GRADUATE
SPECIAL EDUCATION School of Education • Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
Special Education Graduate Programs Offered at SIUE The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders offers three program options that lead to the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in special education, as well as one post-master’s option. Candidates may choose from these options: • M.S.Ed. with emphasis in Professional Development in Special Education This program is designed for graduate students who have a teaching certificate in special or general education and are seeking advanced professional development in special education. It consists of 24 hours of core courses and 9 hours of electives to be determined by the candidate and his/her advisor. This option does not lead to initial or advanced certification in special education. • M.S.Ed. - Learning Behavior Specialist II This program is designed for graduate students who have a current teaching certificate in special education (LBS I) and are seeking an advanced certificate (LBSII) in curriculum adaptation. The program consists of 36 hours of core courses. • M.S.Ed. - 2nd Certificate in Special Education This program is for candidates who hold a current teaching certificate in an area other than special education who are seeking LBS I certification. Potential candidates must apply for an evaluation for a subsequent certificate through the Office of Clinical Experiences Certification and Advisement (O.C.E.C.A.) in addition to completing the standard application for admission to the Graduate School. The program consists of 36 hours of core courses. • Post Master’s Program: Subsequent Certificate in Special Education This program is for candidates who already have a master’s degree and hold a current teaching certificate in an area other than special education, but are now seeking LBSI certification. The program consists of 24 hours of core courses.
Overview
The Master of Science in education, with an emphasis in special education, provides practicing teachers with an opportunity to expand their ability to serve students with special learning needs. Graduate program options allow teachers from other disciplines to obtain initial certification in special education and special education teachers to increase their expertise and obtain advanced certification.
Faculty Allison J. Fahsl, Ph.D. 2001, Oklahoma State University
Anthony M. Denkyirah, Ph.D. 2003, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Linda L. Forbringer, Ph.D. 2003, Saint Louis University
Wendy W. Fuchs, Ph.D. 2008, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Susanne James, Ph.D. 2011, University of Kansas
Stacie M. Kirk, Ph.D. 2006, University of Kansas
Craig A. Miner, Ph.D. 1994, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Phil M. Weishaar, Ph.D. 1984, Saint Louis University Faculty listing current as of September 2013
Why Special Education?
Special educators provide a critical service to students with disabilities, their families, and the school system. It is a dynamic field that offers a variety of challenging and rewarding opportunities.
Continued ...
siue.edu/specialeducation/graduate
Curriculum
Career Outlook
The minimum number of semester hours required to complete each of the special education degree programs for the Master of Science in Education is 36, not to include any courses at the 400 level. In some instances, additional hours may be required; these hours are determined in a conference between the student and the assigned graduate faculty advisor. Requirements for completing the 3 M.S.Ed. options are as follows:
How to Apply
M.S.Ed. with emphasis in Professional Development in Special Education • General Professional Core (9 hours): EPFR 502, 515, 520 or 521 • Special Education Core (15 hours) SPE 511, 514, 515, 522, 523 • Electives (9 hours) • Final Project (3 hours) SPE 595, which includes completion of an action research project and oral presentation. Preliminary planning of this project is initiated in EPFR 502. M.S.Ed. - Learning Behavior Specialist II • General Professional Core (9 hours): EPFR 502, 515, 520 or 521 • Special Education Core (24 hours) SPE 506, 511, 514, 515, 516, 522, 524, 540 • Final Project (3 hours) SPE 595, which includes completion of an action research project and oral presentation. Preliminary planning of this project is initiated in EPFR 502. M.S.Ed. - 2nd Certificate in Special Education • General Professional Core (9 hours): EPFR 502, 515, 520 or 521 • Special Education Core (24 hours) SPE 502, 506, 511, 514, 516, 522, 523, 540 • Final Project (3 hours) SPE 595, which includes completion of an action research project and oral presentation. Preliminary planning of this project is initiated in EPFR 502.
There is a growing need for special educators nationwide, and that growth is anticipated to continue in the years to come. Special education teachers are currently considered a teacher shortage area in Illinois. Effective February 15, 2011, all Graduate applications will be completed electronically. Consult the Graduate School website at: siue.edu/graduate. General requirements for admission to graduate study at the master’s level in special education are the same as those of the Graduate School. Applicants must hold a current initial teaching certificate in special, elementary or secondary education to be admitted. Candidates seeking a second teaching certificate must also complete an application through the Office of Clinical Experience, Certification and Advisement, located in Founders Hall Room 1110. Once accepted into the Graduate School, each candidate is assigned a faculty advisor, and is required to meet with that assigned advisor as soon as possible after notification of admission to discuss the candidate’s official program of study.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete an action research project while enrolled in SPE 595 and attain a grade of at least a B to pass. Candidates seeking the LBS I as a second certificate must pass the cross-categorical special education test (test code #155), general curriculum test (test code #163) and K-12 APT test (test code #104) prior to certificate entitlement. For candidates seeking the advanced LBS II certificate the learning behavior specialist II exam must be passed prior to graduation and certificate entitlement.
Academic Advising Information
Students admitted to the program are assigned a faculty advisor who will assist them with their programs and registration.
Contact Information
Dr. Linda Forbringer Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders Campus Box 1147 Edwardsville, IL 62026-1147 Phone: 618.650.3493 or 618.650.5423
[email protected]
Post Master’s Program: Subsequent Certificate in Special Education • Special Education Core (24 hours) SPE 502, 506, 511, 514, 516, 522, 523, 540
This information is current as of October 2013. Courses and information are subject to change at any time.
siue.edu/specialeducation/graduate
