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Winthrop University Online M.Ed. in Special Education: Intervention or Licensure Track

The College of Education at Winthrop University offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education Intervention with two tracks: Intervention or Licensure. Students are trained in culturally responsive special education interventions based on research and data, in a systematic, individualized format. Outcomes focus on program improvement, advanced assessment practices, program evaluation and recommendations, collaboration, and creating effective learning environments. Intervention track students also learn how to write grants.

Core courses focus on current academic and behavioral intervention methods, including advanced assessment skills in data-based individualization (DBI), literacy strategies for struggling students, educational research, positive behavior intervention, applied behavior analysis, cognitive strategy training, and evidence-based instructional interventions. These occur within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to ensure learning is differentiated based on student needs and that all students have equal access to the educational instruction and support that will help them thrive.

The M.Ed. – Special Education Intervention program is designed for licensed teachers with a South Carolina Department of Education Class III Certificate or equivalent licensure from another state. Using a systematic intervention approach, the Intervention track trains licensed PreK-12 general or special educators to better support students with complex educational needs. Courses cover topics such as the behavioral and neurological characteristics of children with disabilities, contemporary educational research related to providing services for students who are at risk and/or have disabilities, the integration and transition of special and exceptional children across the lifespan, family-centered services, and mathematics interventions.

The Licensure track is designed for PreK-12 general educators seeking additional licensure in Special Education. The curriculum aligns with the core competencies of the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards in K-12 Education. Licensure track courses cover topics such as the characteristics of students with special needs, legal requirements of special education, collaboration with other educators in implementing individual instruction programs, effective teaching of students with disabilities, using technology in interventions, and working with exceptional, including gifted, students.

Courses are fully online and last seven weeks each. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer. The Master of Education in Special Education program can be completed in less than two years. The Literacy Strategies for Struggling Learners core course includes a clinical experience, and students in the Licensure track complete a practicum in teaching at approved sites, under the instructor’s supervision.

Faculty are Responsive to Intervention (RTI) and MTSS experts, well-versed in special education interventions. They also receive additional training in online instructional techniques to ensure a quality online learning experience. Asynchronous courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system (LMS), with online lectures and specific due dates for assignments and assessments. Interaction opportunities include discussion boards, chats, online student groups, and faculty office hours. Online students also have access to all student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, library services, financial aid services, and technical support.

The M.Ed. – Special Education Intervention program comprises 30 credits with 18 core credits and 12 track credits. Core courses for both tracks include Educational Research; Literacy Strategies for Struggling Learners; Positive Behavior Intervention and Support; Advanced Academic Interventions; Advanced Formative Assessment In School-Based Intervention; and Advanced Studies in School-Based Intervention.

Licensure track courses include Characteristics of Students with Disabilities; Advanced Academic and Behavioral Methods in Emotional and Learning Disabilities; Educational Implications for the Exceptional Individual; and Practicum in Teaching the Exceptional Child.

Intervention Track Courses include Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities; Issues and Trends in School-Based Intervention; Facilitating K-Postsecondary Transition and Support; and Mathematics Interventions.

Winthrop University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The Master of Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Winthrop University

Programs: Online M.Ed. In Special Education Intervention - Licensure Track, Online M.Ed. In Special Education Intervention - Intervention Track
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC); National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Online M.Ed. In Special Education Intervention - Licensure Track

Program Highlights
  • The M.Ed. - Special Education Intervention program is designed for licensed teachers with a South Carolina Department of Education Class III Certificate or equivalent licensure from another state
  • Interventions occur within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to ensure that all students have equal access to educational supports and that learning is differentiated based on student needs
  • The curriculum for the Licensure track aligns with the core competencies of the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) Initial Preparation Standards in K-12 Education
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with no campus visits required, one clinical experience for both tracks and one practicum required for the Licensure track
Example Courses: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities; Advanced Academic and Behavioral Methods in Emotional and Learning Disabilities; Educational Implications for the Exceptional Individual
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous courses are delivered through the Blackboard LMS, with specific due dates for assignments and assessments; interaction modes include, discussion boards, chats, and online student groups
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer admissions
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed in less than 2 years
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT only required if GPA <3.0
Work Experience: Applicants must be licensed teachers in the US with a South Carolina Class III Certificate or equivalent from another state
Tuition Costs: ~$22,500 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $750

To Learn More About Winthrop University's Online M.Ed. in Special Education - Visit info.online.winthrop.edu

Online M.Ed. In Special Education Intervention - Intervention Track

Program Highlights
  • The Intervention track is designed for licensed special or general PreK-12 educators seeking to build advanced skills in intervention and support, to improve the education of those with the most extensive educational needs
  • The program trains educators to utilize a systematic intervention process to better support students with complex educational needs
  • Includes a course on mathematics interventions and training in grant writing
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with no campus visits required, one clinical experience required
Example Courses: Issues and Trends in School-Based Intervention; Facilitating K-Postsecondary Transition and Support; Mathematics Interventions
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous courses are delivered through the Blackboard LMS, with specific due dates for assignments and assessments; interaction modes include, discussion boards, chats, and online student groups
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: 2 Fall, 2 Spring, 2 Summer admissions
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed in less than 2 years
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT only required if GPA <3.0
Work Experience: Applicants must be licensed teachers in the US with a South Carolina Class III Certificate or equivalent from another state
Tuition Costs: ~$22,500 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $750

To Learn More About Winthrop University's Online M.Ed. in Special Education - Visit info.online.winthrop.edu