<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Covering everything from assessment methods to special education resource management, the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education (non-licensure) program at the University of Arizona Global Campus provides an in-depth education designed to prepare future special education teachers, administrators, and advocates. In the area of specialization, you can expect to take courses addressing cultural diversity in special education settings, ethics and federal legislation in special education, program development and assessment strategies for students with mild to moderate disabilities, and collaborative efforts involved in the delivery of special education programs. One of the program's core courses provides an introductory overview of educating students with special needs, addressing influences on learning and behavior, privacy rights, laws, and patterns in individual learning progress. Core classes offer studies in differentiated instruction strategies, educational decision-making, educational technologies, and modern teaching and learning methodologies. For the project required in the two-part capstone, you'll get the opportunity to redesign an existing curriculum to address an educational challenge and create a digital portfolio. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You should hold a bachelor's degree, possibly in education or a related area, and have some teaching experience prior to entering this MA in Education program. It might be beneficial to have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, as special education professionals typically assess programs and students and work with a diverse student body as well as with administrators, other teachers, families, and community leaders. Applicants to the University of Arizona Global Campus should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must complete six courses and a two-part capstone totaling 24 credits as well as four specialization courses for 12 credits to earn this master's degree. To graduate, you must also possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>EDU 650</td><td> Teaching, Learning, and Leading in the 21st Century</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 692</td><td> Creativity, Culture, &amp; Global Contexts in Education Decision Making</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 673</td><td> Instructional Strategies for Differentiated Teaching &amp; Learning</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 645</td><td> Learning &amp; Assessment for the 21st Century</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 620</td><td> Meeting Individual Student Needs with Technology</td></tr> <tr><td>ESE 601</td><td> Students with Exceptionalities in the School Setting</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 694</td><td> Capstone I: Educational Research</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 696</td><td> Capstone II: Culminating Project</td></tr> </table><p><u>Special Education Specialization Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>EDU 647</td><td> Families, Communities &amp; Diversity</td></tr> <tr><td>ESE 603</td><td> Law &amp; Ethics in Special Education</td></tr> <tr><td>ESE 610</td><td> Assessment &amp; Evaluation of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>ESE 634</td><td> Education-Based Collaborative Relationships</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Having successfully completed the MA in Education in Special Education (non-licensure) program, you could explore instructional or administrative opportunities in this area in your current school or search for these opportunities in other public or private elementary, middle, or high schools. You could create special education lesson plans and curricula, evaluate and report on student progress, write up IEPs, analyze and implement assistive technologies, or collaborate with other professionals to create effective special education programs. In some cases, you might need to obtain the necessary licensure or certification. </p> <p>Roles you could be qualified to assume include: </p> <ul><li>Inclusion specialist </li><li>Behavior analyst </li><li>Special education coordinator </li><li>Special education course developer </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>A doctorate would be necessary after you've earned the MA degree in Education - Special Education should you wish to pursue more advanced administrative positions or teach education courses at the collegiate level. Research-focused doctoral degree programs in special education provide more in-depth studies in organizational leadership, program evaluation, adult learning theory, and behavioral analysis. </p> <p>Doctoral degree programs likely to be of interest include: </p> <ul><li>PhD in Special Education </li><li>Doctor of Education in Special Education </li><li>PhD in Educational Psychology - Special Education</li></ul>