MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)

The M.Ed. in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum and Autism is designed for candidates who already hold, or are eligible for, a teaching certificate and who have earned a B.S.Ed. from an accredited university. This program provides advanced preparation for educators to effectively support students with significant disabilities and autism through evidence-based practices.

The adapted curriculum program prepares candidates to teach students with intellectual and developmental disabilities including moderate to severe autism. Students learning an adapted curriculum do not follow the typical general curriculum implemented in most classrooms.

The program includes two tracks to meet the needs of educators with varied background:

• Initial Preparation Track (Online): For certified teachers with a background in an area other than special education (e.g., general education) who seek to develop foundational knowledge and applied skills in adapted curriculum, behavior support, and instructional strategies for students with low-incidence disabilities. Courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online instruction.

• Advanced Practice Track (In-Person): For certified special educators with a background in adapted curriculum who wish to deepen their expertise in adapted curriculum, behavior support, and instructional strategies for students with low-incidence disabilities.

Graduates of both tracks will be equipped to engage in evidence-based practice for students with moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disabilities and moderate to severe autism following an adapted curriculum. This adapted curriculum may include teaching functional academics, lifelong personal and social skills, vocational skills, recreational and leisure skills, and community involvement. It emphasizes training in behavior management, instructional strategies, technology-based support, and transition skills.

All candidates are required to complete and pass a written comprehensive examination during the final semester of the program.

Highlights

1. Two pathways based on teaching experience and educational background
2. Certification spans preschool through 12th grade
3. Receive specialized training in classroom management and adapted curriculum

Curriculum

How to Apply

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 M.Ed. in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)

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

• Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 for all courses taken.
• TOEFL: Foreign 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 2 years from the date of application.

This program takes a holistic approach to admissions and does not require standardized testing scores be submitted, e.g. no GRE or M.A.T. scores are required.

In the Graduate School application, students should upload the following items:

1. Statement of purpose: Please submit a two page, single-spaced statement of purpose, outlining your teaching philosophy, experience and career goals, as well as answering the following questions:
   • What types of disabilities do you have experience with and envision yourself working with?
   • In what setting would you like to work (e.g., school, clinic, home-based)?
   • What is your primary age/grade of interest?
2. Resume/CV

Applicants will be admitted based on the faculty’s evaluation of undergraduate GPA, quality of the essay, letters of recommendation, resume, and TOEFL scores (where relevant).

Deadline to Apply

• April 1 (Summer)

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