JMU - M.Ed. in Exceptional Education
M.Ed. in Exceptional Education
The M.Ed. in Exceptional Education offers a program of study for individuals who already hold a professional teaching license or those wishing to work with individuals with exceptionalities in areas other than teaching. Candidates will be prepared for advanced positions in exceptional education, such as department chair, program specialist, RTI specialist, behavior specialist, or instructional coach. Candidates may choose to pursue a certificate in autism or an endorsement in Gifted Education.
The M.Ed. is, at minimum, a 30 credit hour program with 13-16 core credit hours. College of Education and Exceptional Education courses comprise the core courses. The remaining credits are split between a selected concentration and electives that meet specific individual needs and career objectives.
The M.Ed. includes field experiences integrated into courses, which may occur as a formal placement by the university or as a result of supervised employment. All candidates complete a final portfolio OR an action research project, which serves as their comprehensive assessment.
This program is not designed to meet Virginia requirements for initial teacher licensure or endorsement. However, depending on the concentration selected, the M.Ed. can lead to an endorsement in gifted education provided the individual already holds a valid Virginia teaching license or a certificate in autism. The final portfolio option has been designed to support candidates who wish to apply for National Board Certification for teaching; however, application for National Board Certification is not a requirement of the program.
The following concentrations will be offered beginning in summer/fall of 2012.
Gifted Education Concentration
The gifted education concentration is designed to prepare educators who skillfully contribute to the common good of society through competence in teaching and educational leadership in gifted education. The program enables candidates to complete the approved Virginia Add-on K-12 Gifted Education Endorsement. For candidates selecting the gifted education concentration, 100% of the program coursework is on-line.
Autism Concentration
The autism concentration is designed to enable candidates to increase their knowledge and understanding of individuals with a disability on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger Syndrome, and to engage in the practice of assessing, planning and implementing programming for this population. The content of this program is suitable for those working with this population anytime along the entire lifespan. Upon completion of the coursework, candidates earn a certificate in autism. For candidates selecting the autism concentration, 90% of the program coursework is on-line.
Behavior Interventionist Concentration
The Behavior Interventionist concentration is a collaborative effort between the Graduate Psychology and Exceptional Education programs. It is designed to prepare educators to implement preventive methods and behavior interventions for students with problem behaviors, as well as lead groups of educators toward collaborative problem solving in developing Positive Behavior Support plans. Coursework will focus heavily on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Support. Students will focus on foundations of ABA, prevention techniques, behavioral assessment, and individualized function and reinforcement based interventions in real school settings. In addition, students who wish to earn Board Certified Behavior Analyst status may work with their advisor on additional coursework and practicum hours.
Instructional Interventionist Concentration
The Instructional Interventionist Concentration is designed to prepare educators to enhance their delivery of evidence-based instructional methods, as well as provide peer and/or supervisory support to colleagues. Coursework will focus on identifying, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of well-researched interventions for students who struggle with any academic skill. Coursework will also include specific models and interventions for co-taught classrooms, curriculum selection, and specialized assessment methods, including curriculum-based measurement, mastery measurement, diagnostic measurement, progress monitoring, general outcome measurement.
For more information regarding the M.Ed. application process please visit The Graduate School’s website.
*Note: This program is not designed for initial licensure in special education.
Contact Information
Gifted Education Concentration
- Dr. Mary Slade
- slademl@jmu.edu
Autism, Instructional, and Behavior Interventionist Concentrations
- Dr. Allison Kretlow
- kretloag@jmu.edu
EXED Graduate Coordinator
- Dr. Allison Kretlow
- kretloag@jmu.edu
- MSC 6908
- 395 South High Street
- Harrisonburg, VA 22807
- Phone: 540-568-6193
- Fax: 540-568-2829
Helpful Links
