MASTER OF ARTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Master of Arts in Special Education is an individually designed professional degree in an area of emphasis. This degree provides advanced knowledge in Special Education and emphasizes research and leadership skills within a selected program of study. Programs within the department provide students with an opportunity to learn and participate in scholarly research, demonstration, training, and clinical projects with faculty. Coursework completed prior to, or concurrently with, Education Specialist or Clinical Rehabilitative Services credentials may be applied to the degree emphasis (Special Education and Related Studies components), with approval of graduate program advisor.

Graduate study requires application and admission to the department and university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for admission to the master’s degree. Refer to the department application for additional application requirements.

• Master's Course Requirements
• Written English Proficiency Requirement
• Master's Comprehensive Written Examination
• Continuing Enrollment Requirement

— AREAS OF EMPHASIS —

EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION: Study of skills to successfully facilitate the development of young children with disabilities, from birth to 5 years, including providing culturally-competent family-centered services through an interdisciplinary approach.

GUIDE DOG MOBILITY: Note: Applications for Guide Dog Mobility program not accepted at this time, program on hold.
Resources located at the campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. Instructor training to teach people who are blind to travel by using specially trained dog guides, Professional roles, evaluation and follow-up services covered in a variety of settings, including guide dog schools that provide residential training and/or in-home instruction.

MILD / MODERATE DISABILITIES: Study of specific learning disabilities, mild to moderate cognitive impairments, and emotional and behavioral disturbance, both in school and outside of school contexts.

MODERATE / SEVERE DISABILITIES: Program includes topics in autism, deaf-blindness, moderate to severe mental retardation, multiple disabilities, and serious emotional disturbance. Curriculum development and instructional practices in multiple natural environments are stressed.

ORIENTATION & MOBILITY: Professional preparation to teach skills of independent travel to people who have visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, from birth through senior years. Study includes skills of independent travel for indoor and outdoor environments; orientation; sensory and motor development; concept development; daily living skills; use of low vision and electronic travel devices in travel.

PHYSICAL & HEALTH IMPAIRMENTS: Program includes topics in orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, multiple disabilities, and traumatic brain injury of children, youth and adults. Study emphasizes augmentative and alternative communication, assistive technology, literacy and collaborative teaming.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: Curriculum covers assessment, independent living skills, Braille, technology, and other rehabilitative tools for diverse populations of students who are blind or have low vision. Topics address collaboration, working with families and individual differences.