Master of Education in Special Education

Graduate Program Director & Advising Coordinator
Dr. Donald Moores
Program Director, Deaf Education
donald.moores@unf.edu
(904) 620-1824
Building 57, Room 3514
Dr. Janice Seabrooks-Blackmore
Program Director, Exceptional Student Education/Disability Services/Autism
janice.seabrooks-blackmore@unf.edu
(904) 620-5747
Building 57, Room 3507
ADMISSIONS
Application InformationApplications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer terms. Please note, the GRE is required regardless of GPA.
Application DeadlinesFall Term . . . . . . . . August 1
Spring Term . . . . . December 1
Summer Term . . . March 15
Admission Requirements

University requirements: 

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.

Additional program requirements: 

  1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions
  2. GRE scores taken within the last 5 years. All portions (verbal, quantitative, and writing) are required.
  3. Three letters of recommendation indicating:
    • applicant's academic background
    • aptitude for graduate work
    • applicant's capabilities for future performance and scholarship
    • At least one letter from a college/university professor is preferred. 
  4. Written statement of 500-1000 words that includes the following information:
    • reasons for seeking admission into the M.Ed. in Special Education program
    • professional goals
    • how the program will help attain goals 

Candidates seeking admission to a state approved educator preparation programs must demonstrate mastery of general knowledge for admission to the program by providing passing scores of the GK, CLAST, NTE or GRE exams.

 

Students should be aware that admission into any graduate program is granted on a competitive basis. Students meeting minimum requirements may be denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion. Likewise, students may be considered for admission as an exception if stated admissions criteria are not met.

 

THE PROGRAM
Program Overview

 

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to prepare professionals to work with individuals with exceptionalities in the areas of behavioral assessment and interventions and for those seeking the content area preparation for the behavior analyst certification board examination. The program consists of 36 semester hours that include prerequisites, core, major requirements, and electives.

 

Autism

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Autism, is designed to meet the needs of professionals who serve children with autism in a school setting or in a cognate area of administration. The program consists of 36 semester hours that includes core and major requirements. Individuals may apply to the Florida Department of Education for the autism endorsement after completing the courses in the Autism Concentration area of the program of studyDeaf Education.

 

Deaf Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Initial Certification for the Hearing Impaired, is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in obtaining their initial Florida Certification in Deaf Education. The program consists of 85 semester hours that include prerequisites, core and major requirements. The amount of prerequisite course work will depend on the individual students educational background and ranges from 18 to 48 hours. The program is approved by the Florida Department of Education.

 

Disability Services

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Disability Services, is designed to meet the needs of professionals who serve individuals with disabilities in a school setting or in a cognate area of administration. The program consists of 36 semester hours that includes core and major requirements. This program does not carry any additional endorsements.

 

Exceptional Student Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with the focus on Initial Certification for Exceptional Student Education, is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in obtaining their initial Florida Certification in Special Education. The program consists of 75 semester hours that include prerequisites, core and major requirements. The amount of prerequisite course work will depend on the individual students educational background and ranges from 18 to 32 hours. The program is approved by the Florida Department of Education.

Concentrations Offered
  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Autism
  • Deaf Education
  • Disability Services
  • Exceptional Student Education
Special Notes about the Program

This is one of the few programs in the country with the breadth of offerings it provides. 

 

Certificate programs offered with Special Education are not eligible for financial aid except for students pursuing their initial teacher certification. Please visit the Financial Aid website for more information regarding eligibility.  

 

 

 

INFORMATION
AccreditationNCATE -- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
FLDOE -- Florida Department of Education
For Deaf Education: CED -- Council on Education of the Deaf
Curriculum & RequirementsApplied Behavior Analysis Curriculum
Autism Curriculum
Deaf Education Curriculum
Exceptional Student Education Curriculum
Disability Services Curriculum
Total Program
Credit Hours		36-42
Average Length
of the Program		Two years
Approximate Enrollment60
Career PossibilitiesCareer Services Information