Graduate Programs

Degree Options

Department Statement

The Department of Special Education at Boise State University is committed to providing professional development opportunities that result in highly qualified special educators. At the graduate level, programs are designed for experienced professionals who seek advanced knowledge and skills in the field of special education. Such professionals may be employed as special educators in public schools, or they may work with or on behalf of individuals with disabilities in community or agency settings.
 

The department offers two graduate degrees, a Master of Arts in Special Education and a Master of Education in Special Education. The two degrees are similar in course work requirements but differ in the culminating activity. The Master of Arts in Special Education culminates in a thesis and is designed for candidates interested in scholarly research. The Master of Education in Special Education culminates in either a comprehensive examination or a project and is designed for practitioners.
 

Program Requirements

Additional Requirements for Admission into the Special Education or Early Childhood Studies graduate program. The applicant must submit the following to the appropriate Graduate Program Coordinator.

1.  A 1-2 page essay describing (a) why the candidate has decided to pursue an advanced degree in the area selected and (b)  what are her/his long-range career goals.

2.  Official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in Education that are not more than 3 yrs old.

3.  Two letters of reference from previous employers that address the candidate’s qualifications as a masters degree seeking student. The letters should explicitly note the candidates “dispositions” (personal attributes such as work ethic) that make the candidate well suited to work with young children and/or students with disabilities. The letters should be sent directly to the appropriate Graduate Program Coordinator.

Note: Completion of the required courses in a Department of Special Education graduate program does not qualify the candidate for initial certification to teach special education in public schools. The candidate should seek the help of his or her advisor to plan additional course work that satisfies certification requirements.

Other Options for Post-Baccalaureate Students

Certification

1.  Certification Only

• Stand-alone Exceptional Child Certificate, K-12 Generalist

• Results in an Institutional recommendation for certification

• May be combined with other certificates or endorsements

  • Elementary

  • Secondary

  • Endorsements

   

2.   Certification plus 2nd Baccalaureate Degree

• Same as above

• Requires a minimum of 30 credits, all taken at Boise State University

3.   Alternate Routes to Certification (effective July 1, 2006)

• As outlined by Idaho State Board of Education

  • Teacher to New Certification

  • Content Specialist

  • Paraeducator to Teacher

• Similar course work requirements but permits entry into teaching position prior to completion of program requirements

• May be eligible for Transition to Teaching stipend

4.  For students interested in both certification and a graduate degree the MEd, comprehensive examination option maximizes the number of courses that satisfy both graduate degree and certification requirements.