Master of Education in Special Education

The Master of Education program in Special Education at NSU provides candidates the knowledge and skills to facilitate student achievement. This development and application of special education curricula and instructional methods is articulated within 36 semester hours for certified teachers seeking to increase their certification as well as earn a M.Ed.

This graduate program is composed of 12-hours of coursework in educational foundation and application areas and 24-hours of coursework in concentration and support areas including Gifted Education (524A), Early Intervention (524C), Elementary (grades 1-5) Mild/Moderate Special Education (524D) or Middle School (grades 4-8) and Secondary (grades 6-12) Mild/Moderate Special Education (524E). Most courses leading to the M.Ed. degree require field experiences for application of course related skills in diverse settings. These field experiences will include field experiences outside the classroom and school of the candidate.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education Prescriptions of Study

Advanced knowledge and skills in the area of Academically Gifted prepares already certified teachers to implement innovative techniques and instructional strategies of differentiation for meeting the needs of gifted students. Students engage in coursework and practicum experience to learn about the characteristics of gifted students, design and implement curricula that includes enrichment and acceleration as well as other differentiation methods and instructional strategies, and develop appropriate environments and activities that promote academic and social-emotional growth of gifted students. Furthermore, the program aligns with the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Conceptual Framework, Models for Learning where students engage in creative and critical thinking, responsibility taking, decision making, and problem solving.

Email: christensen@nsula.edu
Phone: 318.357.5524
Contact: Dr. Paula Christensen

The M.Ed. (524C) program with a concentration in Early Intervention (Birth through 5) is guided by the national Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) professional and ethical principles and practice standards in ways that respect the diverse characteristics and needs of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Initial knowledge and skills in the area of Early Intervention prepares already certified teachers in national CEC and state standards of learner development and individual learning differences, learning environments, curricular content knowledge, assessment, instructional planning and evidence-based strategies, professional learning and ethical practices, and collaboration. Furthermore, the program aligns with the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Conceptual Framework, Models for Learning where students engage in creative and critical thinking, responsibility taking, decision making, and problem solving.

Email: duchardt@nsula.edu or ece@nsula.edu
Phone: 318.357.5154
Contact: Dr. Barbara Duchardt

The M.Ed. (524D) program with a concentration in Elementary (Grades 1-5) Mild/Moderate disabilities is guided by the national Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) professional and ethical principles and practice standards in ways that respect the diverse characteristics and needs of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Initial knowledge and skills in the area of Elementary (Grades 1-5) Mild/Moderate disabilities prepares already certified teachers in national CEC and state standards of learner development and individual learning differences, learning environments, curricular content knowledge, assessment, instructional planning and evidence-based strategies, professional learning and ethical practices, and collaboration. Furthermore, the program aligns with the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Conceptual Framework, Models for Learning where students engage in creative and critical thinking, responsibility taking, decision making, and problem solving.

Email: duchardt@nsula.edu
Phone: 318.357.5154
Contact: Dr. Barbara Duchardt

The M.Ed. (524E) program with a concentration in Middle School (Grades 4-8) or Secondary (Grades 6-12) Mild/Moderate disabilities is guided by the national Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) professional and ethical principles and practice standards in ways that respect the diverse characteristics and needs of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Initial knowledge and skills in the area of Middle School (Grades 4-8) or Secondary (Grades 6-12) Mild/Moderate disabilities prepares already certified teachers in national CEC and state standards of learner development and individual learning differences, learning environments, curricular content knowledge, assessment, instructional planning and evidence-based strategies, professional learning and ethical practices, and collaboration. Furthermore, the program aligns with the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Conceptual Framework, Models for Learning where students engage in creative and critical thinking, responsibility taking, decision making, and problem solving.

Email: duchardt@nsula.edu
Phone: 318.357.5154
Contact: Dr. Barbara Duchardt

Out-of-state students: Successful completion of this program by itself does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. It is the student’s responsibility to determine individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check regularly with their state regulatory agencies’ policies and procedures relating to licensure. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study. This online degree, when completed outside of Louisiana, does not lead to a Louisiana Teaching Certificate.