Master of Education in Special Education

This TCSJ M.Ed. concentration will provide candidates with advanced coursework in Special Education. The topics included within the coursework of this concentration will be grounded in recent research findings and include implications to the varied settings within the Special Education field. Students will advance their knowledge of how to address the needs of students with specialized disorders that are beyond the scope of typical credential programs. The faculty will challenge students to reflect on their leadership roles and how they might influence innovation and reform to increase their educational effectiveness for students with special needs. 

• Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution
  • If you received a bachelor’s degree or higher from outside of the United States, we would need to see a foreign transcript evaluation stating that you have an equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

Apply online at https://apply.teacherscollegesj.edu/

Rolling Admissions (no deadline)

M.Ed. Special Education Coursework (32 units*):

*If you have completed an Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential Program within 7 years, you may be eligible to transfer up to eight units of coursework.

EDUC301V Foundations of Graduate Research (2) – This course introduces essential skills and tools for research and academic inquiry. Students learn to identify and refine research topics. Emphasis is placed on research literacy, including using digital reference libraries to find and evaluate peer-reviewed sources. The course highlights ethical scholarship, focusing on academic integrity and responsible practices in academic research. 

EDUC302V Academic Writing (2) – Introduction to academic writing with emphasis on synthesizing ideas from multiple sources to produce clear, coherent scholarly content that follows American Psychological Association (APA) style and formatting. Emphasis is placed on academic integrity, including responsible use of sources, accurate citation, and avoidance of plagiarism.

EDUC301v is a pre-requisite for this course. 

EDUC303V Curriculum Development and Professional Learning Design (2) – This course prepares educators to master curriculum development and professional learning design. Students will critically examine curriculum theories and research to inform the creation of developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned instructional materials. They will draw on adult learning theory to design effective and engaging professional development that fosters educator growth and improves student outcomes. 

EDUC302v is a pre-requisite for this course. 

EDUC304V Research Methodology (3) – Topics in this course help students deepen their understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies to become informed consumers of research. Students will understand the elements of data collection and analysis across different research methodologies. An original research proposal will be developed. 

EDUC303v is a pre-requisite for this course. This course will include research ethics and responsible research administration. 

EDUC305V Applied Research (3) – Students will transition from broad inquiry to a refined focus as they develop and implement a research proposal. Emphasis on high-level scholarly rigor throughout the iterative research process will require students to make connections between academic literature and their research findings. Accurate APA formatting and academic integrity are central expectations throughout every phase of the research process. 

EDUC304v is a pre-requisite for this course. 

EDUC306V Writing a Literature Review (2) – Students write a comprehensive literature review based on a thorough analysis and synthesis of existing research related to their topic. Focus is placed on coherent topic development, identification of current research findings and gaps in the literature. Throughout the process, students refine their academic writing voice and develop proficiency in American Psychological Association (APA) style and formatting.

EDUC305v is a pre-requisite for this course. 

SPED306V Curriculum Design and Strategies for Students with Disabilities (3) – This course provides a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts the variety of mental, physical, communication, and health disorders affecting students with special needs. Some examples include, but are not limited to: anxiety, apraxia, autism, bipolar depression, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, seizures, and spina bifida. Students gain knowledge in trauma reactions and practice how to respond effectively. With this knowledge, students will begin to deepen their ability to design and implement lessons that meet the various needs of neurodiverse learners.

SPED307V Contemporary Issues in Special Education (2) – This course offers a comprehensive exploration of current updates to trends and research-based practices in special education. Students will delve into recent changes in federal and state special education laws, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the implications of legal updates on service delivery, inclusion, and individualized education programs (IEPs). Students will learn to evaluate and implement strategies tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, focusing on promoting equity and accessibility in PK-12 settings.

CURR385a Masters Project – 1st Semester (1) – This is the capstone course for the Master’s degree. As such, candidates will work with their advisor to design and execute a project that demonstrates inquiry, incorporates content from coursework, contributes to the body of knowledge for their focus topic, and makes a real world difference to school, kids, and/or community. The project must be suitable for publication and presentation.

*Candidates are allotted two semesters to complete the project. CURR385a indicates completion of 1 unit of the project.

CURR385b Masters Project – 2nd Semester (3) – This is the capstone course for the Master’s degree. As such, candidates will work with their advisor to design and execute a project that demonstrates inquiry, incorporates content from coursework, contributes to the body of knowledge for their focus topic, and makes a real world difference to school, kids, and/or community. The project must be suitable for publication and presentation.

*Candidates are allotted two semesters to complete the project. CURR385b indicates completion of 3 units of the project.

Curriculum Electives (7 Units) Special Education M.Ed. students will work with an advisor to determine a course of study that matches the candidate’s goals.

TCSJ’s Master of Education program follows a structured sequence of required coursework aligned to your degree pathway. Courses are offered in a synchronous format, and students enroll based on the scheduled course offerings each semester.

View Course Offerings by Concentration, Semester, and Format

Current IMPACT Candidates

Coursework completed by students currently enrolled in the IMPACT Program are directly transferable to TCSJ for identical required coursework in the M.Ed. program. Courses have been aligned and carry the same course codes.

IMPACT Graduates

Students who have graduated from the IMPACT Program within the last five years will be awarded transfer credit as described for current candidates above. IMPACT students who graduated more than five years prior to enrollment in the graduate school must submit transcripts for evaluation. Equivalencies will be granted for coursework as appropriate to current standards.

Students Transferring from other Teacher/Administrator Preparation Programs

Coursework completed from a regionally accredited college or university is eligible to be evaluated for transfer credit work with the following restrictions:

• Only 8 units or less can be transferred.
• Only courses completed within the last 7 years will be considered.
• Only courses that qualify for graduate credit by an accredited institution can be transferred. *Exception: Integrated credential coursework completed as an undergraduate may be considered pending review of transcripts and course descriptions.
• Only courses in which a grade of C or better can be transferred.

Enrolled candidates must receive pre-approval prior to taking a course at another regionally accredited institution in order to have credits be considered as transferrable.

Candidates may submit transcripts and other requested documentation to the program director for review. Transfer credit will be granted on an individual basis and the program director will assign equivalencies (“E” grade, no units) for approved coursework only.

If needed, the program director shall consult with the President of TCSJ or an academic designee regarding granting equivalencies. The President has the authority to overrule policy.

Note: No transfer credit/equivalencies will be granted for any course in the Masters Core. All students must complete a minimum of 17 units at TCSJ to be eligible for a Masters in Education.

Transfer Course Equivalency Form

Students earning an M.Ed. in Special Education are required to complete a Masters Project as their capstone assignment for the program.