Special Education with Certificate and Autism Endorsement, M.S.

(Effective January 1st, 2013)

General Description

This Master of Science in Special Education is for the certified teacher who desires to add a special education teaching certificate PK-8 with an Autism Endorsement. (33 credits)

 Overview and Mission

Neumann University’s graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Education with Certificate and Autism Endorsement is consistent with, and driven by, the University’s Mission Statement. Specific Tracks within the program enable graduate students to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills which are designed to prepare them to assume the role of instructional leaders of their schools. By analyzing cutting-edge pedagogical theory and applying interpretations of that theory to teaching practices, graduate students become master teachers, i.e., educators who know and show others how to orchestrate assessment, diversity, technique, and technology within the context of contemporary education. The goal of this program degree is to instill the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes of master teachers in professional educators. Hence, each track within this program prepares educators to become classroom innovators and school role models.

Program Design and Outcomes

The Master of Science in Education contains multiple tracks, each of which is designed to provide the graduate student with coursework to address a designated career goal.

Successful graduates of Neumann University’s Master of Science in Education will be able to:

• Participate in curriculum development projects.
• Supervise cooperating teacher positions.
• Assume department head activities.
• Engage in mentoring roles in professional instruction programs.
• Pursue further study at the doctoral level in curriculum, instruction, and technology.
• Represent contemporary best practices in classroom teaching.
• Successfully orchestrate strategies and techniques in culturally diverse classrooms.
• Articulate the concerns and capabilities of educators dedicated to the pursuit of a teaching career in a pluralistic society.
• Comprehend the relationship between the pedagogical objectives of the school and the abundant range of skills, talents, and interests of a diverse community of learners.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses are eligible for entrance to the Master of Science in Education Program, subject to the approval of the Program Director.  Acceptance is on a competitive basis after submission of all credentials and an interview with the Program Director.  All applicants must submit the following:

• A completed Graduate Student Application, in print or online through www.neumann.edu.
• Official transcripts from each regionally accredited, degree granting institution attended.
• Letter of intent which outlines why you wish to pursue the Master of Science in Education degree. 
• Three names and telephone numbers of professional references.  
• A copy of current teacher certification. (When pursuing additional certification)

Nine Credits may be transferred into the program with the approval of the Division Dean

Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the graduate Program Director will arrange for an interview, if appropriate, following a review of all candidate credentials.  

Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements

For the Master of Science in Education, continued progress requires that the student maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in the required courses and satisfactory participation in the program. Completion of all degree requirements for the program is not to exceed five years. Exemption to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the Division Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon (1) submitting a signed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar; and (2) successful completion of all course work, including report(s) of action research, an effective, formal presentation of learning to a faculty committee, and an individual portfolio of developed resources and materials. The student must maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in all required courses, with no more than two grades of “C” level work.