Special Education - Master of Arts (Online)
MA in Special Education Pathways
MA in Special Education (Initial License)
This route is 42 credits including student teaching and provides preparation for the New Mexico pre-K-12 Special Education license. Candidates must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before completing practicum and student teaching experiences.
There are two course prerequisites that may be required, SPED 5105 Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society and SPED 5230 Advanced Curriculum for Diverse Exceptional Learners. If these are required they must be taken in the first semester they are offered.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| SPED 5210 | Introduction to Assessment of Diverse Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 5120 | High Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5110 | Low Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5130 | Reading for Elementary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, K-6 | 3 |
| SPED 5860 | Current Issues in Special Education for Teaching in Culturally Responsive Society | 3 |
| SPED 5140 | Reading for Secondary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, 7-12 | 3 |
| SPED 5850 | Current Research in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 5160 | Technology and Exceptionality in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5811 | Field Experience in Education, Equity & Cultural Diversity 1 | 3 |
| SPED 5810 | Student Teaching SPED 2 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Admittance to TEP is required before registering for SPED 5811 Field Experience in Education, Equity & Cultural Diversity, which must be taken the semester before student teaching.
- 2
Admittance to STEP is required before registering for SPED 5810 Student Teaching SPED, which is the culminating course.
MA in Special Education (Prior General Ed. Licensure)
This route requires 30 credits of special education coursework and provides preparation for a second license, in Special Education, for students who already have an initial license in another area such as Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education.
There are two course prerequisites that may be required, SPED 5105 Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society and SPED 5230 Advanced Curriculum for Diverse Exceptional Learners. If these are required they must be taken in the first semester they are offered.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| SPED 5210 | Introduction to Assessment of Diverse Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 5120 | High Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5110 | Low Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5130 | Reading for Elementary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, K-6 | 3 |
| SPED 5860 | Current Issues in Special Education for Teaching in Culturally Responsive Society | 3 |
| SPED 5140 | Reading for Secondary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, 7-12 | 3 |
| SPED 5850 | Current Research in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 5160 | Technology and Exceptionality in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5811 | Field Experience in Education, Equity & Cultural Diversity 1 | 3 |
| SPED 5220 | Classroom Management for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
SPED 5811 Field Experience in Education, Equity & Cultural Diversity is taken during the final semester of coursework
MA in Special Education (Alternative Licensure)
This route includes 39 credits. It begins with completion of alternative licensure components, which includes 21 credits of state-approved coursework and two semesters of university supervision while concurrently employed as the special education teacher of record in a classroom. After completion of the alternative components, students complete the remaining coursework (18 credits) and degree requirements.
Note: Alternative Licensure requires concurrent employment as a special education teacher.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| Alternative Licensure Courses | ||
| SPED 5105 | Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5210 | Introduction to Assessment of Diverse Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 5120 | High Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5110 | Low Incidence Disabilities in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| SPED 5130 | Reading for Elementary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, K-6 | 3 |
| SPED 5140 | Reading for Secondary Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society, 7-12 | 3 |
| SPED 5220 | Classroom Management for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Additional Courses for the MA | ||
| SPED 5860 | Current Issues in Special Education for Teaching in Culturally Responsive Society | 3 |
| SPED 5850 | Current Research in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED Elective Courses (12 credits) | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
MA in Special Education (Scholarly Route)
This route requires 30 credits of special education coursework and is for students who are not seeking licensure or who already have a license and are seeking additional depth of knowledge.
There are two course prerequisites that may be required, SPED 5105 Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society and SPED 5230 Advanced Curriculum for Diverse Exceptional Learners. If these are required they must be taken in the first semester they are offered.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Required | ||
| SPED 5860 | Current Issues in Special Education for Teaching in Culturally Responsive Society | 3 |
| SPED 5850 | Current Research in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED Elective Courses 1 | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Electives are selected in consultation with an advisor, who will make recommendations based on prior coursework and individual student interests.
MA in Special Education (emphasis in Visual Impairment)
This route requires 30-36 credit hours in visual impairment and special education coursework and prepares for licensure in teaching school-aged children/infants/toddlers and/or orientation and mobility. Students who meet qualifications and are interested in visual impairment may elect to pursue licensure only, rather than a master's degree, with 15-27 credits leading to a Blind and Visually Impaired Teaching License or National Certification in Orientation and Mobility.