Master of Education Exceptional Student Education K-12 (M.Ed. ESE)

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education Program (M.Ed. ESE) is a 33 credit-hour, evidence-based online graduate degree.   The program is designed for teachers who already hold a Professional Teaching Certificate to enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the field of Exceptional Students Education.

The specialization tracks in this program reflect the state of Florida’s endorsement courses in Pre-K Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Graduate students applying for state endorsement in their selected area of specialization must submit transcripts, required fees, and documentation for review to the Florida Department of Education certification department upon completion of the specialization courses.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

A non-degree seeking student is a student who desires to enroll in classes at Bethune-Cookman University and does not intend to earn a degree from Bethune-Cookman University. Already Licensed Teachers who are interested in taking the specialization courses in either Pre-K Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorders and applying for an endorsement with the state may enroll as a non-degree seeking student.  The admissions process is the same for non-degree seeking students as degree-seeking students.  Applicants must indicate that they are “non-degree seeking” and declare their specialization track during the admissions process. Additional information about non-degree seeking students is in the Graduate Catalog.

Degree-Seeking Students

The M.Ed. ESE program requires 33 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree including a 3-credit hour research course, 21 credit hours in the core area, and 12 credit hours in the selected specialization.  M.Ed. ESE graduate students will be required to pass a comprehensive essay before graduation and are not required to complete a thesis. Graduates will also need to purchase a Livetext Portfolio and submit the completed portfolio prior to graduation.

M.Ed. ESE majors should adhere to the recommended program of study to complete the degree in three semesters.  Courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters on a rotating schedule, and not all courses are offered every semester.  Students who plan to enroll in the program part-time should speak with an advisor to establish an extended program of study. 

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the General Graduate Entrance Criteria listed in the Admissions section of this catalog, the applicants for the M.Ed. in Exceptional Student Education must meet the following specific requirements:

 Required

• A bachelor’s degree in any area of education or a Professional Teaching Certificate
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale and a preferred GPA of 3.5

 Preferred

• A bachelor’s degree in education from an NCATE or CAEP accredited program coupled with a State teaching certificate
• Teaching or educational experience

 GRE is not required

Graduation Requirements

In addition to meeting all University graduation requirements, M.Ed. ESE majors must complete a comprehensive essay and submit a Livetext portfolio during their final semester of coursework.  Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale each semester to remain in the program. If students drop below a 3.0, they have one probation semester to raise the GPA.

Program Courses

Core Courses for Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education M.Ed. ESE All core courses are three (3) credit hours = 21 total credit hours.

ESE 500: Fundamentals of Graduate Research in Education

ESE 501: Collaborating with Communities

ESE 502: Assessment and Evaluation of ESE Pre-K-12

ESE 510: Adaptation and Accommodation of ESE Pre-K-6

ESE 511: Adaptation and Accommodation of ESE 6-12

ESE 513: Spoken and Written Language for ESE

ESE 514: Positive Behavior Support Systems

 Specialization courses in Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities All courses in the area of Pre-K Disabilities are three (3) credit hours = 12 total credit hours.

ESE 533: Typical and Atypical Development of Young Child

ESE 550: Collaborations with Communities Pre-K ESE

ESE 600: Instructional Methods and Assessment of Pre-K ESE

ESE 601: Curriculum Program Design of Pre-K ESE

ESE Specialization courses in Autism Spectrum Disorders All courses in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders are three (3) credit hours = 12 total credit hours.

ESE 525: Nature of ASD Theory and Practice

ESE 529: Assistive and Instructional Technology in ASD

ESE 530: Positive Behavior Supports of ASD

ESE 531: Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD

Educational Outcomes

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO)

The M.Ed. ESE PSLOs focus on essential skills and competencies required to work with students with disabilities and their families in a global digital community.  In addition, graduates will acquire knowledge, skills and competencies outlined in the University Drivers, School of Education REAP model, and Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs). The Student Learning Outcomes fully support the University Mission and Core Values as stated in the Strategic Plan, and the College of Education.

The four M.Ed. ESE PLSOs are described below and measure the objectives:

PSLO 1 (Dispositions)

 M.Ed. ESE majors will demonstrate mastery of the dispositions consistent with the M.Ed. ESE program description and mission as measured by a basic or higher rubric rating on key artifacts and reflections and comprehensive essay responses utilizing e-portfolio rubrics and comprehensive essay rubrics. 

PSLO 2 (Technology Integration)

M.Ed. ESE majors will demonstrate mastery of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards by a basic or higher rubric rating on key artifacts and reflections and comprehensive essay responses utilizing an e-portfolio rubric and comprehensive essay rubric.

PSLO 3 (Pedagogy -FEAPs)

M.Ed. ESE majors will demonstrate mastery of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) as measured by a basic or higher rubric rating on key artifacts and reflections and comprehensive essay responses aligned to the FEAPS utilizing an e-portfolio rubric and comprehensive essay rubric.

PSLO 4 (Subject Area Competencies and Skills)

M.Ed. ESE majors will demonstrate mastery of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Specialist Advanced Preparation Standards as measured by a basic or higher on the key artifacts and reflections and comprehensive essay responses aligned to the CEC standards utilizing an e-portfolio rubric and comprehensive essay rubric.

Graduation Outcomes

Graduates choosing either the Pre-K Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorders path will have the credentials to teach in a variety of settings. They will be qualified to teach in the public-school system as well as private non-profit disability organizations such as Easter Seals or The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Aside from teaching, graduates would have the credentials to pursue careers at the leadership level both in Florida and across the nation. For example, graduates may pursue opportunities in the Office of Special Education within their local school districts and regions. Also, most grant-funded projects require a master’s degree in order to serve as project director. Examples of leadership opportunities within discretionary grants in Central Florida include The Florida Inclusion Network (FIN), Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System Associate Centers (FDLRS), and Technical Assistance and Training System for Programs Serving Young Children with Disabilities (TATS).