Specialist Program Details
Credit Hours: 27
The Department of Clinical and Professional Studies in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia (COE-UWG) offers the Education Specialist program in Special Education (EdS-SPED). The EdS-SPED degree prepares candidates to refine their professional knowledge, skills and dispositions for improving practice through the application of research constructs and the communication of new knowledge. Individuals with a variety of backgrounds and interests in special education can benefit from this program since it is not restricted to a single group or certification area within the field of special education. Candidates who successfully complete this program and other requirements of the state certification agency (PSC) will be eligible for Georgia Level 6 certification.
Program Description
The EdS-SPED degree is designed to meet the needs of teachers certified in Special Education who have completed a Master of Education degree (or the equivalent) in special education or a related field. The program consists of a minimum of 27 graduate credit hours plus an exit examination/Research Project. In this program, candidates will be required to read, write, and research the major topics in Special Education. Candidates enroll in 15 hours of 7000 and 8000 level special education Content Specialization courses, 6 hours of 8000 level special education research, and 6 hours of electives at the 7000/8000 level. Most of the required courses include a designated artifact that is utilized as part of the assessment plan for each candidate.
Students may begin the program either Summer or Fall semester. During the initial advising session, a projected sequence of courses is developed for each student. Any changes in the projected sequence need to be determined jointly between student and advisor in order for the student to be able to complete the program in a timely manner.
Program website and contacts:
The Department of Clinical and Professional Studies web site includes other relevant information. Dr. Ravic Ringlaben (Pre-enrollment advisor) rringlab@westga.edu 678-839-6123
Method of Delivery
100% online*. Some elective* courses may require campus visits.
Accreditation
NCATE
Credit & Transfer
Total semester hours required to earn a degree: 27
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6
Tuition & Fees
The Value of Online Learning
Save money.
Online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many ways. No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Out-of-state students are not charged non-resident tuition rates.
Earn more.
The completion of an accredited online degree also increases your earning potential.
The bottom line - value.
Our online courses are as affordable as you will find among accredited schools.
Financial Information and Assistance
For the most up-to-date and accurate cost information, see the Bursar's Office. (Fully online courses appear as NET charges on the bottom of the Bursar's spreadsheets.)
There is a variety of financial assistance options for graduate students, including scholarships and fellowships. Visit the links below for more information.
Office of Financial Aid
College of Education Scholarships Information
Financial Information for Veterans and Families
TK20 - Electronic Portfolio Assessment System
Students in the College of Education are required to purchase a subscription to an electronic portfolio assessment system called TK20. For more information about TK20, visit the COE About TK20 Page. (Note: do not buy a subscription to TK20 until you are enrolled in your program and instructed to do so.)
Coursework
The Education Specialist in Special Education is a minimum of 27 graduate credit hours plus an exit examination/Research Project. In this program, candidates will be required to read, write, and research the major topics in Special Education. Candidates enroll in 15 hours of 7000 and 8000 level special education Content Specialization courses, 6 hours of 8000 level special education research, and 6 hours of electives at the 7000/8000 level. Most of the required courses include a designated artifact that is utilized as part of the assessment plan for each candidate.
All required courses for the degree will be offered over the next year. Some elective courses may require campus visits. Students may begin the program either Summer or Fall semester. During the initial advising session, a projected sequence of courses is developed for each student. Any changes in the projected sequence need to be determined jointly between student and advisor in order for the student to be able to complete the program in a timely manner. The following is a list of the 7 required courses. Additionally, 6 graduate hours (usually, 2 courses) is selected by the candidate with advisor approval.
Faculty
This describes the general information about faculty for this program.
Guidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
- Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Admissions Office.
Program-specific Admittance Guidelines
- Master of Education degree (or the equivalent) in Special Education OR in a related field if the individual also holds a clear, renewable, professional certificate (or the equivalent) in Special Education
- minimum GPA of 3.0 based on the most recent graduate degree program completed
Application Deadlines
Fall 2012 -July 21
Summer 2012 - April 15
This program does not admit new students in Spring term.
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here: http://www.westga.edu/gradstudies/apply-now.php
One exception: If you will not ever be travelling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
Contact
College of Education Office of Graduate Studies Phone: 678-839-6125 or Fax: 678-839-6174 Email:ctompkin@westga.edu
Professional Studies web site includes other relevant information.
Contact
Dr. Ravic Ringlaben (Pre-enrollment advisor) rringlab@westga.edu 678-839-6123
Dates
Specific graduate deadlines are listed here: http://www.westga.edu/gradstudies/important-dates.php
* Application, app fee, and document deadline; Dates may vary for Readmit, Transfer, and Transient students.
Dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP at http://www.westga.edu/registrar/766.php
Learning Objectives
- LO1-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Leadership and Policy (CEC Advanced Special Education Content Standard 1). (Artifacts also address NBPTS-EN standards II, IV, & XIV.)
- LO2-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Program Development & Organization (CEC Advanced Special Education Content Standard 2). (Artifacts also address NBPTS Core Proposition 3 and NBPTS-EN standards VI, VIII, IX, X, & XIV.)
- LO3-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Research & Inquiry (CEC Advanced Special Education Content Standard 3). (Artifacts also address NBPTS Core Propositions 1 & 5 and NBPTS-EN standards I & XIV.)
- LO4-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Student and Program Evaluation (CEC Advanced Special Education Content Standard 4). (Artifacts also address NBPTS Core Proposition 2 and NBPTS-EN standards V, VII, XI, & XIV.)
- LO5-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Professional Development and Ethical Practice (CEC Advanced Special Education Standard 5). (Artifacts also address NBPTS-EN standards III, XII, and XIV.)
- LO6-Candidates demonstrate knowledge and skills related to Collaboration (CEC Advanced Special Education Standard 6). (Artifact also address NBPTS Core Proposition 4 and NBPTS-EN standards II, XIII, and XIV.)
- LO7-Candidates demonstrate appropriate professional dispositions.