| |
Dec 10, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 University Catalog
Special Education, M.A. - Secondary Education Track
|
|
 Return to: Programs of Study
The Roger Williams University Master of Arts in Special Education is a full- or part-time hybrid program for candidates interested in teaching students with exceptionalities, leading toward Rhode Island teacher certification in either elementary special education (36 credits) or secondary special education (38 credits). An additional Middle School Special Education Extension can be added on to either elementary or secondary special education with additional practicum work (EDU 643) and post-secondary transition planning (EDU 644) (41 Credits). A non-licensure track (30 credits) is offered for practicing teachers who currently hold special education certification but seek a master’s degree in special education. For candidates who did not obtain elementary or secondary education in their baccalaureate education, they may be required to complete 6 additional credits (2 courses) to prepare them for general education skills required of special education teachers. The program curricula and assessment system are aligned to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Educator Professional Ethics and Standards and the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS). The program has a particular focus on equity, culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices, and inclusion of students with high incidence disabilities.
|
Required Courses - 38 Credits (11 Courses)
* Students who demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes for two of the following four indicated (*) courses below may apply for advanced standing in this program and be required to take two of the four classes below (EDU.607, 608, 612, or 613) Optional Middle School Certification - 3 Credits (1 Course)
Students seeking Middle School certification take 1 additional course for a total of 41 credits. Additional Requirements for Non-Elementary/Secondary Education Degree Holders - 6 Credits (2 Courses)
Students pursuring the Master of Arts in Special Education that do not hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Secondary Education are required to take the following 2 courses to prepare them for general education skills required of special education teachers. These students will complete a total of 44 Credits (13 Courses) Completion of Middle School Certificate for Non-Elementary/Secondary Education Degree Holders
Students that do not hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Secondary Education and want to add the optional Middle School Certification will be required to take a total of 47 credits as they must complete the following courses: - The 1 Optional Middle School Certificatation course
- The 2 Additional Requirements for Non-Elementary/Secondary Education Degree Holders
Licensure for the Master of Arts in Special Education
All teacher education programs at Roger Williams University are approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) agreement, our graduates are eligible for certification in Rhode Island and all other states with the exception of Alaska, Iowa and Minnesota. RWU discloses that the Master of Arts in Special Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education do not satisfy all educational requirements for licensure as an elementary or secondary public-school educator. Certification and licensure requirements are set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and students interested in learning about RIDE requirements, including state reciprocity policies, should enquire via the RIDE website or the students’ resident state websites for the most current information on licensure requirements for educators. |
Return to: Programs of Study
|
|
