Special Education - MS, MEd, EdS

About This Degree

The special education master's degrees provide an advanced level of preparation for professionals who work with children, youth, and adults with disabilities. USU's graduate program in special education is in the top 20 of nationally ranked special education programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The program is designed to develop and improve teaching skills in the classroom as well as to develop the skills of those who work with individuals with disabilities in community-based settings. Participants include school personnel and others involved in education-related activities across a variety of community, work, and clinical settings.

With the MEd, students can also receive a School Leadership Licensure, and with the MS, students can opt to complete coursework that leads to national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

MEd with School Leadership Licensure:This is designed for individuals pursuing administrative or supervisory positions in the public school system. The program combines the special education focuses on refining school practices in instruction and management, legal requirements, and cultural and linguistic diversity with the knowledge and competencies of the School Leadership Licensure program.
MS with National Board Certified Behavior Analysis: This is a three-year MS sequence that prepares individuals as behavior specialists. Participants complete the coursework necessary to sit for the National Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam (individuals already possessing a master's degree can apply to take ABA only-preparation courses). Students gain valuable clinical and research experience that strengthens their professional skills and prepares them for further graduate study.

The EdS is designed for advanced graduate students seeking instruction beyond a master’s degree. Programs are individually planned to address specific student needs.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

Department: Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus
Statewide campuses

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

In the special education programs, teachers are trained to teach special education or general education students. They can choose to become:

Classroom teachers
Supervisors
Mentors

Students in the MS program are also given the groundwork to pursue a doctoral degree, which gives them the opportunity to become professors or administrators in either higher education or at a state level.

With the Administrative/Supervisory License, students can serve in educational administrative positions as principals or superintendents.

With the National Board Certified Behavior Analysis qualification, students can become a certified behavior analyst and work in schools, clinics, or private practices.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Megan Murdock

Program coordinator
Email: megan.murdock@usu.edu
Office: EDUC 313
Phone: 435-797-3245

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students who apply to this program must have a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field (e.g., psychology, education, speech and language pathology,...).

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Provide official transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or higher during most recent 60 semester hours
Teaching experience is strongly encouraged
Provide letter of intent

In addition to the above requirements, the following is required for the MEd with Administrative/Supervisory Licensure program:

Level two license in Utah required
Two years of certified experience required
A separate application submitted directly to the Teacher Education and Leadership department.

Students pursuing the National Board Certified Behavior Analysis coursework are strongly encouraged to have teaching experience.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following application deadlines:

M.Ed/M.S. in Special Education

March 15th for fall semester
October 15th for spring semester

ABA Concentration

March 15th for fall semester

Transition Concentration

March 15th of odd numbered years for fall semester

Plan Options

Students completing the standard MS program or the MS with ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis):

In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.

Students receiving the MEd or the MEd with Administrative/Supervisory License must complete this plan option:

The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, financial need, work-related experience, and participation in community service.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.