Special Education, M.A.: Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Option

Megan Mahoney, M.A., BCBA, Program Coordinator

Office: HH-311

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Option Description

The Master of Arts in Special Education, Learning and Behavioral Disabilities provides students with an in-depth background in working with students who are learning disabled and/or have emotional/behavioral disabilities. Students learn about the physiological causes of learning disabilities, enabling them to gain a more holistic perspective of their students. Students plan, implement, and assess instruction for individuals with learning disabilities in their clinical experience in an approved field site

Coursework actively involves students in critical thinking activities, where they examine and analyze theories and practices in teaching students in this domain, with a strong emphasis on best practices in behavior management.

Students may apply to receive New Jersey Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities after the completion of the required 21 credits.

Prerequisites

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

• New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing or Standard

Degree Requirements

• 36 credits (without co-requisite); 39 credits (with co-requisite)
• Two semesters of advanced seminar
• Professional Development Portfolio

Required Courses 18

SPED 5005	FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION	3
SPED 5020	EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5050	ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION	3
SPED 5023	TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5024	DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION IN THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM	3
SPED 5068	TRANSITION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION	3

SPED 5005: Waived for students certified in Special Education

SPED 5005, SPED 5020, SPED 5050, SPED 5023, SPED 5024, SPED 5068: Courses must be completed to apply for NJ Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. In addition, one concentration course (in selected area), must be completed for NJ Certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities. The targeted course is SPED 5410.

Concentration: Learning Disabilities 9

SPED 5410	LEARNING AND BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES AND LITERACY	3
SPED 5412	LEARNING STRATEGIES: TEACHING THE STUDENT WITH LEARNING AND BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5000	PHYSIOLOGICAL BASES OF LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR	3

Electives 3

One elective, either from another option, from offered electives in the Special Education Graduate Program, or from another subject, with advisor approval

Research 9

SPED 5197	PROBLEMS AND ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH	3
SPED 5198	ADVANCED SEMINAR I: RESEARCH IN SPECIAL EDUCATION	3
SPED 5199	ADVANCED SEMINAR: RESEARCH IN SPECIAL EDUCATION II	3

Note: SPED 5197 must be taken prior to SPED 5198-99

Total Credit Hours: 36-39