Special Education
Master of Education
Program Requirements
To obtain a Master of Education degree in the Special Education program, teacher candidates must complete five courses as program prerequisites. Some of these courses require prerequisites. Enrollment in any methods course requires the successful completion of the PRAXIS I: Math, Reading, and Writing (or relevant exemption tests) as a prerequisite. Teacher candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major in education or a Master of Education degree with a concentration in Elementary Studies at Wilmington University will have completed all program prerequisites. Teacher candidates with education degrees from other institutions must have their transcripts evaluated to assure that program prerequisites have been met. To fulfill the requirements of this program, teacher candidates must complete all course requirements as specified, depending on the option which is chosen.
Teacher candidates choosing to pursue Option A must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a student teaching placement for the fall semester by March 1 or for the spring semester by October 1. Applications must be submitted electronically and do not take the place of registration for the course. Registration and payment for student teaching are still necessary. In addition to the requirement of a cumulative GPA of 3.0, passing scores on the PRAXIS I: Math, Reading, and Writing (or relevant exemption tests) or a current, standard Delaware teaching certificate, successful results from the appropriate PRAXIS II tests are also required before student teaching. Teacher candidates are required to register for MSE 6102, E-Folio as the initial course in the program as this course will allow them to document various course requirements needed to satisfy individual program competencies. A criminal background check may be required for student teaching.
Program Prerequisites
Each option requires five program prerequisite courses, namely:
- Methods/Content in Elementary Reading/Writing
- Methods/Content in Elementary Mathematics
- Classroom Management/Strategies of Effective Teaching
- Introduction/Education of Exceptional Children or Education of Diverse Populations and Exceptional Children
- Adolescent or Child Growth and Development
Curriculum
Each option requires the same eleven core courses:
| (For MSE students who entered the MSE Program PRIOR to Fall 2012…they need MSE 7990 Practicum ONLY.) |
| (For MSE students who entered the MSE Program AFTER Fall 2012…they must take ALL three (03) Practica MSE 7991, MSE 7992, AND MSE 7993.) |
MED 6102 E-Folio Electronic Portfolio (0)
MSE 7401 
Curriculum in Special Education (3)
MSE 7402 Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
MSE 7403 Diagnosis/Assessment/IEP Development (3)
MSE 7991 Practicum I in Special Education (1)
MSE 7992 Practicum II in Special Education (1)
MSE 7993 Practicum III in Special Education (1)
MSE 8102 Legislation and Implementation of Policy & Procedure (3)
MSE 8103 Supervision and Evaluation of Special Education Programs (3)
MRD 7801 Language Development (3)
MRD 7901 Diagnosis/Assessment of Reading Difficulties for Non-Reading/Literature Majors (3)
Also, each option has specific courses which must be acquired in addition to the eleven core courses listed above. By option, these requirements follow:
Option A - Certification Program
MAS 7602 School in a Multicultural Society (3)
MSE 8101 Severe Disabilities (3)
MSE 8802 Student Teaching in Special Education (9)
Option B - Instructional Program
Choose 4 courses (12 credits) from the following elective options:
MAS 7602 The School in a Multicultural Society (3)
MAS 7651 Adolescent Growth and Development (3)
MAS 7701 Classroom Culture and Student Behavior (3)
MEC 6601 Effective Mentoring in a K-12 School Setting (3)
MED 7703 Curriculum and Teaching: Research, Theory, and Practice (3)
MEE 7631 Child Growth and Development (3)
MSE 7400 The Gifted and Talented Child (3)
MSE 7404 Assistive Technology (MH, SED, LD) (3)
MSE 7501 Introduction to Autism and Severe Disabilities (3)
MSE 7502 Educating Pre-Schoolers with Special Needs (3)
MSE 7506 Functional Communication of Individuals with Autism & Severe Disabilities (3)
MSE 8101 Severe Disabilities (3)
Option C - Administrative Program
MED 6490 Education, Ethics, and the Law (3)
MED 7201 Fiscal Operations and Resources (3)
MED 7503 School and Community: Building a Shared Vision (3)
MED 7708 Curriculum Leadership (3)
MED 7701 Supervisory Leadership: Staff Selection, Appraisal, and Renewal (3)
Choose one of the following:
MED 7706 The Principalship: preK-8 (3)
MED 7707 The Principalship: 9-12 (3)
Qualifications for Degree
Passing scores on PRAXIS I are required for each option. To qualify for a Master of Education in Special Education (Option A, certification option) degree, a teacher candidate must complete all necessary course work including prerequisite courses, student teaching, PRAXIS I, and the appropriate PRAXIS II tests with at least a "B" average in the graduate courses. To qualify for a Master of Education in Special Education (Option B or Option C, non-certification options) degree, a candidate must complete all necessary course work including prerequisite courses, and PRAXIS I with at least a "B" average in the graduate courses.
Passing scores on PRAXIS I are required prior to registering for the prerequisite methods courses at Wilmington University. An E-folio—electronic portfolio—that demonstrates program competencies is also required for graduation from the master's program. A review committee member evaluates the electronic portfolio. The program must be completed within five years.
Delaware Autism & Severe Disabilities Certification Courses*
Wilmington University offers graduate-level courses designed to satisfy academic requirements for a Delaware Autism & Severe Disabilities certificate. However, students taking courses to satisfy certification requirements are personally responsible for verifying with the Delaware Department of Education (or the appropriate licensure/certification authority in another state) that such course work is applicable and acceptable. Students are also responsible for meeting all state-mandated testing requirements (PRAXIS I, PRAXIS II, etc.), for fulfilling state-mandated degree and/or teaching experience requirements, and for applying for credentials.
The Delaware certification requirements are described below. Any changes in state regulations for certificates could cause Wilmington University to make course and/or program adjustments in order to align with new or revised state requirements. Wilmington University reserves the right to change requirements to comply with any licensure/certification mandates of the Delaware Department of Education.
Wilmington University courses approved for Delaware certification in Autism and Severe Disabilities:
MSE 7402 Applied Behavior Analysis
MSE 7404 Assistive Technology (MH, SED, LD)
MSE 7501 Introduction to Autism and Severe Disabilities
MSE 7506 Functional Communication
MSE 8101 Severe Disabilities
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2012-2013 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2012 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
