FGCU College of Education

MA/MEd Special Education

The MA/MEd Special Education degree program prepares students for work in public and private schools and in state, federal, or community settings at the master's level. Specific areas of study include behavior disorders, developmental disabilities/mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, and varying exceptionalities. The master’s programs emphasize consultative, supervisory, and multidisciplinary skills intended for students who wish to assume innovative leadership roles in public or private schools and community settings. Students complete an exit portfolio demonstrating competencies as their culminating experience for the master’s degree.

Teachers currently certified in special education are awarded the MEd degree. Students may receive an MA degree without completing the requirements for teaching certification. These are normally students whose work involves those with special needs but who will not teach in public schools.

All students take a core of courses designed to develop competencies in five broad areas—instruction, assessment, collaboration, inquiry, and ethics. Students also enroll in courses specific to the area of expertise that they wish to develop. After admission to the program, a program of study is developed which incorporates both core requirements and courses specific to their area of interest.

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