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2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.

Website: www.gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission - Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy - Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values - The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

Accreditation
Nationally Recognized by Specialty Program Association: Council for Exceptional Children
Michigan Department of Education Approved

Minimum Number of Hours in Program
All degree-seeking students are required to take a minimum of 36 credit hours, including foundations, emphasis courses, and capstone.

Admission Requirements, Retention, and Termination Standards
Students who are degree seeking and are working for special education endorsement are required to take additional courses beyond the normal requirements for the master's degree. Students who want to enroll in a master's degree program and are not seeking special education endorsement should select a master's degree emphasis program and consult with a special education graduate advisor to develop a program consisting of foundations and emphasis coursework, including research applications.

Program Location
DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Requirements for M.Ed. in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment

Candidates for the M.Ed. must complete the following courses:

Social foundations of education (take early in program) - choose one (3 credits):

Research and evaluation - take early in program (3 credits):

Special education courses - choose one (3 credits):

  • EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education (3 credits) (required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement) take early in program
    OR elective coursework
  • Elective Credits: 3 (required for CI candidates who DO hold a special education endorsement) take anytime in program (advisor approval required)

Cognitive impairment courses (21 credits):

Practicum coursework: Required for all CI candidates:

  • EDS 685 - Cognitive Impairment Practicum Credits: 3

Capstone (prerequisite: EDF 660) - choose one (3 or 6 credits):

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDS 693) or one to six credits (EDS 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Advisor approval is required.

Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Requirements for Cognitive Impairment K-12 (Single Endorsement)

Candidates for this program must possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate. Candidates adding a new endorsement must pass the Michigan Subject Area Test and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Special education course (required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement) take first (3 credits)

Pre-teaching course (required for CI candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement) (application required) (candidates with approved special education experiences may seek a waiver of the EDS 550 requirement) (6 credits)

Elective course (required for CI candidates who DO hold a special education endorsement) advisor approval required (3 credits):

  • Elective Credits: 3

Cognitive impairment courses (required for ALL CI candidates) (21 credits):

Practicum/graduate field experience (required for ALL CI candidates) take last (6 credits)

  • EDS 685 - Cognitive Impairment Practicum Credits: 6

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.


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