College of Education
Master of Art in Special Education
Low Incidence Disabilities
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Dr. Beverly Kling
Hennings Hall (HH) room 312
(908) 737-3845
bkling@kean.edu
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Arts in Special Education, Low Incidence Disabilities Option includes two concentrations: Developmental Disabilities and Preschool Disabled. Students with Developmental Disabilities are those individuals who have more severe disabilities, such as cognitive defects, autism or other disabilities. Preschool Disabled are students with disabilities who are ages three to five years of age. The program provides students with an in-depth background in working with students who are either developmentally disabled or preschool disabled. Coursework actively involves students in critical thinking activities, where they examine and analyze theories and practices in teaching students in this domain. . Students may apply to receive New Jersey certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities after the completion of the required 21 credits.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the University's admission requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 from most recent degree
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores
- New Jersey Instructional Certificate (in most cases)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Departmental interview may be required
- Writing sample may be required
- PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- 36 credits without co-requisite; 39 credits with co-requisite
- Master’s Thesis
- Comprehensive examination
- Professional Development Portfolio
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
CO-REQUISITE
SPED 5005 Foundations in Special Education (waived for students certified in the field of special education and students who have approved, introductory prerequisite course)
REQUIRED COURSES 24 credits (without co-requisite)
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 5197 Problems and Issues in Special Education Research** 3
SPED 5198 Advanced Seminar in Special Education I 3
SPED 5199 Advanced Seminar in Special Education II 3
Concentration A: Developmental Disabilities – 9 credits
SPED 5701 Assessment of Students with Developmental Disabilities* 3
SPED 5702 programming and Functional Literacy for Students with Developmental Disabilities* 3
SPED 5704 Basic Applied Behavior Analysis and Developmental Disabilities 3
Concentration B: Preschool Disabled – 9 credits
SPED 5417 Assessment of Preschoolers with Disabilities 3
SPED 5530 Programming and Emergent Literacy for Preschoolers with Disabilities* 3
SPED 5250 Educational Counseling for Parents of Handicapped 3
Elective – 3 credits
One elective, either from another option, from offered electives in the Special Education Graduate Program, or from another subject, with advisor approval. 3
*These courses must be completed to apply for NJ certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities
** SPED 5197 must be taken prior to SPED 5198-5199
TOTAL 36 CREDITS
(without co-requisite)