M.A. in Special Education

Washington State University

The College of Education offers two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree with specializations in special education. The M.A. degree requires a thesis, while the Ed.M. degree requires a special project, both of which are research focused. The M.A. is designed for students who will potentially enter a doctoral program or who desire to focus on educational research, as opposed to application of educational strategies. A specific set of coursework also can lead to a supporting endorsement in special education.

Student Learning Outcomes:

All graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate an appropriate depth and breadth of understanding about the field of special education and disabilities.
Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to evaluate, understand, and communicate (oral and written) special education ideas and research.
Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to synthesize and apply special education research to problems of practice through skillful inquiry.
Demonstrate and apply scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision-making.
Demonstrate understanding and valuing of diversity through pedagogical and inquiry endeavors.
Demonstrate a professional identity appropriate for future career plans.

Student Opportunities:

Internships in the public school system are available.

Career Opportunities:

Teaching, educational specialist, K-12 administration.