Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

Other graduate certificates available with the Master of Education include the Assistive Technology Certificate and Austism Spectrum Disorders Certificate.  

This plan is appropriate if you are interested in continuing professional development related to supporting individual with learning and behavioral challenges. Please note that although certain courses in this plan may apply toward certification, completing this MEd does not lead to teaching certification. Consult with your advisor and the Arizona Department of Education for information about obtaining Special Education teaching certification.
 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Education in Special Education?

If you're looking for a career supporting individuals with disabilities in private settings, through human service agencies, or want to increase and enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting individuals with disabilities in school settings, our program might be perfect for you.

The MEd program can be tailored to your career needs through selection of a specific emphasis area. Candidates also may choose more than one emphasis area. Some emphasis areas lead to a graduate certificate and require an additional admission application. This degree program does not lead to teaching certification.

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Special education teacher
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA)
     

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Emphasis or Certificate Required

An emphasis or certificate is required for this degree.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the MEd in Special Education Continuing Professional Program is to prepare professionals to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in human service agencies. Students gain knowledge and skills to develop and expand their leadership and practice in meeting the needs of individuals with learning and behavior challenges. Building upon a foundation in research and a common understanding of individuals with disabilities, students select an emphasis area aligned with professional goals. Students in the mild/moderate emphasis area will develop effective learning and behavioral interventions, differentiate instruction, provide ability-appropriate accommodations, and collaborate to help individuals with disabilities meet their full potential. The Early Childhood emphasis explores the same areas, but for children from birth to age eight years. The Positive Behavior Support emphasis focuses on principles and tactics for improving quality of life for individuals of all ages who exhibit challenging behaviors, and consists of the six courses required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for individuals who want to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students also may select to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This program does not lead to teacher certification.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The five learning outcomes are common across the three emphasis areas (Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, and Positive Behavior Support). Some of the performance indicators will be assessed in courses that are common across the emphasis areas. Other performance indicators may be evaluated in courses unique to an emphasis area, although the signature assignments measure the same learning outcomes. 
 
Emphasis Area 1: Mild/Moderate Disabilities 
Emphasis Area 2: Early Childhood Special Education 
Emphasis Area 3: Positive Behavior Support

 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Education

Department of Educational Specialties

Special Education, Master of Education


Campus Availability

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