On Campus Special Gifted Education Masters Programs
Special gifted education masters programs on campus might offer courses in a wide variety of possible concentrations ranging from general coursework in special and gifted education, to specific areas such a deaf and autistic spectrum disorder assistance. While each program may focus on unique aspects of special or gifted education, many also touch on overarching curriculum to potentially benefit and aid students with special needs. Core subject matter could include assistive technology, behavioral theory, and literacy development.
A masters program could be a perfect choice for students looking to enter the teaching field post-graduation. The curriculum could help develop your overall understanding of special and gifted education in a way a bachelor’s degree might not. In addition, many programs offer students intending to enter the education field assistance with passing state mandated teaching licensure exams. In many states, licensure is required for all teaching faculty. Not only might the coursework mentioned above be a great study tool for these examinations, but universities may provide additional support such as study guides, test prep, and shuttling to testing centers. Be sure to check if your intended program offers licensure assistance to potentially ensure your ability to teach post-graduation.
When applying to on campus special gifted education masters programs, students are typically requested to submit a 3.0 undergraduate GPA along with supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation, statements of intent, and professional résumés. With the above curriculum and licensure requirements in mind, students could expect to complete a masters program in 2 years, if attending full time. Program lengths vary by school.
On Campus Special Gifted Education Doctoral Programs
Whereas masters programs tend to focus more on practical application, special gifted education doctoral programs on campus focus heavily on new research and methods to better serve students with behavioral, emotion, physical, and mental disabilities, and gifted abilities. Research is aimed at improving current special and gifted education learning structures. In a doctoral program, you could conduct your own research to create new teaching methods to assist students with special needs, as well as the administrations that could potentially benefit from them. Candidates may also have hands-on teaching opportunities to practically apply the skills and knowledge they are currently studying, giving them detailed data to add to their analysis.
In addition to research, course topics could include, atypical learning theory, cognitive psychology, autism support delivery systems, curriculum development and implementation, and professional teacher development. Due to the length of time devoted to research and general graduation requirements, students could expect to complete a special education doctoral program in 5 years. Check with your intended program for a complete list of their curriculum offerings and more detailed graduation requirements.
Doctoral work is often the most demanding out of the other potential graduate programs, and this is often reflected in the application process. Many programs require students to submit a 3.0 graduate GPA in addition to GRE scores. Note that these programs may also ask for previous graduate experience, making them potentially ideal for students who have already earned a master’s degree. Supplemental materials may also be requested such as résumés, letters of recommendation, and statements of intent. Contact schools for specific information.
On Campus Special Gifted Education Graduate Certificate Programs
Special gifted education graduate certificate programs could be a great way for current educators to refine their teaching techniques to potentially create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Certificate programs typically emphasize one facet of special and gifted education, as opposed to the more holistic masters and doctoral programs. Through this specialized curriculum, you could engage with valuable teaching methods to accommodate students with special needs, then quickly apply it to your current classroom. Popular certificate concentrations include autistic spectrum disorder, deaf learning and gifted curriculum studies.
Many certificate programs are designed to assist current educators in creating a welcoming and safe learning environment. Therefore, universities often make admission requirements more accessible. Many programs require potential students to submit a 2.5 undergraduate GPA but may not require GRE scores. This could make the application process less time consuming. Graduation timelines also consider your busy professional lifestyle, with many programs being completed in 1 to 1.5 years. Please check with the school, because program lengths vary.
Applying Your On Campus Special Education Graduate Program Post-Graduation
On campus special gifted education graduate degrees could potentially help you jumpstart or enhance a career in the education industry. This career path could give you the opportunity to apply contemporary methods of assisting behavioral, emotional, physical, and mental disabilities in a hands-on classroom setting. Additionally, special education teaching professions[i] and general academic teachers[ii] are projected at seeing a possible 6% growth in available positions from 2014 to 2024. While earning a bachelor’s degree in this area of study may allow you to pursue entry-level positions in the potentially growing field, graduate level coursework could develop your understanding of key education concepts to potentially enhance your career opportunities and make you the best teacher you can be![iii]
When considering a future in special gifted education, be aware that positions are often related to high stress situations. As an educator, you could be required to deescalate incidents in your classroom related to your students’ special needs. Or, on the other side, you may be required to complete supplemental learning plans for gifted students who require extra stimulation. These tasks are in addition to normal teaching duties such as lesson planning, grading, and administrative work. In 2015, special education teachers earned a median annual salary of $56,800.[i] This does not include fluctuations depending on education level taught (i.e. preschool, elementary, etc.).
On Campus Special Gifted Education Graduate Programs: Next Steps
Hopefully this information has helped in your search for a special gifted education graduate program on campus. On this page you can browse a list of potential programs. To refine your search further, select your preferred degree program or location from the menus. Then request more information from a program, by clicking through its associated link. Good luck finding a great special and gifted education graduate program on campus!
Sources: [i]bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm#tab-6 | [ii]bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-6 | [iii]bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-6
