DEPARTMENT OF
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
SPECIAL EDUCATION

Master of Arts (MA) Degree

PURPOSE

The Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Special Education provides specialized preparation of teachers of students who may have a different rate or style of learning and require specific types of academic and social accommodations.

TIME INVESTMENT

Completion of the Master of Arts degree requires approximately two (2) years of full-time study. Courses are available primarily during the afternoon and evening, a limited number of courses are offered during the summer. A candidate may request that a summer course be taught during the course submission period of the spring semester, prior to the summer session the candidate desires to enroll. There must be at least 5 enrollees in a summer course in order to constitute a class. Required field based courses are offered during the regular school day. This schedule provides the maximum amount of time required for field experiences in DCPS schools.

COURSE WORK

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale
• An accurate and complete graduate program application packet containing the following items:
  • An autobiographical sketch
  • A Statement of Interest (300 words minimum)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • An official transcript of all College/University courses completed
  • Passing scores GRE Score
• Application deadlines: Fall Feb 15th; Spring, Nov. 1st; Summer, March 15th

PROGRAM MATRICULATION AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

• Professional Portfolio
• Action Research Paper
• Passing the follwing examinations:
  • Expository Writing (1st semester)
  • Departmental Comprehensives - At least one semester prior to graduation
  • Praxis II - In accordance with (District of Columbia Scores requirement)
• Academic Good Standing:

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program of study. A student who accumulates nine (9) or more semester hours of grades below B shall be suspended form the graduate program. This provision applies to each of the several degree programs, but is not cumulative from one degree to another.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION