Overview
The Master of Education in Special Education programme promotes excellence in the field of Special Education. It equips teachers and other professionals with advanced knowledge and an array of specialized skills for managing students with exceptionalities. The programme also empowers participants for professional practice and responsible leadership as they embrace learners with a range of learning needs from varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Graduates of this programme will be highly motivated to revolutionize the field of Special Education as they enable all students to lead meaningful lives.
Programme Outcomes
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Use knowledge of content and special education strategies to develop lessons for learners with diverse abilities
- Develop positive behaviour support plans to meet the needs of exceptional students and their families
- Advocate for and on behalf of individuals with exceptionalities to attract social, educational and personal benefits comparable to those of their peers without exceptionalities
- Exhibit ethical values which are desirable for special educators
Mode of Delivery
The programme is delivered fully online. Online delivery is both synchronous and asynchronous. Classes are conveniently scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Duration of Study & Credit Load
The programme is scheduled to be completed in twenty-four (24) months. Trained graduates complete 42 credits and Pre-trained graduates complete 43 credits.
Entry Requirements
In order to pursue the Master of Education in Special Education, candidates must:
Either:
Satisfy the School’s requirements for normal matriculation:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from an accredited institution
- A GPA of at least 3.0
Note: Depending on the results of the transcript review, participants may be required to complete pre-requisite courses.
OR
Satisfy the School’s requirements for lower-level matriculation
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related area. Entry via lower-level matriculation is subject to evaluation/approval by the Academic Board and the candidates may be offered provision entry until pre-requisite courses have been completed.
- A GPA of at least 3.0
Prospective students, will be interviewed by a panel from the Graduate School of Education as part of the application process.
Courses in the Programme
Prerequisites
- Introduction to Special Education
- Special Education: Foundation and Framework
- Differentiating Instructions: Strategies for Effective Classroom Practice
Year 1 Semester 1
- ZPSE5201 Foundations of Education 2
- ZCIT6101 Critical Issues and Trends in Special Education
- ZCSC1101 The Curriculum in Special Education Contexts
Year 1 Semester 2
- ZAGS6101 Advanced Educational Assessment in Special Education
- ZCCS6101 Consultation and Collaboration in Special Education
- Elective 1
Year 1 Semester 3
- ZIMT6101 Instructional Technologies for Learners with Special Needs
- Elective 2
Year 2 Semester 1
- ZRPE6101 Research Methods in Special Education
- ZSBMI6101 Advanced Behaviour Management and Intervention
- Elective 3
Year 2 Semester 2
- ZPRC5101 Practicum (4 credits for Non-Special Education trained teachers. 3 Credits for Special Education trained teachers)
- ZMST6101 Thesis
Year 2 Semester 3
- ZMST6101 Thesis cont’d
Electives (Choose Any Three Courses)
- ZLED5101 Learning Disabilities – An Overview
- ZSLD5101 Specific Learning Disabilities – Language-based, Non-verbal and Mathematics
- ZSED5101 Severe Disabilities – An Overview
- ZASD6101 Autism Spectrum Disorders – An Introduction
- ZISP6101 Teaching Students in the Inclusive Secondary Classroom