Special Education (M.A.)
This master’s in special education is intended for individuals who wish to work with students with special needs. You will learn about effective teaching strategies and ways to create meaningful learning experiences for these children. Each student’s interests, background and needs are considered when developing the program of study. Areas of specialization include advanced specialist disabilities, early childhood special education and multicategorical special education K-12. This degree is flexible and provides additional opportunities for those not needing or wanting certification. Students who wish to pursue initial teacher licensure and/or special education certification may pursue the multicategorical specialization. Students are encouraged to discuss program specializations with an advisor at the time of admission to the program. Students who are seeking teacher certification are encouraged to meet with an advisor for clarification.The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956.
Typically students seek the Master’s degree in Special Education while pursuing certification in one or more areas. A degree of flexibility provides additional opportunities for those not needing or wanting certification. Students wishing to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Special Education must select from the following specializations: Advanced Specialist in Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, or Multicategorical Special Education K-12. Students are encouraged to discuss program specializations with an advisor at the time of admission to the program.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Struggling to pick a major? find an internship? connect with employers? the ACPC has all the necessary resources to guide and assist you in these life-changing moments.
Adjusting to college life can be difficult, and we want to make the transition to college as simple and as fun as possible. College is a time to explore your interests and find where your passions lie. Through programs, seminars and various services, the planning center allows students to focus their energy on the exciting aspects of building their future while the professionals at the planning center aid the complex process.
Take advantage of the resources that can help you be a successful student and employee.
Lessen your load by allowing ACPC professionals to assist you through your college education and beyond. ACPC can help you with many things during your enrollment at USD, such as:
- Succeeding academically and socially in your first year
- Academic scheduling and major exploration, declaration or change
- Helping you promote your skills to secure internships and employment opportunities
- Connecting you with employer
PSW Opportunity
3 years psw
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Good standing within a program of study. Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. Within three years of credit-bearing course at the University of South Dakota. Completed a minimum of 12 graduate-level credit hours within a degree-seeking program or have completed at least 1/3 of the total credit hours within a certificate program.
International applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
79 or higher (iBT)
8.5 or higher (TOEFL Essentials)
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
6.0 or higher
Duolingo English Test
105 or higher
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
53 or higher
Native Speakers of English
Applicants who hold a conferred degree from one of the following countries are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Ghana, Grand Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
24768 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 35 USD
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