EdS in Education (Special Education)

Pursue advanced studies in special education through our Ed.S. in Special Education, designed for candidates who already hold a master’s degree. Tailor your studies to your background and goals, and complete the program at your own pace by spreading out your coursework over a number of years.

Highlights

1. Designed for students who already hold a master’s degree
2. Individualized course of study
3. 30-hour program, which can be completed full- or part-time

Curriculum

Take your special education career to the next level and prepare for leadership roles by expanding your studies beyond the master’s level. You will work with an advisor to create an individualized course of study tailored to your background and professional goals in one of several specializations:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Early intervention (birth through kindergarten)
• Mild/moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Behavior disorders
• Applied behavior analysis

You will complete a minimum of 30 hours over the course of the program, including:

• 6 hours of core coursework in education law and special education issues and trends
• 15 hours of electives in your area of emphasis, including an advanced practicum
• 6 hours of research courses
• 3 hours of an applied research project

Faculty members collaborate with other UGA departments, universities, area schools, and other education agencies to enrich your learning opportunities and ensure a quality program. They also manage more than $5 million in grants to support research, teacher preparation, and professional development, which helps them keep a pulse on the practice and latest issues in special education.

Download a Program of Study (PDF)

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

How to Apply

Contact the program before completing your Graduate School application.

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Ed.S. in Education (Special Education)

Applicants who meet all of the following requirements are eligible to apply:

• Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a master’s degree from an accredited institution; minimum of one year professional experience in special education or a closely related area.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate courses taken.
• TOEFL: International applicants will also need to score a minimum of 20 points each on the Speaking and Writing sections of the TOEFL with an overall minimum score of 80. Test scores must be within five years from the date of application.

Initial Admission Requirements

Students should complete the Graduate School application and attach the following required materials when prompted:

• Unofficial transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose: Students should outline their teaching philosophy, experience and career goals, not to exceed two single-spaced typed pages.
• Resume/CV

Final Admission Requirements

Interviews
After completing the initial admission requirements (see above), the applicant will be contacted by the department with names of potential faculty members with whom they may interview. An interview is required, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to schedule interviews.

Admissions decisions will be based on the faculty’s evaluation of undergraduate and graduate GPA, quality of the essay, letters of recommendation, resumé, interview(s), and TOEFL scores (where relevant).

The program faculty will review applications on an ongoing basis. Final acceptance into the program requires agreement by a faculty member to be the applicant’s major professor.

Deadline to Apply

• January 1 (summer and fall)
• November 1 (spring)

Login to existing application

Useful Links

• Special Education FAQ (PDF)
• Student Handbook