Program Description/Overview
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE): Special Education degree program consists of 10 courses (30 units) can be completed in less than a calendar year. This rigorous academic program covers the 12 Disability categories that are listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Students learn the characteristics of a number of disabilities, therapeutic interventions, and differentiated instruction to address the learning needs of all students. Students learn federal Special Education law that governs K-12 school district in the United States.
Additionally, students tackle challenging issues facing Education today. The program teaches critical and analytical thinking skills and how to address rhetorical ploys and logical fallacies.
The program addresses ways to address the unique needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) and how to increase learning for this demographic of students.
Additionally, this program not only teaches how to effectively teach students who learn differently, but the affective domain of teaching and learning is addressed as well. This program teaches how to develop a classroom culture that is nurturing and emotionally safe, as well as addressing the cognitive and academic development of students.
This graduate degree program teaches instructional strategies for a diverse group of learners including people with specific learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, mental health conditions, and people whose first language is not English. Differentiated instruction and therapeutic interventions to address people’s learning needs are all addressed throughout the curriculum. Federal Special Law is taught and the underlying values, beliefs, and professional practices that underlay the law is also covered.
Credit Units
Total Credit Units: 30
Total Core Credit Units: 30
Total Elective Credit Units: N/A
Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A