Master of Arts in Special Education

Program Description

This 36-hour degree plan is designed for individuals who are seeking board certification in behavior analysis.  Students have the option of earning an MA (thesis) or MA (nonthesis).  The MA (thesis) option requires successful completion of a master's thesis defense. The MA (nonthesis) requies successful completion of a research project or literature review. The degree plan originates in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Populations. The candidate must successfully complete a departmental comprehensive examination. Candidates must be enrolled in coursework during the semester they take comprehensive examinations.

Admissions

To be regularly admitted to the graduate school, applicants must submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application
2. Application fee
3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate (Note: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in undergraduate and graduate work is expected)

NOTE: Candidates may be permitted to enroll for one semester while their admission file is incomplete.

Applicants with completed files are reviewed for regular admission by graduate faculty in each program area and are selected by faculty based on information in the completed file.

Applicants must submit to the Department of Language, Literacy and Special Populations:

1. Two letters of recommendations (the form is available from the LLSP Office)
2. Acceptable writing sample

The early deadline for applications is January 10th. The final deadline for applications is March 10th. Applications are reviewed for Fall semester start dates only.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts in Special Education (Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism Program)

Master of Arts in Special Education (Post Master's Degree Program)

Students with a master's degree in a related field who complete the following courses will be eligible to sit for the Behavior Analysis Board Certification Exam.