M.Ed. Special Education General Curriculum

The M.Ed. in Special Education General Curriculum at Marymount is a 36-credit hour program, which can be completed in as little as 12 months for full-time students, or up to two years for those preferring more flexibility. It is designed for individuals who wish to earn licensure and teach children with special education needs within a K-12 general curriculum setting. The program combines real-world experience, evidence-based instructional approaches, and theoretical application, preparing graduates to be highly skilled teachers who can accommodate the individual needs of diverse learners. Courses are offered in late afternoons or early evenings, in a hybrid format, or fully online, to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

Curriculum: The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a deep understanding of special education foundations, characteristics of exceptional learners, and effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities. Key courses include "Foundations of Education and the Teaching Profession," "Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics of Exceptional Learners," "Psychoeducational Assessment and Instruction," "Diagnostic and Corrective Literacy Instruction," "Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education Settings," "Instructional Implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)," "Transition and Family Issues for Individuals with Disabilities," and "Classroom Management in PK-12 Learning Environments." The program also includes specific methods courses for elementary math and literacy, and culminates in a 6-credit student teaching internship in a K-12 special education setting.

Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Special Education General Curriculum at Marymount emphasizes evidence-based instruction and practical research that directly impacts student outcomes. Students are trained to identify, investigate, and apply proven education strategies and learning theories. Faculty members, who are active teacher-scholars, engage students in scholarly activities that often contribute to advancements in the field of special education. Students are encouraged to pursue innovative research, attend conferences with faculty, and develop practices that can improve learning outcomes for students with disabilities. The program focuses on equipping future educators with the tools to critically analyze research and implement effective, data-driven interventions.

Industry Engagement: Marymount University's program is deeply integrated with the K-12 educational landscape, particularly in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. A crucial component is the required 14-week student-teaching internship, which provides intensive, real-world experience in public, private, or Catholic K-12 schools. This hands-on application of learned theory ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of contemporary special education classrooms. The program also highlights opportunities for field-based coursework and placements in local schools, ensuring practical experience. Graduates are prepared to meet the needs of all learners, addressing challenges in literacy, mathematics, communication skills, and supporting students in transitioning into the learning community.

Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Special Education General Curriculum at Marymount University inherently fosters a global perspective by preparing educators to work with diverse populations and understand the universal principles of inclusive education. The curriculum emphasizes collaborating with families and community service agencies, recognizing the varied cultural and socio-economic contexts of students with disabilities. The program offers dynamic, immersive study abroad opportunities in countries like Colombia, Panama, New Zealand, and Uganda. These experiences allow students to gain firsthand exposure to different educational systems and approaches to special education globally, preparing them to be culturally responsive and effective educators in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 96 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Marymount University in the United States is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships help make a high-quality education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Marymount offers several merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These awards are typically based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and leadership potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others require a separate application.

Global Scholarship: One of the key awards available to international students is the Global Scholarship, which provides significant tuition reduction for high-achieving students. This scholarship rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials and a global engagement.

Distinguished International Student Award: Marymount also offers the Distinguished International Student Award for exceptional students who contribute to campus diversity and show strong leadership qualities. This award helps to encourage a vibrant, multicultural student community.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate students may have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching support. These opportunities not only ease financial burdens but also enrich academic and professional development.

A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education General Curriculum from Marymount University provides graduates with a comprehensive and highly specialized skill set for working with K-12 students with diverse learning needs.

Special Education Teacher (K-12): This is the primary career path, where graduates directly teach students with various disabilities in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms, or inclusive general education settings. They develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapt curricula, provide differentiated instruction, and manage classroom behavior.

Inclusion Specialist/Co-Teacher: These professionals work collaboratively with general education teachers to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms. They provide support, modify lessons, and co-teach to ensure all students can access the general curriculum and thrive in an inclusive environment.

Resource Teacher: Special education resource teachers provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities, often in small group settings, to address specific academic or developmental goals outlined in their IEPs.

Educational Diagnostician/Assessor: With a strong foundation in psychoeducational assessment, graduates can work to administer and interpret standardized tests to identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other special needs, helping to inform appropriate educational interventions.

Transition Coordinator/Specialist: These professionals help students with disabilities plan for post-secondary life, including college, vocational training, employment, and independent living. They connect students and families with resources and support services as they transition out of K-12 schooling.

Behavior Intervention Specialist: Graduates can specialize in working with students who exhibit challenging behaviors. They develop and implement positive behavior intervention plans (BIPs), provide training to school staff, and collaborate with families to foster positive behavior in educational settings.

Assistive Technology Specialist: Leveraging an understanding of how technology can support learning, these specialists assess student needs and recommend, implement, and train students and staff on assistive technology devices and software that can enhance communication, learning, and independence for students with disabilities.

Curriculum Specialist (Special Education): These leaders work to develop and adapt curricula specifically for students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and alignment with educational standards while catering to diverse learning styles and needs.

Special Education Advocate: For those passionate about policy and legal rights, graduates can work as advocates for students with disabilities and their families. They help navigate the special education system, understand legal rights (e.g., IDEA), and ensure students receive appropriate services. This may be for non-profit organizations or as independent consultants.

Early Intervention Specialist (Pre-K/Elementary Focus): While the program is K-12, the foundations in child development and special education can lead to roles in early intervention, working with infants and young children (birth to age 3 or school age) with developmental delays to provide crucial support and therapies.