This part-time off-grounds degree program is offered through the Northern Virginia campus. Program completers are eligible for licensure with endorsement in General Special Education, K-12.
This program is currently offered in partnership with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) but will be transitioned fully to the Curry School on July 1, 2012. Click here for more information about the SCPS-Curry transition.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission, you must:
1. Possess an undergraduate degree and have a B average or better for the last two years of study.
2. Complete the online application for admission and monitor our receipt of official transcripts and test scores through the application website. Application materials are due by October 15 (spring entry), March 15 (summer entry), June 1 (fall entry). Test scores include GREs that meet targets--450 verbal, 530 math, 4.0 writing (old exam) or equivalent scores on the new exam.(We understand ETS will not be sending electronic scores to us until Nov. 11.) If you are not a licensed teacher, you must also submit test scores on ONE of the exams below. Scan a copy of your scores and email them to Phyllis Palmore (pmp3h@virginia.edu) to help us locate official scores :
· SATs taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1000, with at least 450 verbal and 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 530 verbal, 530 math, OR
· ACTs: taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 450 verbal, 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—composite score of 24, with at least 22 in math, 46 English Plus Reading score, OR
· PRAXIS I: 178 math, 178 reading, 175 writing or 532 composite score, OR
· VCLA: Reading and Writing as an optional assessment for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests-- writing subtest of 235, reading subtest of 235, composite score of 470--in combination with qualifying math scores from Praxis I, SATs or ACTs.
Application Due Date
October 15 (spring entry), March 15 (summer entry), June 1 (fall entry)
Degree Requirements
See the Course Outline below for specific requirements.
Typical Length of Study
Most students enroll in one course per semester for the fall and spring and take two courses during the summer, finishing the program in 2-3 years. All master’s coursework, including any transferred courses, must be completed within a 5-year period. Additionally, students must earn a B- or better in all coursework to continue in the program.
Semester of Entry:
fall, spring, or summer
Full or Part Time:
Part-time program
Course Overview
Use the listing below as a guide. Courses are typically offered fall (F), spring (Sp) and summer (Su); occasionally a term offering is cancelled. Once admitted, meet with Beth Potts to plan your program of study.
Required Courses (27 credits)
EDIS 5000 The Exceptional Learner (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5040 Psychoeducational Assessment (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5041 Behavior Management (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5100 Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (1 credit) (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5110 Characteristics of Learning Disabilities (1 credit) (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5120 Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities (1 credit) (F, Sp, Su)
EDIS 5140 Methods of Instruction and Collaboration (F, Sp)
EDIS 5141 IEP and Transition Planning (1 credit) (F, Sp)
PSED 6505 Special Education Teaming: Parent, Educator, Student (2 credits) (Su)
EDIS 7130 Transition Planning for Secondary Students (Su)
EDIS 7080 Advanced Techniques of Teaching the Exceptional Learner (F)
EDIS 7850 Seminar: Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education (Sp)
Additional Requirements: one reading course, one additional elective, comprehensive exams.
And one of the following:
EDIS 5222 Reading Development for Special Populations (Sp)
EDIS 5230 Reading Diagnosis and Remediation for Special Education Teachers (F)
And one elective:
Electives are chosen in consultation with the program advisor.
The culminating event for the master’s program is comprehensive exams.
Contacts