Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education – General Curriculum

Overview

The M.Ed. in Special Education is for students seeking a Master’s degree who have completed undergraduate training in a teacher education field and who have a teaching certificate. This advanced program includes the study of research methods and findings that allow students to become informed consumers of research and skilled practitioners. What makes the M.Ed. experience unique is the formal research conducted as part of the applied project.

The minimum 33 hours of coursework includes required courses and applied research individualized to the student’s career objectives. This allows students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in various special education topic areas and across the lifespan.

Master’s students are required to complete an applied project rather than a typical thesis. These projects consist of extensive research and writing a proposal while enrolled in an independent study course the semester prior to the project’s anticipated start.

Once the proposal is approved by the student’s advisor, it is implemented the following semester. The project is completed in the field with real students and actual strategies gleaned from the research. Completed works are presented to a graduate committee and must be approved by a clear majority before the student is allowed to graduate.

In this emphasis, coursework also includes:

• Characteristics of learning disabilities, including dyslexia
• Methods for individualized assessment
• Academic and behavior interventions
• Writing and strategy instruction in the content areas

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

Admission Requirements

Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia.

GPA: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken.

The state requires that all candidates have a minimum 2.5 GPA on undergraduate or previous graduate work. Go to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website for details.

Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education – General Curriculum
Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
2. Select Campus – Online 
3. Select Degree Level – Masters
4. Select Intended Program – (TBD)
5. Select Intended Term –  Summer
6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
7. 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.
8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

• Summer: April 1

International Applicants

• Summer: February 15

TOEFL: Foreign applicants will also need to score a minimum of 20 points each on the Speaking and Writing sections of the TOEFL with an overall minimum score of 80. Test scores must be within 5 years from the date of application.

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $16,557 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

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

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

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

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). 

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.

Curriculum

33 Credit hours

Core Courses
Course	Title	Credit Hours
EDSE 7020E	Assessment of Students with Dyslexia & Other Learning Disabilities	3
EDSE 7120E	Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities	3

Methods Courses
Course	Title	Credit Hours
EDSE 7050E	Positive Behavior Supports	3
EDSE 7150E	Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education	3
EDSE 7220E	Instruction of Students with High-Incidence Disabilities	3
EDSE 7250E	Teaching Writing to Students with Disabilities	3
EDSE 7770E	Practicum in Intensive Reading Intervention	3

Research Course	Choose of the following courses
Course	Title	Credit Hours
ERSH 6200E	Methods of Research in Education	3
ERSH 6300E	Applied Statistical Methods in Education	3
ETAP(QUAL)(ERSH) 7500E	Action Research	3

Applied Practice and Research Project
Course	Title	Credit Hours
EDSE 7000E	Master’s Research	3
EDSE 7650E	Applied Project	3

Special Education Internship or Elective
If Undergraduate degree was NOT in Special Education choose one
Course	Title	Credit Hours
EDSE 7460E	Internship in Special Education	3
EDSE 7600E	Topics in Special Education	3
If Undergraduate degree was IN Special Education, choose an elective instead.

Comprehensive Exam

 All students will take the Comprehensive Exam during their final semester in the program.

Program Handbook

Faculty

News & Events

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7945.

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