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Master of Education – Special Education Degree

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Program Overview

Today’s educators continue to face challenges in ensuring curriculum, technology, and resources meet the needs of all learners. Earning your Master of Education in Special Education with the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement will prepare you to meet these challenges, better assess behavior, communicate more effectively, and practice inclusive interventions.

Earning a Master of Education in Special Education from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., prepares educators for rewarding career opportunities while allowing them to stay current with the latest advancements in the field.

a teacher talking to a special needs students

Master of Education in Special Education (30 credits)

  • EDUC 516 Reading Disabilities: Diagnosis and Prescription (3 credits)
  • EDUC 584 Interactive Learning (3 credits)
  • EDUC 586 Inclusionary Classroom Practices (3 credits)
  • EDUC 720 Special Education School Law and Regulations (3 credits)
  • EDUC 730 Early Intervention Infant/Preschool (3 credits)
  • EDUC 740 Universal Design for Learning and Response to Intervention (3 credits)
  • EDUC 750 School-wide Behavior Support and Behavior Management (3 credits)
  • EDUC 760 Transition Systems from School to Adult (3 credits)
  • EDUC 590 Practical Research for Educators (3 credits)
  • EDUC 770 Special Education Master’s Capstone Project (3 credits)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

As part of the master’s program, you can also earn your Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement to improve assessment and instructional interventions. This 12-credit certification can be completed online, after which you will be eligible to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for endorsement.

  • EDUC 700 Characteristics and Etiology of Autism (3 credits)
  • EDUC 705 Instructional Interventions & Methods for Autism (3 credits)
  • EDUC 710 Autism Assessment for Instructional Planning (3 credits)
  • EDUC 715 Collaboration with Families, Agencies, & Community (3 credits)

Multisensory Structured Language Education Program: Special Education

King’s College partners with the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and the Academic Language Therapy Association to offer graduate credit for Multisensory Structured Language Education training courses in Special Education. Earn six (6) graduate credits for each academic year of IMSLEC accredited coursework through King’s College.

Application Process

In your first year, enroll in EDUC 800 for the fall semester and EDUC 801 for the Spring semester. Successful completion of both courses may lead to Teacher Level Certification in an IMSLEC accredited Multisensory Structured Language Education course and eligibility to become nationally certified by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTAread.org).

In your second year, enroll in EDUC 802 for the fall semester and EDUC 803 for the Spring semester. Successful completion of these courses may lead to Advanced or Therapy Level Certification from the IMSLEC training program.

Course Descriptions

EDUC 800: Multisensory Structured Language Education Initial Course 1 and Initial Practicum 1

Initial Course 1 will consist of Lecture hours to develop an understanding of dyslexia and the Multisensory Structured Language Education remediation approach. Participants will learn the research, history, definition, and characteristics of dyslexia, as well as effective remediation techniques using a systematic multisensory approach. A simultaneous Supervised Practicum, composed of two teaching situations with students, will be required. Completion of this course lecture with practicum may lead to Initial Course 2: EDUC 801.

EDUC 801: Multisensory Structured Language Education Initial Course 2 and Initial Practicum 2

Initial Course 2 will consist of Lecture hours to address a continuation of the structure of the English language with emphasis on morphology, orthography and multi-syllabic words and upper level principles of instruction with students. Continuation of the simultaneous Supervised Practicum with two students, using the techniques taught during the lectures, will be required. Completion of course lecture hours and practicum experience (Practicum 1 and 2 combined) may lead to Initial Certification in an IMSLEC Accredited Multisensory Structured Language Education program.

EDUC 802: Multisensory Structured Language Education Advanced Course 1 and Advanced Practicum 1

Prerequisite Courses: Candidates must be certified in an IMSLEC accredited Teacher Level Training Multisensory Structured Language Education course (EDUC 800 and EDUC 801).

Advanced Course 1 will consist of Lecture hours with an emphasis on a deeper understanding of the upper levels 3, 4, and 5 of Multisensory Structured Language Education. Course topics will include morphology, capital cursive, keyboarding skills, grammar, paragraph writing skills, reading fluency and comprehension. A simultaneous Supervised Practicum, composed of two teaching situations with students, will be required. At least one of the teaching situations must be in the upper levels of MSLE. Completion of this course lecture with practicum may lead to Advanced course 3: EDUC 803.

EDUC 803: Multisensory Structured Language Education Advanced Course 2 and Advanced Practicum 2

Advanced Course 2 will consist of Lecture hours with a continued emphasis on a deeper understanding of the upper levels of Multisensory Structured Language Education and of basic written English language, phonology, morphology and orthography. Continuation of the simultaneous Supervised Practicum with two teaching situations (1-1 or small group) using the techniques taught during the lectures, will be required. Completion of course lecture hours in Advanced course 1 and Advanced course 2 and  Practicum experience in Practicum 2 and Practicum 3 may lead to Advanced in an IMLSEC Accredited Multisensory Structured Language Education program.

Master of Education in Special Education - Partnership with LIU18

King’s College offers Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU18) post-baccalaureate educators the unprecedented opportunity to earn course credit toward a Master of Education in Special Education. For those who are in the process of completing or have completed the certification program, this program aligns the LIU18’s certification program competencies to graduate credit with the addition of supplemental key assignments. Simultaneously or retroactively, qualified educators can earn a master’s degree, complemented by the ability to leverage grants and financial aid. The articulated program directly addresses the national teacher shortage, removes barriers to access, and enriches the community.

LIU Courses

Forthcoming.

King’s Courses

Forthcoming.

Contact Us

Judie Burridge
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
(570) 208-5850