 semester hours is also required for regular status.

Students enrolled in professional education programs in special education must meet the academic standards and prerequisite coursework as presented in the Radford University Catalog. In addition to these criteria and in accordance with the University policy governing programs with field experiences, particular qualities of character and interpersonal skills which reflect general expectations for professional educators are required for a student to be admitted to and to be retained in field experience programs. Students will be expected to demonstrate the following academic, personal and professional characteristics: