Special Education, M.Ed. (General Curriculum P-12)

Contact: Katherine Zimmer
Office: ED 426
Phone: (470) 578-3297
Fax: (470) 578-9108
Email: kzimme10@kennesaw.edu
Web address:  http://bagwell.kennesaw.edu/majors-programs/online-programs/online-special-education/

This is a fully online option for M.Ed. with a major in Special Education: General Curriculum. This program enrolls a new cohort of experienced general education teachers each summer. It is structured so cohort candidates complete the 36 credit-hour master’s degree program in six semesters (two years). 

No on-campus attendance is required. Online coursework is taught by graduate faculty utilizing technology to provide synchronous and/or asynchronous content delivery, feedback, and supervision as candidates complete field experience at their current work setting.

The online master’s degree with a major in Special Education: General Curriculum prepares candidates to serve students with disabilities in inclusive settings in P-12 schools. Three electives are included in the program to provide content delivery for candidates’ individual interests (e.g., autism, preschool special education, reading, and English to speakers of other languages). Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to serve students with disabilities in a variety of teaching and leadership roles.

The program meets the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards and the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

General Requirements for Admission to Master of Education in Special Education General Curriculum:

• Online Graduate Application-There is a non-refundable $60 application fee. 
• Transcripts-Official transcripts from EACH College and/or University you have attended. Must be in sealed envelopes from the institution.
• Evidence of teaching Certification in any P-12 area or departmental approval.
• Personal Statement-Your statement can be uploaded into the online application. The statement should be 1-2 pages and address your professional training and interests, the nature of your professional experiences and specific issues you plan to address during the pursuit of your Masters degree.
• Personal Resume-Your resume can be uploaded into the online application. It should document education, teaching experience, community service, and your record of leadership.
• Two Personal Letters of Recommendation-Please do not use the online recommendation system. Your letters should be on letterhead and from sources that can address your success in teaching and ability for success in graduate study and commitment to student achievement.
• Interview-A personal, phone or SKYPE interview may be required. Candidates will be contacted by the program if an interview is needed.

* Please note: International Students (Visa and Green Card Holders) Please visit KSU’s International Graduate Admissions site for additional requirements.

Full Standing

Applicants who meet all admission requirements including all of the above criteria will be reviewed for admission to full standing in a degree program. The review will be made by the program admission committee in June for admission to cohort beginning in the fall semester and will consider all application materials in assessing the applicant’s potential for success in the program.

Transfer Credit

Graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions must be evaluated and approved by the program coordinator or department chair. A maximum of nine semester hours of transfer credit (with grades of “B” or higher) may be applied toward a degree program. No courses will be accepted for transfer credit if they are more than five years old at the time of evaluation. Transfer credit includes all course work accepted into the M.Ed. program prior to admission in full standing (maximum nine semester hours), whether earned at another institution or at Kennesaw State University.

Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for completion of a Special Education M.Ed. include:

1. completion of a minimum of 36 hours of approved graduate course work;
2. completion of a minimum of 27 semester hours of the minimum 36 hours in full standing at Kennesaw State University;
3. an earned cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in all graduate course work at Kennesaw State University with no more than two C’s in coursework toward this degree;
4. successful completion of INED 7955, a capstone advocacy project.

Petition to Graduate

Each M.Ed. candidate must submit a Petition to Graduate at least one semester prior to completion of program requirements. The process for petitioning to graduate can be found here: http://registrar.kennesaw.edu/graduation/petitioning.php

Program of Study

All candidates for the Special Education MEd will complete an approved program of 36 semester hours of graduate course work.