Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education – Special Education

Overview

Offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education, the Ed.S in Education with an Area of Emphasis in Special Education consists of a coordinated sequence of online coursework for speech-language pathologists to expand expertise in educational speech-language pathology (SLP) services.

The Specialist in Education (EdS) degree is a self-contained degree program intermediate between the master’s degree and the doctoral degree, both in time and depth. It provides advanced study for those preparing for positions which call for a higher level of competence and specialization than that of the master’s degree.

As a program that can lead to advanced service certification, certification upgrades through the GaPSC are available for candidates who have already been granted T-5 certification. The area of emphasis requires 30 credit hours. Electives are jointly planned by the student and advisor.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total Hours Required to Earn Degree:  30 (credit hours)

Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: Only 6 transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered. If transfer credit is awarded, it will still be necessary to complete the required number of hours to graduate, which will more than likely necessitate additional coursework above and beyond the degree program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants who meet all the following requirements are eligible to apply:

• Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a master’s degree from an accredited institution; a minimum of one year of professional experience in special education or a closely related area is preferred.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate courses taken.
• For international applicants, please consult the University’s English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Initial Admission Requirements

Students should complete the Graduate School application and attach the following required materials when prompted:

• Unofficial transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose: Students should outline their teaching philosophy, experience and career goals, not to exceed two single-spaced typed pages.
• Resume/CV

Application Checklist

Online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education – Special Education Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75.

2. Select Campus – Online

3. Select Degree Level – Educational Specialist

4. Select Intended Program – EDS, Education (College of Education) [EDS_EDUC_ONL]

5. Select Area of Emphasis – Special Education

6. Select Intended Term – Fall, Summer, or Spring

7. Résumé or curriculum vitae – Submit online to the Graduate School.

8. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.

9. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.

Application Deadlines

Summer and Fall

January 1

Spring

November 1

Cost

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.

Based on the Bursar’s published credit hour rates for UGA online programs, the estimated tuition for this program is $ 12,930 for a Georgia resident and $ 39,780 for an out-of-state resident.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $431 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Curriculum

Take your special education career to the next level and prepare for leadership roles by expanding your studies beyond the master’s level. You will work with an advisor to create an individualized course of study tailored to your background and professional goals in one of several specializations:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Dyslexia and other learning disabilities
• Early intervention (birth through kindergarten)
• Mild/moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities

You will complete a minimum of 30 hours over the course of the program, including:

• 12 hours of core coursework in applied special education research, policy, and practice
• 12 hours of electives in your area of emphasis
• 6 hours of research courses

Faculty members collaborate with other UGA departments, universities, area schools, and other education agencies to enrich your learning opportunities and ensure a quality program. They also manage various grants to support research, teacher preparation, and professional development, which helps them keep a pulse on the practice and latest issues in special education.

Core Courses (12 Hours)

EDAP 7040E (3) Education Law (or equivalent course)

EDSE 7640E (3) Applied Special Education Research Methods (Spring)

EDSE 7010E (3) Clinical Assessment in Special Education (Spring)

EDSE 7650E (3) Applied Project in Special Education

Area of Specialization (12 Hours)

EDSE 6010E (3) Instructing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Spring)

EDSE 6070E (3) Behavior Management in Special Education Settings (Summer)

EDSE 7020E (3) Assessment of Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities (Fall, Summer)

EDSE 7050E (3) Positive Behavior Supports (Spring, Summer)

EDSE 7100E (3) Foundations and Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education (Fall)

EDSE 7120E (3) Seminar in Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities (Fall, Spring, Summer)

EDSE 7150E (3) Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education (Fall, Spring)

EDSE 7160E (3) Communication and Language Development in Young Children (Spring)

EDSE 7200E (3) Methods and Curriculum in Early Childhood Special Education (Spring)

EDSE 7220E (3) Instruction of Students with High-Incidence Disabilities (Fall)

EDSE 7250E (3) Teaching Writing to Students with Disabilities (Spring, Summer)

EDSE 7260E (3) Instructional Design for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Summer)

EDSE 7770E (3) Practicum in Intensive Reading Intervention (Summer)

Other course approved by advisor

Research Courses (6 Hours)

ERSH 6200E (3) Methods of Research in Education (Fall, Spring, Summer)

ERSH 6300E (3) Applied Statistical Methods in Education (Fall, Spring, Summer)

ERSH 6600E (3) Applied Educational Assessment (Fall, Maymester)

ERSH 7500E (3) Action Research (Fall, Spring, Summer)

ERSH 7600E: Construction of Educational Measuring Instruments (Spring)

QUAL 6200E: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (Fall)

QUAL 8400E (3) Qualitative Research Traditions (Fall)

QUAL 8410E (3) Designing Qualitative Research (Spring)

Faculty

Licensure

This program is designed for professional development or advancement in a professionally licensed job and is designed for certified practitioners in this field, but is not intended to lead to initial certification. 

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

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