Special Education

Advance Your Knowledge In
Special Education

The Advance Preparation Teacher Leader Program in Special Education will strengthen your ability to serve students with disabilities and develop professional contacts for sharing expertise within your field. The 30-hour master's can be completed on a part-time basis over the course of five semesters (2.5 calendar years). The GRE is not required.

Coursework focuses on teacher leadership in special education with three (3) options for specialization within the program. The track you choose will offer coursework that shapes your research projects and clinical experiences.

• Moderate and Severe Disabilities track is available fully online for teachers who hold certification in moderate and severe disabilities.
• Assistive Technology track is open to teachers with either type of certification in special education.
• Learning and Behavior Disorders Track can be completed on campus for teachers who hold certification in learning and behavior disorders. 
  [This track is not available online.] 

NOTE:
- Teachers who complete the Special Education Teacher Leader master’s degree will be recommended to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for a Rank 2.
- Completion of this program does not result in initial certification.
- Admission is accepted for both Fall and Spring semesters, however the core courses begin in Fall semesters, therefore a Spring admission may not be appropriate unless the student requires some prerequisite coursework.
 

Review Course List here.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Certification in Special Education. 
• Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average.
• Applicants must secure three (3) letters of recommendations with one related to academic performance (e.g., from professor, advisor) and two related to the applicants work with children and youth (e.g., from practicum supervisor, research supervisor).
• Applicants must submit a writing sample (e.g., paper from previous coursework; teaching philosophy, autobiographical sketch).
• Applicants must participate in an interview with program faculty.
• Applicants must satisfactorily pass a criminal background check.

In addition to the program application requirements, applicants must fulfill the Graduate School Admissions Requirements.

Graduate School Admission Requirements.