Special Education, M.S. - Assistive Technology

For further information: SpecialEdGrad@southernct.edu

Application Deadline

Rolling admissions

All Master ’s degrees in special education require a minimum 30 credits, as well as a culminating experience. Six credits at the 300–400 level may be included with adviser's approval. Those who wish to earn a Master of Science degree in this field are required to complete a planned program of study developed in consultation with an adviser. Some graduate courses may require field experiences. Courses should not be taken without an adviser’s approval.

Graduate students can work towards a Master of Science degree in Special Education in a variety of concentration areas, including Learning Disabilities, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities, Interdisciplinary Special Education, and Early Childhood Special Education. Sixth-yeah professional diplomas in Applied Behavior Analysis and Assistive Technology are also offered.

Admission and program requirements are as follows:

• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• The program can include 24 credits at the 500 level or above and six credits at the 300 or 400 level. (30 credit total)
• Each student must choose an area of concentration for the master's program from the following:
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Seriously Emotionally Disabled
  • Adaptive Technology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities

An interview, essay and two letters of recommendation are required for admission. However, additional materials may be required. Please contact an adviser for more information.

The program includes a culminating requirement such as a comprehensive exam or a thesis. Contact the Special Education and Reading Office for information on acceptance to the program.

Assistive Technology — 30 Credits

• SED 517 — Introduction to Adaptive Technology — 3 credits
• SED 593 — Adaptive Technology for Reading and Writing — 3 credits
• SED 594 — Adaptive Technology for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities — 3 credits
• SED 595 — Adaptive Technology Assessment — 3 credits
• SED 596 — Clinical Practice in Adaptive Technology — 3 credits
• SED 636 — Critical Issues in Assistive Technology — 3 credits

*12 credits of graduate electives may be chosen from special education or related courses with advisor approval, but these may not be credits that have been applied to a previous degree. These courses may be any graduate level course in the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, or School of Health and Human Services. If a student is also pursuing initial certification or cross endorsement in special education on a graduate level, 6 credits from 300-400 level may be applied toward the 30 credit M.S. program. These 6 credits from the 300-400 level may only be applied if they have not already been applied to another degree.  

*Comprehensive Exam in Assistive Technology is Required.

Special Education Comprehensive Examination Schedule

•  Fall — Study Session: to be announced (see website). Comprehensive Examination: Typically given on the third Saturday in November, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
•  Spring — Study Session: to be announced (see website). Comprehensive Examination: Typically given on the first Saturday in April, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

NOTE: If Easter falls on the first Sunday in April, comprehensive examinations will be held on the second Saturday.