Special Education, M.Ed.

I. Contact Information

Mary Ann Demchak, Associate Dean/Professor, College of Education
(775) 682-7852
mad@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The M.Ed. in Special Education has six emphases that students may take depending upon the disability licensure area in which the student is interested. The six areas of emphasis available are:

• Generalist Emphasis
• Intellectual Disabilities: Moderate to Intense
• Advanced Studies in Learning and Behavior Disorders
• Autism and Related Disorders
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Advanced Studies in Behavioral Interventions 

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

The mission of the Special Education Program is to prepare master teachers and service providers who have a strong fund of knowledge, who engage in reflective practices, who love learning, and who value democracy and multiculturalism. All teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Outcomes at the master’s level are based on standards developed by the department and reflect those of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge of characteristics of individuals with disabilities and their learning environments, and curriculum content to develop appropriate instruction.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate assessment strategies, planning for, and delivery and management of instruction for individuals with disabilities.
3. Student will demonstrate the ability to understand research related to special education and to synthesize that research with an application to applied practice.

IV. Admission Requirements

For students who are not licensed Nevada teachers, licensure courses may be taken as part of a master’s degree. Contact the department for more information.

In addition to admission requirements specified by the department, applicants must be qualified in the professional judgment of the College of Education faculty.

V. Program Requirements

Specific curriculum requirements are adapted to the professional needs of the student. Students should not enroll in any graduate-level course without first securing the approval of the department that such a course is acceptable toward a selected major.

VI. Program Total Units (34 - 42 units)

• In order to earn the Master of Education degree in Special Education, students must complete 34-42 units.
• Students must choose between a thesis option and a non-thesis option. All students not writing a thesis, are required to take 1 unit of comprehensive examination or professional project.
• All degree candidates are required to complete a research course.
• A maximum of six graduate units of S/U grades may be applied toward a master’s degree requiring at least 32 semester units.