Plymouth State University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Education in Special Education , Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership, K-12 Special Education Administrator concentration

Format: Campus

Program Description:

PSU offers a MEd in Special Education (non-certification), which is the most flexible option for students who are not interested in pursuing certification. Throughout your coursework, faculty will address issues such as development and characteristics of learners, learning differences, instructional strategies, special education law, and language. In addition to the major, students may choose from three concentrations:

• General Special Education K–12 Certification - Courses address competencies in such areas as classroom management, survey of exceptionalities, human development, foundations, assessment, and teaching strategies. This concentration is aligned with the Council of Exceptional Children standards.

• Fifth-Year General Special Education K–12 Certification - The fifth-year special education concentration is designed for the K–3, K–8, K–12, 5–12, or 7–12 teacher certification candidate who plans to pursue a career as an entry-level special education teacher of students with exceptionalities in individualized general curriculums. Students in this full-time program have completed their undergraduate degree in a teacher certification program and have not yet begun their teaching career. This concentration is aligned with the Council of Exceptional Children standards.

• K–12 Administrator Certification - Graduates will be eligible for certification as a special education administrator in New Hampshire. Reciprocity through interstate compacts extends this certification to additional states. This program requires previous certification in K–12 General Special Education as well as three years of teaching experience.

Note: Students may also pursue a post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Special Education Administrator K–12 Certification.

Accreditation:

This program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Eligibility Requirements:

Admission to Plymouth State University's Master of Education programs require a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, official transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree has been earned, a statement of Interests and Intent, a professional resume, and three letters of recommendation.

International Student Requirements:

International students must have proof of English level proficiency through either the TOEFL, IELTS, or ELS Level 112 scores. In addition, you must provide an I-134 Affidavit of Financial Support Form. Documents, including bank statements and other financial documents dated within the past 30 days, that confirm you have the financial resources to study for a year at Plymouth State must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. You must also include a copy of your valid passport with your application materials. Finally, you must also submit official, notarized transcripts, verifying that you've completed at least a baccalaureate degree, which must be translated into English and evaluated for institutional equivalency.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Remote Town

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999