Graduate Degree

The Master of Arts degree in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) program is designed to prepare students to become experts in the implementation of MTSS. It provides the opportunity to improve student achievement and reduce problem behavior by accurately identifying students’ needs through comprehensive assessment and then providing evidenced-based interventions in academic and behavior supports.  MTSS also provides academic and behavioral support to students who might be at risk of school failure, including facilitating the identification of and intervention for students who may have disabilities.  The goal and purpose of MTSS is to create a positive school climate that supports the academic, behavioral, and social needs of all students through forms of disciplined inquiry and data-informed decision-making.

Graduates of this program will obtain the skills necessary to make databased decisions for students and be able to implement MTSS to facilitate evidence-based behavior and academic learning in the classroom setting.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant to the Master of Arts degree in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) program must:

1. Submit both departmental and University application forms.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and competence or potential to implement MTTS.
3. Submit a statement of professional goals that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the master’s degree and the goals that the emphasis area will help him/her attain.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indicators of a high probability of success. The following factors are significant in determining admission to the Master of Arts degree in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS):

1. A grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in the last two years of all undergraduate and graduate courses.
2. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a school or other educational setting.
3. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the degree program.
4. A test of English proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Admission to the program is competitive and subject to space and availability. Not all students who meet the above requirements will be admitted. Students will be admitted only during summer and fall semesters. Applications must be submitted by February 1st.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

The program is available only online and under Plan B (non-thesis). Students must complete a total of 30 credits distributed as follows:

1.	All of the following courses (30 credits):
	CEP	801A	Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education						3
	CEP	802A	Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Special Education I: Mild Impairment						3
	CEP	803A	Assessment of Students with Mild Disabilities						3
	CEP	804B	Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation for Students with Literacy Disabilities						3
	CEP	809	Data-Driven Instruction within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support						3
	CEP	825	Capstone in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support						3
	CEP	840	Policies, Practices, and Perspectives in Special Education						3
	CEP	841	Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom						3
	CEP	842	Content-Area Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities						3
	CEP	844	Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers						3
2.	Completion of a final evaluation.