Purpose of the Degree

The purpose of the M.S.E. degree in Special Education - Instructional Specialist K-12 is to offer educators an advanced performance-based program of study based on the recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting associations such as the Council for Exceptional Child (CEC) and NCATE.

This program prepares personnel to work in a variety of professional roles with young children with disabilities, kindergarten through grade 12, and their families. Upon completion of this M.S.E. degree program, students are eligible for endorsement in special education in Arkansas. Students seeking endorsement in special education without pursuing the M.S.E. degree should see an adviser for an analysis of completed courses and a suggested program of study.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission into the Master of Science in Education degree program in Special Education-Instructional Specialist Grades K -12 must meet the admission requirements of Graduate Admissions and the specific program requirements as follows:

• Hold a valid teaching license.
• Achieved a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) or a 3.00 GPA on the last 60 hours. Any courses attempted, including any repeated courses, are considered in computing the GPA.
• Have a written commitment from a practitioner who will function as your mentor during the program.
• No felony record

Additional Requirements

• Students who adhere to the schedule should be able to complete the program in 24 months. If a candidate finds it necessary to deviate from the schedule, he/she will be able to re-enter the sequence at any time. A candidate has six years to complete the degree.
• A-State will be using Blackboard as the web delivery platform. This platform allows synchronous and asynchronous interactions, streaming video, and electronic discussion boards. Students will also interact via e-mail, telephone, and fax.
• A high-speed internet connection (Ethernet, cable, DSL, public wireless hotspot, satellite, etc.) will be necessary. Dial-up will not work. Computers must have specific minimum requirements. For example, they must have a Windows XP or later operating system; any processor of 1.2GHZ or faster; minimum RAM of 512MB for XP or 1GB for Vista; minimum of 20GB available free disk space; minimum display resolution of 1024x768.
• The capstone experience serves as the comprehensive examination for the degree. All MSE candidates and ADE licensure candidates (those on an Additional Licensure Plan or obtaining a Program of Study - 18 hours for any reason) must complete and pass the Praxis II in Special Education, according to Arkansas Department of Education passing score guidelines, before entering the internship experience ELSE 6193 - Laboratory Experiences.
• All students must complete a portfolio that is a culmination of authentic performance-based assessments completed throughout the program. Some examinations will be taken online while others will require the student to go to a location where the examination will be proctored.